San Diego Expands Free Parking for Verified Residents at Balboa Park Starting March 2, 2026
Expanded free-parking areas and shorter enforcement hours
San Diego is set to broaden free parking access for verified city residents at Balboa Park beginning March 2, 2026, modifying a paid-parking program that started January 5, 2026. The adjustments expand the number of lots where verified residents can park at no cost, while keeping daily fees in place for nonresidents and preserving paid “premium” parking zones closer to the park’s busiest destinations.
Under the changes, verified City of San Diego residents will be able to park for free in Level 2 and Level 3 lots, which include Pepper Grove, Federal, Upper Inspiration Point, Marston Point, and Lower Inspiration Point. As part of the update, the Palisades lot is slated to be reclassified from Level 1 to Level 2, increasing the footprint of lots eligible for resident free parking.
Parking will remain paid in Level 1 premium lots, where the city has set higher rates reflecting proximity to central attractions. Verified residents will continue to pay $5 for up to four hours or $8 for a full day in Level 1 lots, while nonresidents will pay $10 for up to four hours or $16 for a full day.
What will still cost money and what remains free
The city’s parking program distinguishes between road meters and lots, and between resident and nonresident rates. For visitors using Lower Inspiration Point, the first three hours remain free for everyone, with a shuttle connection to other areas of the park.
Level 2 and Level 3 lots: free for verified City of San Diego residents starting March 2; paid for nonresidents.
Level 1 lots: paid for everyone, with discounted rates for verified residents.
Lower Inspiration Point: first three hours free for all visitors; daily fees apply after that window depending on residency status and verification.
Resident verification and registration requirements
To receive resident free parking or discounted rates in lots, city residents must complete an advance verification process through an online portal. The process requires a license plate entry and documentation demonstrating residency, and includes a one-time $5 registration fee. The verification process can take up to two business days.
Enforcement hours change
Alongside the expanded free-parking zones, parking enforcement hours are scheduled to end at 6 p.m., replacing the prior 8 p.m. end time. Enforcement remains daily, with exemptions on major holidays listed by the city.
The modifications follow public pushback after the rollout of paid parking in January, and city officials have characterized the changes as a response to resident concerns while maintaining paid parking in high-demand areas.
How the program is structured
The paid-parking program includes options for monthly, quarterly, and annual passes for verified residents and nonresidents, with nonresidents paying higher rates. City policy also preserves free parking provisions for registered Balboa Park employees and volunteers in specified lots while they are working or volunteering.