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The 10 Best and Safest Places to Park in San Francisco

For visitors or residents in San Francisco looking for the safest places to park their vehicles, safety and security are top priorities. Finding a secure parking spot can be a challenge in a city known for limited parking options and high rates of car break-ins. Knowing where to park can save you from worrying about the safety of your vehicle while exploring the city.

Whether you are attending a business meeting, exploring the city's attractions, or simply running errands, finding a safe parking spot nearby can make your experience more convenient and stress-free. It is important to consider factors such as proximity to your destination, security measures in place, and ease of use when choosing a parking location in San Francisco.

Discover the top 10 best and safest places to park in San Francisco on our list below and find the perfect parking spot for your needs.

How we chose and ordered them

An editorial pick of places in San Francisco, ordered by how well visitors regard them and what each one offers.

Some businesses pay for a fuller profile or a featured position. It is only open to those that have already passed our selection, and it is always marked.

Top 3All optionsMapWhat to look for

Weigh 10 local options side by side

SFMTA, San Francisco#1
What it does well
  • Customers appreciate the convenient location right in the heart of Union Square, making it ideal for shopping and exploring nearby attractions.

  • The presence of law enforcement has increased, creating a safer environment for both locals and tourists.

  • Visitors love the proximity to famous landmarks such as China Town, St. Francis Hotel, and various shopping centers.

SFMTA

4.31,669 reviews

Open 24 hours

333 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States

SFMTA is a highly-rated Parking garage located in San Francisco. Offering 24-hour parking services, this garage ensures convenience for visitors. With a rating of 4.3 stars, it is a popular choice among customers.

ParcTel Public Parking, San Francisco#2
What it does well
  • Customers appreciate the attentive and friendly staff members who ensure the safety of their vehicles.

  • Visitors find the pricing fair and competitive compared to other options in the area.

  • The garage's proximity to popular attractions like Alcatraz and Fisherman's Wharf makes it a convenient choice for tourists.

ParcTel Public Parking

4.637 reviews
1603 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States

ParcTel Public Parking offers a secure and convenient parking solution in the heart of San Francisco. Customers are impressed by the attentive service and competitive pricing. The garage boasts accessibility features such as a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, ensuring a comfortable experience for all patrons.

With a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, based on 37 reviews, it's clear that ParcTel Public Parking is a top choice for those looking for a reliable parking option in San Francisco.

Public Parking Garage, San Francisco#3
What it does well
  • Warning: Inconsistent pricing and lack of validation honor

  • Great for oversized vehicles with attentive service

  • Issues with valet service and key fob handling

  • Varied experiences including rude staff and aggressive behavior

Public Parking Garage

4.273 reviews
721 Filbert St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

Public Parking Garage is a reputable establishment located in San Francisco offering parking services to its customers. Their 24-hour availability provides convenience to patrons, ensuring their vehicles are secure at all times. In addition to their dedication to availability, the garage also boasts accessible features for those with mobility needs.

With a rating of 4.2 based on 73 reviews, Public Parking Garage has garnered mixed feedback from its customers. Some key points highlighted in the reviews include:

Customers have praised the garage for its friendly service, safe parking conditions, and great location. Despite some noted challenges, Public Parking Garage remains a valid option for those seeking reliable parking solutions in San Francisco.

SFMTA Ellis-O'Farrell Parking Garage, San Francisco#4
What it does well
  • Convenient location within walking distance of hotels and conference venues.

  • Increased police patrol for added security.

  • Affordable rates compared to hotel parking.

  • No reports of car break-ins, making it a safe choice for parking.

SFMTA Ellis-O'Farrell Parking Garage

4.0546 reviews
123 O'Farrell St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

SFMTA Ellis-O'Farrell Parking Garage provides a safe and convenient parking solution in downtown San Francisco. With a reasonable daily maximum rate and close proximity to hotels and conference venues, customers can park with peace of mind. The garage offers wheelchair-accessible facilities for added convenience. Customer reviews highlight the following key points:

SFMTA - Portsmouth Square Plaza Garage, San Francisco#5
What it does well
  • Great place filled with Chinese culture and authentic cuisines.

