San Francisco Parking
San Francisco parking is difficult and very limited. If you really want to enjoy your vacation – please take my advice – don’t attempt to find street parking near Fisherman’s Wharf or Pier 39 – park in a public garage. (They are cheaper than the private ones) If you know you are going to be eating at Fishermen’s Wharf or Pier 39 make sure to get your parking stub validated and you can save some moola. Take note: San Francisco has recently instituted a 14% parking tax so remember to calculate that into your garage fee. San Francisco parking - a great city money maker! It’s never fun to leave at the end of a great day and having to fork over $20-$40 just to park your car – so let me give you this advice – when at all possible take a cab or a bus or bart or a cable car or use your own two feet and get some exercise! Parking TipsCurb colors:If you do get really lucky and happen to find street parking make sure that you look at the color the curb is painted – red, yellow, white and green are all no-no’s. Blue is OK if you happen to have a disabled plate or placard. Make sure you are not in a bus stop or block a fire hydrant. If you do happen to get towed you can call 415-553-1239. If you car gets towed go directly to 850 Bryant Street, Room 145 in person to pay your ticket. Minimum $171 (cash or credit card only) to get your car back. I’ve never been towed because I am VERY careful about where I park my car. Parking on a hill: If you haven’t heard San Francisco is full of hills so if you park on one do not forget to turn your wheels towards the curb when facing downhill and away from the curb when facing uphill. This prevents your car from possible running away from you. Side note: I was eating at a small café one day and saw a moving truck whizzing past the store front and heard a loud crash. I went outside to see what had happened and the driver said the brakes had quit working and he smashed into the back of a taxicab. Make sure your brakes are in good working order before attempting any steep hills – especially Lombard Street. (it’s the most crookedest street in the world on a steep hill) Some good news – from November to March it is much easier to get parking because that is the low tourist season.
The Best Tip of AllSan Francisco parking is just a pain! My best advice is to avoid it altogether by not taking your car. There are lots and lots of way to get around San Francisco and using BART, taxi, bus, bike, cable car, or your own feet is really the best way to see more of San Francisco and save some money at the same time!
Learn more about what to do for fun along the San Francisco waterfront.
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