David Go
Exploring the vibrant heart of Santa Cruz, with its eclectic shops, renowned restaurants, and cultural attractions, is an unforgettable experience. However, like many bustling cities, finding convenient and reliable parking downtown can sometimes be a challenge. This comprehensive guide is designed to take the stress out of your visit, highlighting the best parking garages and lots available, complete with essential details like accessibility, payment options, and what makes each spot unique. Whether you’re planning a quick stop or an extended stay, secure your spot and dive into everything downtown Santa Cruz has to offer with ease.
River Front Garage
The River Front Garage offers a convenient parking solution located at the southern edge of Santa Cruz’s vibrant downtown. Situated just a short stroll from local businesses, restaurants, and the scenic Riverwalk, it provides easy access for visitors looking to explore the city without the hassle of street parking. This multi-level garage is known for its relatively accessible layout and welcoming environment, making it a reliable choice for daily errands or leisurely outings. Payment is straightforward with options for credit and debit cards, ensuring a smooth entry and exit experience. It’s a practical starting point for your Santa Cruz adventure, offering peace of mind for your vehicle while you enjoy the urban landscape. [0]
General Information
- ✔ Type: Parking
- ✔ Business Status: Operational
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking: Yes
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance: Yes
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card: Yes
- ✔ Debit Card: Yes
- ✔ Cash Only: No
Santa Cruz Parking Lot
Nestled strategically near the Civic Auditorium and the Downtown Branch of Santa Cruz Public Libraries, the Santa Cruz Parking Lot on Chestnut Street offers unparalleled convenience for event-goers and library visitors alike. This lot boasts 24-hour accessibility, providing flexibility for those with late-night plans or early morning engagements. While it currently has fewer reviews, its perfect 5-star rating suggests a highly satisfactory user experience. With wheelchair-accessible parking and entrances, it caters to a wide range of needs, ensuring inclusivity. The lot also facilitates easy transactions through credit card payments, removing the need for cash. It’s an ideal spot for quick visits or extended stays in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz. [1]
General Information
- ✔ Type: Parking
- ✔ Business Status: Operational
- ✔ Open Now: Yes (24 hours)
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking: Yes
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance: Yes
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card: Yes
- ✔ Cash Only: No
Soquel/Front Parking Garage
The Soquel/Front Parking Garage is a cornerstone of downtown Santa Cruz parking, offering a substantial number of spaces just steps away from Trader Joe’s, CVS, and the Landmark’s Del Mar Theatre. This 24-hour operational garage is perfect for extended explorations of Pacific Avenue’s eclectic shops and vibrant eateries. Its multi-story design accommodates a large volume of vehicles, making it a reliable option even during peak hours. Beyond its strategic location, the garage prioritizes convenience with comprehensive payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC capabilities for quick tap-and-go transactions. Accessibility is also a key feature, ensuring a smooth experience for all visitors. It’s a highly practical and central choice for any downtown Santa Cruz outing. [2]
General Information
- ✔ Type: Parking
- ✔ Business Status: Operational
- ✔ Open Now: Yes (24 hours)
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking: Yes
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance: Yes
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card: Yes
- ✔ Debit Card: Yes
- ✔ Cash Only: No
- ✔ NFC: Yes
Locust Street Garage
Located at the heart of downtown Santa Cruz, the Locust Street Garage stands out with its near-perfect rating, indicating high customer satisfaction. Its prime location puts you within immediate reach of the Santa Cruz Cinema, Kaiser Permanente offices, and Pacific Wave, making it ideal for entertainment, appointments, or shopping trips. While it currently has fewer reviews, their overwhelmingly positive nature speaks volumes about the garage’s quality and convenience. The facility ensures broad accessibility with wheelchair-friendly parking and entrances. Additionally, it offers diverse payment solutions, accepting credit, debit, and NFC, streamlining your arrival and departure. This garage is a fantastic choice for those seeking hassle-free, top-rated parking right in the bustling core of Santa Cruz. [4]
General Information
- ✔ Type: Parking
- ✔ Business Status: Operational
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking: Yes
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance: Yes
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card: Yes
- ✔ Debit Card: Yes
- ✔ Cash Only: No
- ✔ NFC: Yes
The Cedar/Church Garage
The Cedar/Church Garage provides a reliable parking option conveniently situated near Trader Joe’s, Kaiser Permanente, and the Santa Cruz Cinema. With a solid 4.1-star rating from a good number of reviews, it’s a trusted choice for many downtown visitors. While not open 24 hours, its operational hours from 8 AM to 8 PM daily cover most daytime and early evening activities, making it suitable for shopping, dining, or appointments. The garage is designed with accessibility in mind, offering wheelchair-accessible parking and entrances. Payment is made simple with options for credit and debit cards, ensuring a smooth transaction process. Its location makes it an excellent gateway to exploring the vibrant offerings of downtown Santa Cruz. [5]
