Parking overnight

Question

I am trying to avoid hefty parking fees from hotels, so I was wondering if there is overnight street parking in Newport Beach.

Sportangels show 7 day parking on Dolphin Terrace and surrounding streets. Is that real or are they gated communities or resident spots?

Answer

Good question. Short answer: there’s no blanket “safe, legal overnight street parking everywhere” in Newport Beach, and the situation around Dolphin Terrace / other streets is complicated. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what the rules are, what locals say, and what risks / strategies you might face.

What the Official Rules Say

According to Newport Beach’s Municipal Code, there is a 72-hour parking limit on public streets: no vehicle can be parked on the same public street or lot for 72 or more consecutive hours unless it has moved 100 feet or more.
The city offers a variety of parking permits (resident permits, master permits, etc.).
There is a specific Balboa Municipal Lot Overnight Permit that allows a vehicle (up to a certain size) to stay overnight in that city lot during “overnight” hours (3 a.m. to 6 a.m.).
Some private or zoned lots explicitly prohibit overnight parking once business hours end.

What People on the Ground Say

A report on IOverlander notes that while some public lots prohibit overnight parking (e.g., 10 p.m.–5 a.m.), street parking in non-restricted areas may be possible if there’s no time-limit sign.
Reddit users mention that in certain residential areas (especially non-permit zones), overnight street parking has been done, but it’s not guaranteed to be totally “safe” or free of risk. For example: > “I have my car parked out front for multiple days at a time … but some people do run into trouble …”
Some area-specific restrictions apply. For example, in Residential Zone 1 (Newport Island), there is a 72-hour rule even with a permit — and also limits on vehicle size / length / height.

What *Dolphin Terrace* Likely Is

SpotAngels may show “7-day parking” for Dolphin Terrace or nearby streets, but that does not necessarily mean free, unrestricted overnight street parking for everyone:

It could be that the map reflects general or “permitted” zones, not necessarily open-to-all non-residents — some areas might be residential permit zones.
The “7-day” marking may refer to a maximum stay allowed before having to move (or before enforcement), but that doesn’t always override local code limits (like the 72-hour rule).
Unless signs explicitly permit long-term unrestricted parking, relying solely on a third-party map app is risky: city enforcement or towing could come into play.

Risks / Downsides of Overnight Street Parking in Newport Beach

You may get cited if you exceed the 72-hour parking limit on a public street.
Without a proper permit, some residential or private-zone streets could be patrolled or enforced.
There’s no guarantee of security; street parking is more exposed than secured lots, especially overnight.
You might need to move every few days to avoid enforcement — not ideal for a “cheap hotel-alternative” overnight stay plan.

Alternative / Safer Options to Consider

Use a city lot where overnight parking is allowed via a permit (like the Balboa Municipal Lot).
If you’ll be staying several nights, consider the Master Parking Permit, which gives access to many metered areas or city lots.
Look for residential streets that are legal and non-permit for limited stays, but always check posted signs carefully.
Avoid relying purely on map apps — use official city parking signage and municipal code as your real guide.

My Verdict

Yes, it’s *possible* to find overnight street parking in Newport Beach — but it comes with risk and is not reliably permitted everywhere. The 72-hour parking rule is a big constraint, and without a proper parking permit or a very clear, legal street area, you may find yourself ticketed or asked to move. If you’re trying to avoid hotel parking fees, your safest bet is likely a city lot with an overnight permit, or a meter / permit combination allowed by the city — not counting on unregulated street parking long-term.

Parking overnight

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