You will have numerous options for parking in Los Angeles as the car is the number one mode of transportation in this sprawling metropolis. Expect plenty of parking amenities, both on-street and in garages. There are also some excellent park and ride lots connecting you with public transportation. There are a few regulations that are important to keep in mind if you want to avoid fines or worse, being towed. When parking on a slope make sure your wheels are turned into the curb. You also need to position your car less than 18 inches away from the curb. Be careful not to obstruct driveways when parking in the suburbs and in downtown Los Angeles, the driveways don’t always look like driveways!
Where to Find On-Street Parking
On-street parking is readily available throughout the city; always be sure to check for signs to see the specific rules and time limits of your spot. The meters almost always have time limits that need to be adhered to, even if the meter is broken!
Where to Find Parking Garages
There are a huge number of parking garages and the rates vary significantly. If you want to be sure to know your rate ahead of time and be assured a space, book online in advance with a company such as Spot Hero; websites and apps like this are also useful for seeing the range of pricing for the duration of your stay. Whether you are visiting Hollywood, Venice Beach, or Santa Monica you will find garages available.
Where to Park for Free
There are some free parking lots in Los Angeles; the only problem is finding a space. The government manages a number of lots across the city but only around 25 percent of these are free of charge. The lots that are managed by LADOT and charge a parking fee are generally much cheaper than private companies.
Park & Ride Locations
There are a huge number of free park and ride lots in Los Angeles. The free spaces are on a first-come-first-serve basis but you can reserve your spot in advance for a small fee via their app or parkatmetro.net. All of the park and ride lots are close to the city’s metro lines, with most lines being served by several lots.
