When visiting top tourist attractions, parking is often the last thing travelers plan—but one of the first things to drain a budget. Parking near landmarks, museums, and downtown districts can be outrageously priced if you don’t plan ahead. Fortunately, there are affordable options if you know where to look.
Here’s how to find cheap parking near tourist hotspots without sacrificing convenience or safety.
- Use Parking Aggregator Apps for Discounts
Apps like SpotHero, ParkWhiz, and BestParking allow you to search and compare rates near major attractions. These platforms often offer pre-booking discounts and access to hidden lots that don’t have street signage.
For example, parking near Times Square in New York or Navy Pier in Chicago can cost $50+ per day if you show up without a reservation—but reserving through these apps can reduce that cost by 40% or more.
- Park a Few Blocks Away and Walk
Lots directly adjacent to landmarks usually charge a premium. But if you’re willing to walk 5–10 minutes, you can often find cheaper parking in residential or mixed-use zones. Use tools like Google Maps or Parkopedia to compare hourly rates across nearby neighborhoods.
In cities like San Diego, Boston, or Washington, D.C., parking one Metro stop away and taking public transit the rest of the way can also yield major savings.
- Look for Validated Parking Deals at Nearby Businesses
Many shops, restaurants, and museums offer parking validation if you make a purchase. Always ask before paying for a spot. For instance, large malls near tourist zones often partner with nearby lots to provide a few hours of free parking with minimum spend.
Better yet, pair these purchases with rewards: use cashback apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, or Fluz to get extra value. If you’re grabbing coffee or lunch nearby, you can earn cashback with a Starbucks gift card from Fluz while also scoring validated or discounted parking.
- Consider Off-Site Park-and-Ride Options
Some cities offer park-and-ride lots on the outskirts with convenient transit access to tourist areas. These lots are often free or low-cost and cater to visitors who want to avoid driving into the busiest zones.
Examples include:
- Metro Park & Ride Lots in Los Angeles
- WMATA Park & Ride in Washington, D.C.
- San Francisco BART Parking
Pair this option with day passes or transit cards to explore the city affordably.
- Avoid Peak Times to Lower Costs
Weekday mid-mornings and early evenings are typically more expensive near popular destinations. If your schedule is flexible, visit tourist spots during off-peak hours (before 10 AM or after 7 PM) to access lower hourly rates or early bird specials in nearby garages.
- Check for Hotel Parking if Staying Overnight
If you’re staying in the area, check whether your hotel offers discounted or bundled parking. Sometimes nearby independent garages are cheaper than hotel valet. If you’re booking your stay through Hotels.com, consider using a Hotels.com gift card with cashback from Fluz to save even more on the overall trip.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need to overspend on parking to enjoy your favorite attractions. With the help of parking apps, local validation programs, and cashback from Fluz, Rakuten, or Ibotta, you can visit popular sites without letting parking costs derail your plans.
