PARKING IN BALBOA PARK
Paid parking in Balboa Park went into effect Jan. 5, 2026.
City of San Diego Resident Free and Discount Parking - Balboa Park:
Verified residents of the City of San Diego are able to park for FREE in the general Balboa Park parking lots, and in the premium lots at a discounted rate. The discounted rates do not apply to parking meters on the streets within or near the park.
NOTE: For large groups, it may be easier to drop off group members at 5th and Laurel and go park. Park shuttles run throughout the Park after the Race and are FREE.
MAP -Balboa Park Parking Lots
Steps for Registering and Using Resident Parking Pass:
- Use the San Diego Parking Portal to register for parking passes and discounts, allowing 2 business days for processing.
-Advance registration via the online portal is required.
- There is a one-time $5 fee to register. Payment is first.
- ONE form of residence verification, i.e., driver’s license, vehicle registration, utility bill or lease agreement.
- Residents vehicle’s license plate number.
- Resident verification process could take up to two business days.
- City residents may select the Level 2 and Level 3 parking pass for FREE.
- Once verified, the account and free pass are valid for THREE YEARS.
- Paid premium passes for the Level 1 parking lots should be purchased via the online portal in advance.
-The parking passes are virtual. No physical passes will be issued.
- When you arrive to Balboa Park, select the parking Level you wish you use. Level 2 or Level 3 lots are free to San Diego residents, (list is below). For Level 1 Parking, please make your reservations in advance.
Parking Lot Tiers (Levels)
The cost of each parking lot varies, depending on how close it is to the center of the park.
MAP -Balboa Park Parking Lots
ADA Accessible Parking
Parking is free, with no time limit, in all Balboa Park parking lots and at parking meters for those with a Disabled Person license plate or placard. Any space may be used for free ADA parking, not just in the blue parking spaces marked for disabled parking.
Questions or trouble registering - call 1-800-350-6945 or sandiego.gov/ContactParking.
For more information (FAQs, videos, etc), check out City of SD website
DISCLAIMER: All parking information on this page has been taken from the City of San Diego site, as of 3/20/26 and may be subject to change.
