San Diego Parking

San Diego Parking Guide

About San Diego San Diego is California’s second largest city and the eighth largest in the United States. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California. San Diego is known for its mild year-round climate, natural deep-water harbor, extensive beaches and world class family attractions. Popular attractions include the world-famous San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California.

The economy of San Diego is influenced by its deepwater port, which includes the only major submarine and shipbuilding yards on the West Coast. San Diego is known as the "birthplace of naval aviation". Military bases in San Diego include US Navy facilities, Marine Corps bases, and Coast Guard stations. Marine Corps institutions in the city of San Diego include Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.

Parking in San Diego

Parking Meters (Pay Stations) San Diego has electronic parking meters across the city. The parking meters accept nickels, dimes, quarters and Pre-Paid Parking Meter Cards. The Port of San Diego parking meters, distinguished by a yellow pole, also accept City of San Diego Pre-Paid Parking Meter Cards. City of San Diego Pre-Paid Parking Meter Cards are available in two increments: $10 and $45.

The instructions for using a Pre-Paid Parking Meter Card can be found on the card directly.

• Insert the card into the card slot on the parking meter. The card slot is near the coin slot.
• Insert the card in the direction shown by an arrow on the card. The arrow side will face slightly up.
• The dollar balance (credit available) on the card will flash 4 times.
• The parking meter will display time increments in 5-minute segments.
• When the desired time is displayed on the parking meter, remove the card from the parking meter. The time you have purchased will post on the meter.

Parking enforcement holidays are limited to: parking meters, yellow commercial zones, green short-term zones, and 1-2 hour time limited parking zones. All other parking regulations are enforced. Be sure to read parking signage for time frame restrictions and parking guidelines.The San Diego Police Department's Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Unit is responsible for the removal of wrecked, dismantled and inoperative vehicles on both public and private property.

Parking zones are detonated with color coordinated curbs or signs, helping drivers quickly identify parking rules for the area in San Diego. The following list identify parking zone signs/colors and the rules.

• RED- No Parking: A red curb means no stopping at any time. Where red signs are used in place, the prohibition is in effect at specified times.
• White- Passenger Loading Zones: Under this zone vehicles are allowed to stop only for the purpose of loading or unloading passengers. The time limit is three minutes, or ten minutes. Passenger loading zones are in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, unless otherwise posted.
• Yellow- Commercial Loading Zones: Trucks and commercial vehicles are allowed to stop for 20 minutes to load or unload goods. Passenger vehicles stop for three minutes to load or unload passengers as well. Commercial loading zones are in effect from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, during Sundays and City holidays not in effect.

Parking in Garages There are a plenty of garage parking options available in and around the downtown area in San Diego. One may choose to park in a garage if the parking requirement is for more than just an hour or two. Parking Garages are highly suitable for both short and long term parking requirements. Since it is a tourist place, it’s better to reserve the parking space in advance when you plan your trip to San Diego. Best Parking helps you choose the best suitable parking facility for off street parking via an interactive map. Most garages are suitable options for economical long term parking.