Snag These Unknown, Affordable Parking Spots in Some of SF's Most Crowded Neighborhoods
(Courtesy of Sebastien Gabriel)

Snag These Unknown, Affordable Parking Spots in Some of SF's Most Crowded Neighborhoods

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Save some very literal coin and stress.

San Francisco is notorious for leaving drivers with white knuckles and spent attention spans as they circle the block for tenth or so time, scanning the landscape like turkey vultures, just waiting and hoping and praying for that one SmartCar to finally leave. In fact, the average San Franciscan spends upwards of 20 hours a year in search of that looking for that aforementioned, elusive space of open curbside concrete. So, because we believe sharing is, indeed, caring, we've circled-up some of the best (and cheapest) swaths of parking in San Francisco for your advantage.



30+ Spots Along Azna St., Between 14th and 30th

There's a certain bliss that washes over you when you stumble across dozens of (usually) open, easily accessible parking spots. And that's exactly what you'll feel come over you when driving along Azna Street any given early morning of afternoon, courtesy of copious free 2-hour Monday-Friday parking spots, available for the taking. // Azna St., between 14th and 30th (Richmond District), sfmta.com

Pro tip: A little birdy told us that the area's parking limit is strictly enforced; weekends are, however, free game.


4 Spots Between King St and 3rd St.

A handful of cheap street side parking spots can be found right in the heart of SoMa—and at no more than $1.75 an hour during the workday, it's a steal for the neighborhood as a whole. Be sure your parallel parking skills are somewhat dusted off before attempting to slide in; these spots are a bit on top of one another. // King St. and 3rd St. (China Basin), sfmta.com

Pro tip: From 6:00pm to 10:00pm, it's only $0.50 per-hour; after that time slot, as well as on the weekends, parking is free.


18 Spots on Sansome St., Between Green St. and Union St.

One of the handful of few free spots nestled in Telegraph Hill, these dozen-plus un-metered parking slots are downtown gems, free of charge between 8:00am to 9:00pm. Because they're so sought after, they, without fault, usually fill-up before most 9-to-5s begin—so early bird gets the proverbial worm. // Sansome St., between Green St. and Union St. (Telegraph Hill), sfmta.com

Pro tip:These spots, while free, are only available for 2-hours max parking endeavours. After that, you may well come out to find your car towed to no-man's land.


47 spots Buena Vista Ave. West, Right Off Haight St.

By far one of SF's greatest kept public parking secretes, Buena Vista Avenue West is a bastion for frugal street-side parking, specifically right-off Haigh St. So, if you're looking to enjoy a weekend (or weekday) park lunch, but aren't too keen on dropping a Franklin for leaving your car unattended—then look no further than this strip of free parking, Monday through Sunday. // Buena Vista Ave. West off Haight St. (Haight-Ashbury), sfmta.com

Pro tip: These are quite steep in nature; your parking brake is your best friend here.


20 Spots on Noe St., Between Hill St. and 22nd St.

The one of only two free parking areas found anywhere on Noe St., swoop in and claim one of these 20 spots before gallivanting about in Dolores Heights. While these are unmetered, a 2-hour max stay is only allowed between 8:00am and 9:00pm. // Noe St., between Hill St. and 22nd St. (Dolores Heights), sfmta.com

Pro tip:When parking, be sure you're not blocking-off any residential or commercial garges; keep a hawk's-eye out for the red painted curb markers.


20 Spots on Noe St., Between Ford St. and 18th St.

The second of the two free parking areas along Noe St., the same restriction apply to those we have listed above. Better yet, these marked-off parking spots run in parallel with some of The Castro's foremost popular attractions, such as The Castro Theatre and Reveille Coffee Company. // Noe St., between Ford St. and 18th St. (The Castro), sfmta.com

Pro tip:After 9pm, the 2-hour time restriction is lifted, so you can enjoy your late-night dinner without towing or ticketing woes that may loom over your dessert order.


2 Spots Bryant St., Right Off 4th St.

$0.50 an hour parking in SoMa? Say no more; we're here for it. // Bryant St., right off 4th St. (SoMa), sfmta.com

Pro tip: These two spots are adjacent to the Philz Coffee located on Bryant St., just when you veer off 4th.


12+ Spots Along Beacon St.

What are, arguably, the most scenic slices of street parking anywhere in the city, this baker's dozen or so of open parking nooks border Billy Goat hill, offering prepossessing, birds-eye views of the ubiquitous San Francisco Bay. Weekday availability is usually quite good, although weekend findings are notably scarce. // Beacon St. (Noe Valley), sfmta.com

Pro tip: After you've engaged the e-brake, feel free to prance around the newly renovated hillside.


15 Spots Along Gorgas Ave.

Yes, it's true: you can find free parking in the Presidio. Hidden along Gorgas Ave., shouldering Palace of Fine Arts, there are a handful of these white-sided, curbside unicorns promptly situated within walking distance of the aforementioned theatre. // Gorgas Ave. (Presidio), sfmta.com

Pro tip: Between 8am to 6pm, these spots are metered at a nominal rate of $1.75, with a max stay of three hours—but are completely free and unrestricted after or before that.


2 Spots Between Jackson St. and FIllmore St.

Yes, they're may be only two spots available at the intersection of Jackson and Fillmore—but they're, by far, the cheapest metered spots within a mile each way of Pacific Heights. While streetside parking is slotted at $3.75 and $4.25 an hour is common in the area, these two easter eggs only boast $0.75 hour rates. // Jackson St. and Fillmore St. (Pacific Heights), sfmta.com

Pro tip:There, too, is no max stay at these spots—so rid your weighted pocket change and stay all day, should you wish.

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