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Parking Options

Downtown SLO is home to three parking garages, hundreds of parking meters, and dozens of bike racks.

For Customers/Visitors

Park & walk!

There is so much to see and do downtown; parking in the structures is convenient, safe and affordable! Your first hour is free in all three structures, and you can park all day for $6.

Parking structure locations:

Parking structure rates

Parking Downtown is easy!

Curbside and metered parking is available all throughout downtown SLO, and is enforced Monday – Saturday 9 AM – 9 PM, and Sundays 1 PM – 9 PM.

There is no parking in certain areas due to the weekly Thursday Farmers' Market! Make sure to pay attention to all posted signs. For a market map of no parking zones, click here.

Parking Meter Rates & Mobile Parking Apps

For Businesses

It's easy to provide parking for your customers and employees.

Affordable options:

  • Validation program
    Reward your customers for shopping at your business with Validation Chaser Tickets, which are good for an extra free hour at any parking structure.
  • 10-hour meter permits
    With a 10-hour Meter Permit, you can park at any 10-hour meters throughout the downtown area.
  • Downtown Access Pass
    All employees are eligible to receive a free bus pass. Bring a current pay stub/proof of employment to the Downtown SLO Office to receive your access pass or apply online.
  • PROX Card
    The PROX Card pass provides downtown employees with reduced parking rates in either the Marsh Street Structure at 871 Marsh Street or the Old Palm Structure at 842 Palm Street. This is a great option for people that work 15 days or more downtown each month!

Parking FAQ

Why?

Parking is a service that needs to be paid for, and parking fees help the City keep traffic moving downtown. The fees will also support the City’s efforts to bring more options soon, like the Cultural District Parking Structure. Since parking fees were suspended during much of the COVID-19 emergency, there is a need to recoup lost revenue in order to repay debt obligations on current structures and provide new technology which will make parking easier.

Who decides?

Parking fees were presented to the City Council and voted on as part of the Two-Year Budget Approval process in Spring 2021.

Other Options

Bikes

Ride your bike downtown! There is plentiful bike parking and a new Bike Plaza on the corner of Monterey and Osos. Bring your bike lock and explore downtown.

Free bike valet is available every Thursday Night for the Farmers’ Market at the Bike Plaza and on Friday night in August and September at Concerts in the Plaza.

Bike SLO County

Public Transportation

Ride the bus! Connect with SLO Transit, and if you are a downtown employee, you qualify for a free Downtown Access Pass.

Current bus routes and fares