Your options
Parking downtown generally falls into three groups. Street parking near the Capitol, the K Street area and midtown is mostly metered or time-limited. Garages and surface lots, some run by the city and some private, suit longer stays. And SacRT light rail lets you park farther out and ride in. We don't list prices, hours or locations because they change. The City of Sacramento publishes current rules for city meters and garages.
Street parking
On-street spaces downtown usually have a time limit and a payment requirement during posted hours. Before you walk away, read the meter or pay station and every sign on the pole. Look for:
- the hours and days when payment is required
- the maximum stay
- tow-away times for commute lanes or street cleaning
- residential permit zones, common in neighborhoods around downtown and midtown
- event rules, which may change pricing or limits on busy nights
If two signs seem to conflict, the stricter one is the safe choice.
California curb colors
Painted curbs tell you what is allowed even when there is no sign. These colors are used across California:
| Curb | What it generally means |
|---|---|
| Red | No stopping, standing or parking |
| Yellow | Stop only to load or unload, for the time posted; commercial vehicles may have priority |
| White | Stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers or mail |
| Green | Parking for a limited time, shown on a sign or painted on the curb |
| Blue | Parking only for people with a disabled person placard or plates |
The California Driver Handbook explains curb colors and other parking rules in full.
Garages and lots
For a few hours or a full day, a garage is often easier than feeding a meter. Rates and hours vary, and event nights can bring special pricing. Note the garage's closing time before you park, keep your ticket or receipt with you, and remember which level and entrance you used.
Event days
When there is a game or concert at Golden 1 Center, parking near the arena and K Street fills quickly and may cost more. Streets around the venue get busy before and after. Arriving early, parking a little farther out and walking, or taking light rail can all make the evening easier.
Light rail as an alternative
SacRT light rail lines run into downtown from several directions. Some stations have park-and-ride lots. Check SacRT for current routes, schedules and fares.
Habits that prevent tickets
- Read every sign on the pole, top to bottom.
- Set a phone alarm a few minutes before your time runs out.
- Park fully inside the marked space, and never block a driveway, crosswalk or fire hydrant.
- Curb your wheels when parking on a hill, as the handbook explains.
- Don't leave valuables in sight, wherever you park.
Parking questions
Is parking free on weekends?
It depends on the meter or zone, and rules can change. Check the posted hours on the meter or pay station each time you park.
Who do I contact about a parking ticket?
The ticket itself names the agency that issued it and explains how to pay or contest it. For city-issued tickets, the City of Sacramento has the details.