David Go
Exploring Palo Alto, California, on a weekend can be a delightful experience, but navigating parking can often be a concern. Fortunately, many areas in this vibrant Silicon Valley city offer free parking options on weekends, making it easier for visitors and locals alike to enjoy its unique shops, exquisite dining, and cultural attractions. This guide highlights several key parking facilities throughout Palo Alto where you can often find complimentary weekend parking, allowing you to focus on enjoying your visit without the stress of parking fees.
City of Palo Alto Lot 7
Nestled near the bustling California Avenue district, City of Palo Alto Lot 7 offers a prime parking solution for weekend visitors. This 24-hour operational lot is lauded for its exceptional accessibility, featuring both wheelchair-accessible parking and entrances, ensuring a smooth experience for all. Its proximity to charming local shops, diverse restaurants like Zareen’s Palo Alto, and essential services makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the area. While specific weekend free parking policies should always be verified on-site, this lot is a popular choice for those looking to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of California Avenue without the stress of finding a spot.
Type
- ✔ Parking
Opening Hours (local time)
- ✔ Monday: Open 24 hours
- ✔ Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- ✔ Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- ✔ Thursday: Open 24 hours
- ✔ Friday: Open 24 hours
- ✔ Saturday: Open 24 hours
- ✔ Sunday: Open 24 hours
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ❌ Cash Only
Palo Alto Garage R
Palo Alto Garage R provides a strategic parking location right in the heart of downtown Palo Alto, making it a fantastic option for weekend explorations. Situated near popular spots like Philz Coffee and the vibrant University South district, this garage offers convenient access to a plethora of dining, shopping, and entertainment venues. With wheelchair-accessible parking and entrances, it caters to all visitors. While payment options include credit and debit cards, many municipal garages in Palo Alto extend free parking on weekends. Always check the signage upon arrival to confirm the current weekend parking regulations, ensuring a stress-free start to your downtown adventure.
Type
- ✔ Parking
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card
- ✔ Debit Card
- ❌ Cash Only
High / Alma South Garage
The High / Alma South Garage is an excellent choice for those seeking accessible and reliable parking in downtown Palo Alto. Operational 24 hours a day, this garage is ideal for extended weekend stays or late-night outings. Its strategic location, close to the Sheraton Palo Alto Hotel and a short stroll from the vibrant University Avenue, places you within easy reach of numerous attractions. The garage is equipped with wheelchair-accessible parking and entrances, prioritizing user convenience. While credit card payments are accepted, weekend parking often comes with complimentary benefits in Palo Alto’s city garages, so a quick check of the posted signs will confirm the latest details for a smooth weekend visit.
Type
- ✔ Parking
Opening Hours (local time)
- ✔ Monday: Open 24 hours
- ✔ Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- ✔ Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- ✔ Thursday: Open 24 hours
- ✔ Friday: Open 24 hours
- ✔ Saturday: Open 24 hours
- ✔ Sunday: Open 24 hours
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card
- ❌ Cash Only
Civic Center Garage
The Civic Center Garage offers a highly convenient parking solution for weekend visitors exploring the heart of Palo Alto. Located directly within the City of Palo Alto City Hall complex, it provides excellent access to government services, as well as being just a short walk from popular downtown attractions, including Apple Palo Alto and various dining establishments. This garage boasts comprehensive accessibility features with wheelchair-accessible parking and entrances, and offers modern payment options including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC. While weekday parking may be paid, weekend parking in city garages like this often comes with the benefit of being free, making it an attractive choice for a stress-free day out.
Type
- ✔ Parking
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card
- ✔ Debit Card
- ✔ NFC
- ❌ Cash Only
Webster/Cowper Garage
The Webster/Cowper Garage is a highly-rated and well-regarded parking facility in Palo Alto, perfectly positioned for visitors seeking to explore the downtown area. Its location provides excellent access to a diverse array of local businesses, from the charming Tamarine Restaurant & Gallery to unique shops along Webster Street. The garage prioritizes accessibility with dedicated wheelchair-accessible parking and entrances. Offering convenient payment methods, including credit and debit cards, it streamlines the parking process. For weekend visitors, this garage is frequently a go-to option due to the common practice of free parking in city-operated structures on Saturdays and Sundays. Always check posted signs for specific weekend hours and rates.
Type
- ✔ Parking
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card
- ✔ Debit Card
- ❌ Cash Only
Emerson/High Lot O
Emerson/High Lot O offers a compact yet highly convenient parking solution for those visiting the lively downtown core of Palo Alto. With an impressive 4.8-star rating, this lot is appreciated for its prime location, placing visitors within a stone’s throw of attractions like Landmark’s Aquarius Theatre and acclaimed eateries such as Rangoon Ruby Burmese Cuisine and Evvia Estiatorio. Accessibility is well-considered, providing wheelchair-accessible parking and entrances. While it’s a smaller lot, its strategic positioning makes it a preferred choice for quick errands or focused outings in the downtown area. As with other city parking, weekend visitors should confirm the free parking status on-site to enjoy a seamless experience.
Type
- ✔ Parking
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ❌ Cash Only
Palo Alto offers a variety of parking options that can make your weekend visit more enjoyable and budget-friendly. While specific parking regulations can change, these municipal garages and lots are generally known for their weekend free parking policies. Always remember to double-check posted signs for the most current information to ensure a hassle-free experience. With convenient parking available, you’re all set to explore the charm and innovation of Palo Alto.
