Either pay park or be prepared to walk

If walking far bring a bike or use e-scooter

For years I lived in Downtown LA and did not park in Center City. I instead parked for free at the edge of downtown and rode my bicycle to the car. I saved thousands in parking fees and reservations with this hack. I also got to bake in 10 minutes of bike past traffic in relatively safe bike lanes saving a headache getting out of densely packed, expensive lots. It was safer for my car too.

Get parking apps (rsvp/forecast)

Apps like SpotAngels can forecast the parking situation at your destination or you can reserve parking ahead of time at a paid lot. It will also help keep track of where you parked.

Prefer unrestricted parking

It’s better to park where it’s unrestricted and open all-night or has street sweeping only once a week to prevent any chance of getting a ticket.

Avoid meter parking near schools and boulevards 

Meter parking near schools and boulevards are the most commonly restricted parking. Schools need to be cleared for student pickups in the early afternoon but are usually good for parking overnight until before 7 am. Boulevard parking is expensive and dangerous and designed for quick stop offs expecting frequent turnovers. Usually when going for open-ended dinner I try to avoid it.

Park and ride

It’s the best of both worlds especially if you work near a high quality transit stop. If you live in an area with high quality transit and commute to a low quality transit area you can do what is called overnighting your car where you leave the car on the work side of your commute at the train station. I did this for years at workplaces in Irvine and Burbank coming from Downtown LA.

Be multimodal

Find the right method of travel that fits the destination. Sometimes its parking and riding from a light rail station instead of driving the whole way and paying to park at the stadium. Sometimes its taking a Bird scooter to a bus. It depends.

Comparison shop Maps vs Waze

Different mapping apps have differing routing algorithms. It’s good to look when you have the luxury of a little extra time and required when trying to make up time.

Fastrak Express Lanes

Paying to ride solo in the high occupancy lanes should not be made a habit but will make all the difference when running late in the morning or getting to LAX after 4 o’clock.