Old Town San Diego Parking Guide

Parking in Old Town Is Easy

Unlike many San Diego neighborhoods, Old Town has plentiful and mostly free parking. The Old Town Transit Center offers a large free lot steps from the historic park. Presidio Park has free parking with hilltop views. Mission Hills has easy residential street parking. During major festivals, the Transit Center lot fills earlier, but taking the trolley solves that completely.

Old Town Transit Center

The Old Town Transit Center is the primary parking spot for visitors to Old Town State Historic Park. The lot is large, free (with some time-limited spaces), and connects directly to the MTS Trolley, buses, and the Coaster commuter train.

Presidio Park Parking

Presidio Park has free parking in its own lot at the top of the hill. The lot is rarely full except during special events. It is the best option if you are visiting Presidio Park, the Junipero Serra Museum, or want the hilltop views before walking down to Old Town.

• Free parking lot at the top of Presidio Drive
• Rarely full, even on weekends
• Short walk downhill to Old Town State Historic Park (uphill return)
• Best views in the neighborhood from the parking area

Mission Hills Street Parking

Mission Hills is a residential neighborhood with easy, free street parking. There are no meters in the residential areas, and finding a spot is rarely a problem. If you are dining or exploring in Mission Hills, just park on the street near your destination.

• Free residential street parking throughout Mission Hills
• No meters in the residential areas
• Easy to find spots, even on weekends
• Some commercial blocks along main streets may have time limits — check signs

Insider Tips

• During Cinco de Mayo and Dia de los Muertos, the Transit Center lot fills by mid-morning. Take the MTS Trolley Green Line instead — it stops right at Old Town.
• If you are visiting both Old Town Historic Park and Presidio Park, park at the Transit Center and walk to both. Presidio Park is uphill but walkable.
• Your rental property will have its own parking arrangement (typically 1-2 cars). Check your booking confirmation for specifics.
• Apps like ParkMobile may apply for any metered spots on surrounding streets, but most parking in the area is free.
• The Old Town neighborhood is very walkable once you park. You do not need to move your car between the historic park, restaurants, and shops.

Frequently Asked Questions