Where to Find Free Street Parking for Shows in San Francisco | KQED

Major streets like Market Street and Van Ness act as mental borders for many drivers, so parking is often easier on the opposite side when destinations are near those roads. Hills also deter drivers, so walking uphill before or after an event can lead to more available spots. Posted signage matters for avoiding tickets, including late meter enforcement and early street-cleaning start times. Some neighborhoods are described as consistently difficult, so accepting that reality can reduce stress. If walking alone at night feels unsafe, research the area beforehand. Paying for garages can still mean long waits due to traffic leaving after shows. Specific suggested areas include the east side of Gough Street between Golden Gate and McAllister, and the north side of Oak Street between Buchanan and Octavia.

"Major arteries like Market Street and Van Ness constitute mental borders for many drivers. If your destination is near a popular street, aim for the other side of it, where there'll typically be more vacancies."

"Pay attention to posted time restrictions to avoid tickets. Some meters in San Francisco mercilessly run until 10pm. Also, street cleaning hours can start at 12am, before some shows get out."

"Know when you're beaten Some neighborhoods are hopeless. North Beach, Nob Hill, Divisadero - forget about it. The sooner you accept this, the more inner peace you will find."

"If you're tempted to suck it up and pay for a parking lot or garage, remember: after the show, you may be stuck for a long time in a parking-lot traffic jam as cars try to get out all at once."

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