  • Best price in the city with an unbeatable location.

  • Easy to find parking, safe, and a lot cheaper than nearby alternatives.

  • Decent price for convenient parking, but with a noticeable stench of urine in certain areas.

SFMTA - Portsmouth Square Plaza Garage

4.0253 reviews
733 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States

SFMTA - Portsmouth Square Plaza Garage is a convenient parking garage located in the heart of San Francisco. Offering a range of services, including Wheelchair-accessible car park and Wheelchair-accessible entrance, it caters to a diverse set of patrons, establishing itself as an LGBTQ+ friendly and Transgender safe space.

With a solid 4.0 rating from 253 reviews, customers have highlighted several key points about SFMTA - Portsmouth Square Plaza Garage:

These reviews demonstrate the wide appeal and efficiency of SFMTA - Portsmouth Square Plaza Garage, making it a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.

EZ Public Parking, San Francisco#6
What it does well
  • This parking garage provided excellent valet service at almost half the cost of other nearby options, making it a life saver for one customer enjoying a concert at the Warfield.

  • Conveniently located near the Golden Gate Theater, this parking garage offers quick and efficient service, despite the surrounding neighborhood's challenges with homelessness.

  • A customer was pleasantly surprised by the outstanding customer service and willingness of staff to assist when their tire went flat, showing kindness and expertise that exceeded their expectations.

  • On the other hand, some customers expressed dissatisfaction with the pricing policies and services at the garage, including concerns about high fees for oversized vehicles and issues with keys being left in unlocked vehicles.

EZ Public Parking

3.8105 reviews
333 Jones St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

EZ Public Parking offers a range of convenient parking garage services in San Francisco. Customers have praised the facility for its excellent service and reasonable rates. Some key points from customer reviews include:

With a rating of 3.8 and a total of 105 reviews, EZ Public Parking strives to provide a valuable parking solution for visitors and residents in the heart of San Francisco.

1000 Van Ness Garage, San Francisco#7
What it does well
  • Parking garage is conveniently close to the Great American Music Hall, making it a great choice for concert-goers

  • Validating your parking stub at the venue can save you money on parking fees

  • Customers appreciate the convenience of being able to exit the parking garage anytime without worrying about being locked in

1000 Van Ness Garage

3.727 reviews
980 O'Farrell St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States

1000 Van Ness Garage located in San Francisco is a top choice parking garage for those looking for convenience and accessibility. With a solid rating of 3.7, it offers wheelchair-accessible options making it inclusive for everyone. Customer reviews highlight the following key points:

Whether you are attending a concert, staying at a nearby hotel, or simply exploring the neighborhood, 1000 Van Ness Garage is a reliable option for safe and accessible parking.

Chinatown Parking Garage, San Francisco#8
What it does well
  • Security is a priority, customers appreciate the attentive staff and overall safety of the garage.

  • Excellent customer service, from returning lost items to assisting in finding misplaced belongings, the staff goes above and beyond.

  • Efficient valet service, while customers must hand over their keys, the valet process is smooth and hassle-free.

Chinatown Parking Garage

3.7232 reviews
728 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

Chinatown Parking Garage in San Francisco offers a range of amenities to its customers. From gender-neutral toilets to being LGBTQ+ friendly, they prioritize accessibility and inclusivity. The garage has received 232 reviews with a rating of 3.7 stars. Here are some key points from customer reviews:

Be it a quick visit to Chinatown or a day exploring nearby areas like North Beach, customers have parked at Chinatown Parking Garage with ease and convenience.

Border Parking, San Francisco#9
What it does well
  • One customer mentioned that the employees were aggressive and chaotic during their visit.

  • Another customer warned about the shady operations and lack of communication regarding closing hours.