General Information
- ✔ Type: Parking
- ✔ Business Status: Operational
- ✔ Open Now: No (limited hours)
Opening Hours
- ✔ Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- ✔ Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- ✔ Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- ✔ Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- ✔ Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- ✔ Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- ✔ Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking: Yes
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance: Yes
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card: Yes
- ✔ Debit Card: Yes
- ✔ Cash Only: No
Public Parking – Lot 7
Public Parking – Lot 7 offers a straightforward and convenient open-air parking solution right on Front Street, placing you moments away from the Landmark’s Del Mar Theatre, Pizza My Heart, and the bustling shops of downtown Santa Cruz. With a respectable 3.9-star rating, it’s a popular choice for those seeking easy access to entertainment and dining. This lot is operational and focuses on efficiency, providing essential accessibility features like wheelchair-accessible parking and entrances. It’s designed for modern transactions, notably indicating “No Cash Only” which implies card payments are the standard. For a no-fuss, centrally located parking experience that gets you quickly into the heart of Santa Cruz, Lot 7 is a reliable option. [7]
General Information
- ✔ Type: Parking
- ✔ Business Status: Operational
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking: Yes
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance: Yes
Payment options
- ✔ Cash Only: No
Santa Cruz Parking Lot No. 16: The Sentinel Parking Lot
Santa Cruz Parking Lot No. 16, also known as The Sentinel Parking Lot, provides a practical and accessible parking option right on Church Street, making it a great choice for visitors heading to the Downtown Branch of Santa Cruz Public Libraries or the Civic Auditorium. This lot maintains a respectable 4-star rating, suggesting a consistent and satisfactory user experience. While it operates with specific hours from 8 AM to 8 PM daily, it covers the prime times for most downtown activities. It prioritizes accessibility with dedicated wheelchair-friendly parking and entrances. Payments are cashless, streamlining the process for card users. For a straightforward and centrally located spot, especially during daytime hours, The Sentinel Parking Lot is a solid bet. [8]
General Information
- ✔ Type: Parking
- ✔ Business Status: Operational
- ✔ Open Now: No (limited hours)
Opening Hours
- ✔ Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- ✔ Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- ✔ Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- ✔ Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- ✔ Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- ✔ Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- ✔ Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking: Yes
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance: Yes
Payment options
- ✔ Cash Only: No
Walnut Tree Parking Lot
The Walnut Tree Parking Lot, located on Cedar Street, offers a convenient 24-hour parking solution in downtown Santa Cruz. Its continuous operation makes it an excellent choice for those needing flexible access, whether for early morning errands or late-night entertainment. Situated near local landmarks like BMO Bank and Pono Hawaiian Grill, it provides a practical starting point for exploring the upper reaches of downtown and nearby attractions like the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park. While its rating is moderate, its round-the-clock availability is a significant advantage for many. The lot ensures accessibility with wheelchair-friendly spaces and entrances, and payment is streamlined by being cashless. It’s a functional, always-available option for a variety of downtown needs. [9]
General Information
- ✔ Type: Parking
- ✔ Business Status: Operational
- ✔ Open Now: Yes (24 hours)
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking: Yes
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance: Yes
Payment options
- ✔ Cash Only: No
Parking Lot #11
Parking Lot #11, situated on Front Street, boasts an impressive 4.8-star rating, making it one of the top-rated parking lots in downtown Santa Cruz. Its location directly across from the Sherwin-Williams Paint Store and near Kaiser Permanente Arena makes it incredibly convenient for events, business, or simply exploring the many shops and eateries along Front Street and Pacific Avenue. With positive reviews highlighting its cleanliness and secure atmosphere, visitors can park with confidence. The lot ensures full accessibility with designated wheelchair-accessible parking and entrances. While cash payments are not accepted, it provides a modern and efficient payment experience for card users. This lot is a highly recommended choice for a reliable and hassle-free downtown parking experience. [11]
General Information
- ✔ Type: Parking
- ✔ Business Status: Operational
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking: Yes
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance: Yes
Payment options
- ✔ Cash Only: No
With a variety of garages and lots strategically placed throughout the area, downtown Santa Cruz offers numerous practical parking solutions to suit every visitor’s needs. From 24-hour accessibility to modern payment options and excellent proximity to key attractions, these parking spots are designed to enhance your experience. By familiarizing yourself with these options, you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, unique shops, and delicious dining of downtown Santa Cruz without the added stress of searching for a place to park. Plan ahead, park smart, and make the most of your Santa Cruz adventure!
