Looking for free parking options in Seattle? Check out our guide on where to park for free in the city, and save yourself some money while exploring all that Seattle has to offer.
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The article provides information on the best areas to find free parking in Seattle, including Fremont, Ballard, and Columbia City. It also warns about time restrictions that may apply to free parking spots, such as metered parking limits, no-parking zones, and residential parking zones.
Best Areas to Find Free Parking in Seattle
Seattle is a bustling city with a lot of traffic, which can make finding free parking difficult. However, there are some areas where you are more likely to find free parking spots than others. Here are some of the best areas to look for free parking in Seattle:
Fremont
Fremont is a neighborhood located north of downtown Seattle that is known for its quirky art installations and eclectic shops. It’s also a great place to find free parking. Look for street parking on streets like North 34th Street, Fremont Avenue North, and Phinney Avenue North.
Ballard
Ballard is another neighborhood located north of downtown Seattle that offers plenty of free street parking. Look for spots on streets like Market Street, Ballard Avenue Northwest, and Leary Way Northwest.
Columbia City
If you’re willing to venture south of downtown Seattle, Columbia City is a great area to find free parking. Look for spots on Rainier Avenue South or South Edmunds Street.
Time Restrictions for Free Parking Spots in Seattle
While there are many areas in Seattle where you can find free street parking, it’s important to be aware of time restrictions that may apply. Here are some common time restrictions you may encounter:
Metered Parking
Metered parking spaces typically have time limits ranging from one hour to four hours depending on the location. Be sure to check the meter before leaving your car as fines can be steep if you exceed the posted time limit.
No Parking Zones
Sometimes streets will have designated no-parking zones during certain times of day or days of the week. Be sure to read any posted signs carefully before parking your car as fines for parking in a no-parking zone can be steep.
Residential Parking Zones
In some neighborhoods, residents may have permits that allow them to park on the street for extended periods of time. If you’re parked in a residential parking zone without a permit, you may be subject to fines or towing.
How Far from Downtown Can You Find Free Parking in Seattle?
Seattle is a relatively compact city, so even if you’re not right downtown, you can still find free parking within a reasonable distance. Here are some areas outside of downtown where you may be able to find free street parking:
Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is a neighborhood located just east of downtown Seattle that offers plenty of street parking options. Look for spots on streets like 15th Avenue East and East Olive Way.
Green Lake
The Green Lake neighborhood is located north of downtown Seattle and offers several free street parking options. Look for spots on streets like Woodland Park Avenue North and North 65th Street.
Ballard
As mentioned earlier, Ballard is another great neighborhood for finding free street parking. It’s located north of downtown Seattle and offers plenty of spots on streets like Market Street and Ballard Avenue Northwest.
Neighborhoods or Streets to Avoid When Looking for Free Parking in Seattle
While there are many areas in Seattle where you can find free street parking, there are also some neighborhoods or streets where it’s best to avoid looking for parking altogether. Here are some areas to steer clear of:
Downtown Seattle
Downtown Seattle is a busy area with limited street parking options. If you’re looking for free parking, it’s best to avoid this area altogether.
Queen Anne
The Queen Anne neighborhood is located just north of downtown Seattle and is known for its beautiful views and historic homes. However, it’s not a great place to look for free street parking as spots are limited.
Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square is another busy area located just south of downtown Seattle that can be difficult to find free street parking in. It’s best to look for paid parking options or consider taking public transportation instead.
Parking for Free Overnight in Seattle: Where to Park?
If you need to park your car overnight in Seattle, there are some areas where you may be able to find free overnight parking. Here are some options:
Residential Neighborhoods
Many residential neighborhoods in Seattle offer free overnight street parking. Look for spots on quieter streets away from major thoroughfares.
University District
The University District is located northeast of downtown Seattle and offers several free overnight street parking options. Look for spots on streets like Northeast 45th Street and Brooklyn Avenue Northeast.
Fremont
As mentioned earlier, Fremont is a great neighborhood for finding free street parking during the day. It’s also a good option if you need to park your car overnight as long as you’re parked legally and not blocking any driveways or fire hydrants.
In conclusion, Seattle offers various options for free parking, including street parking, public lots, and garages. By taking advantage of these options, visitors and residents can save money while exploring the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I park my car for free in Seattle?
If you’re looking for free parking near the Seattle Center, there are many options available. You can try parking on the street between Republican and Warren Streets, just east of 1st Avenue. Alternatively, you can look for a spot near Memorial Stadium and the KCTS building at the intersection of Republican and 4th Avenue North. With a bit of luck, you might be able to find a free spot in these areas.
Is parking free after 8 in Seattle?
Parking in designated areas requires payment between the hours of 8 AM and 6 PM or 8 PM, Monday through Saturday. The rates and hours may change based on the local conditions, with the green signs indicating a better value. If the blue signs show an “After 5” symbol, evening payment is required.
How much is all day parking in Seattle?
These are the rates for parking in Seattle, as listed on Way.com: Garage parking ranges from $5 to $35, while uncovered parking is between $5 and $44.14. If you want valet parking, garages charge between $10 and $14, and uncovered valet parking is priced at $12 to $14.
Is it hard to find parking in Seattle?
Seattle’s parking situation may not be as well-known for being expensive or hard to find compared to cities like New York or Los Angeles, but there were still almost 300,000 documented parking violations in 2021! This is due to the common issue of too many cars and not enough available parking spaces.
How long can you leave your car parked on the street Seattle?
The Traffic Code of the City prohibits parking a vehicle on a city street for more than 72 hours, even if there are no signs indicating such a restriction. Therefore, it is necessary to move the vehicle off the street every 72 hours.
What day is parking free in Seattle?
Free street parking is available in Seattle on Sundays and on federal holidays, although there are limits on how long you can park.
Nick Renford is a seasoned traveler and parking expert who is passionate about helping people find the best parking spots and save money on parking fees. With his insider knowledge and commitment to providing trustworthy information, Nick is dedicated to empowering readers to make informed parking decisions.