  • A different customer had a negative encounter with a parking attendant, describing the behavior as unacceptable and threatening.

  • On the positive side, a customer appreciated the quick drop-off and pick-up service during their visit.

Border Parking

3.522 reviews
1647 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

Border Parking is a convenient parking garage located in San Francisco, CA. They offer services such as valet parking and have accessible facilities for individuals with disabilities. Customers have left mixed reviews about their experiences at Border Parking.

Overall, Border Parking provides parking services in a convenient location, but customers have reported some challenges and issues with the service provided.

470 Brannan St. - SF Giants Parking, San Francisco#10
What it does well
  • Customers warn others to avoid parking here due to alleged scams and car break-ins.

  • Some customers found the new management to be rude but have also found better and cheaper parking elsewhere.

  • There have been complaints about getting ticketed despite paying through third-party services like Spot Hero.

  • Although the location is close to Oracle Park and charges affordable rates, some customers have experienced challenges with parking availability and tight spaces.

470 Brannan St. - SF Giants Parking

3.695 reviews
470 Brannan St - SF Giants Parking, 470 Brannan St, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States

470 Brannan St. - SF Giants Parking is a convenient parking lot situated at 470 Brannan St, San Francisco. This location offers services such as wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance, making it accessible to all.

The reviews from customers highlight a mix of experiences.

Overall, 470 Brannan St. - SF Giants Parking offers a convenient parking option for those visiting the area, but customers should be cautious about potential issues highlighted in the reviews.

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Map of and Safest Places to Park in San Francisco

When visiting San Francisco, finding a safe place to park is crucial. With its reputation for high levels of car break-ins, it's important to be vigilant. To help you navigate the city without worrying about the safety of your vehicle, we have compiled a map of all the safest places to park in San Francisco. Plan ahead and enjoy your visit worry-free.

How to pick and Safest Places to Park in San Francisco

  1. 24/7 security monitoring.
  2. Secure entrances and exits.
  3. Well-lit parking facilities.
  4. Regular patrols by security personnel.
  5. Easy access to public transportation.

Common questions

Is parking in San Francisco safe?

Many areas in San Francisco can be considered safe for parking, but there are also some neighborhoods with higher crime rates. It's essential to research the safety of the parking location before leaving your vehicle unattended. If possible, opt for well-lit areas with security cameras or attendants. Avoid leaving valuable items in plain sight inside your car to minimize the risk of break-ins. Overall, with caution and awareness of your surroundings, you can find safe parking options in San Francisco.

What are some of the safest parking garages in San Francisco?

Safest parking garages in San Francisco often include those located within hotels, shopping centers, or major tourist attractions. These locations typically have 24-hour security and surveillance cameras in place. Some of the safest parking garages in San Francisco include the Union Square Garage, Fifth & Mission Garage, and Moscone Center Garage. These facilities offer convenient and secure parking options for visitors to the city. When choosing a parking garage, consider factors such as location, security, and pricing to ensure a safe and hassle-free experience.

Are there any precautions I should take when parking in San Francisco?

When parking in San Francisco, it's essential to take certain precautions to ensure the safety of your vehicle. Always lock your car doors and windows and avoid leaving any valuable items visible inside the vehicle. If possible, park in well-lit areas or parking garages with security cameras and attendants. Be cautious of your surroundings and trust your instincts when choosing a parking spot. By taking these precautions, you can minimize the risk of theft or vandalism while parking in San Francisco.

What neighborhoods should I avoid when looking for parking in San Francisco?

While San Francisco is generally a safe city, there are some neighborhoods where car break-ins and theft are more common. It's advisable to avoid parking in areas such as the Tenderloin, Bayview-Hunters Point, and parts of the Mission District. Instead, opt for safer neighborhoods like Union Square, Fisherman's Wharf, and SOMA, which tend to have lower crime rates and secure parking options. Researching the safety of the neighborhood before parking can help prevent potential security risks and ensure a stress-free parking experience in San Francisco.

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