Starting Jan. 1, 2027, drivers will pay $1.25 to $4 an hour to park on the roads and in the lots of Golden Gate Park, every day from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Park rangers may enforce the fees with mobile license plate readers.

Why it matters: Street parking in the park has long been free. A Board of Supervisors committee voted unanimously Thursday to amend the Recreation and Park Department's surveillance technology policy to allow the readers, and the full board takes it up Tuesday, Nov. 10, the Chronicle reported.

Rates and hours

Rates depend on location, time and day, according to Rec and Park:

  • West of Crossover Drive: $2.75 an hour from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., then $1.25 until 10 p.m., weekdays and weekends.
  • East of Crossover Drive: $3.50 an hour on weekdays and $4 on weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., then $1.50 on weekdays and $2 on weekends until 10 p.m.
  • Pay with the ParkMobile or HotSpot apps, or at one of 25 pay stations in the park.
  • Cars with a valid disabled placard or plate park free. There are no discounts for seniors, low-income drivers or residents, and overnight parking is not allowed.

Why the city is charging

The fees were proposed in 2025 to head off a parks budget deficit that could have grown to $15 million by 2027. Programs such as summer camps, swimming pools and athletic field maintenance were on the line, the Chronicle reported. The Recreation and Park Commission approved paid parking in February 2025, and supervisors let the SFMTA set rates in July 2025.

Rec and Park points visitors to Muni lines 5, 7, 28, 29, 33 and 44 and the free Golden Gate Park Shuttle as alternatives.

Related: A guide to the Beach Chalet.