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Parking in town ?

We have a large SUV and plan to spend an entire day in town . Where can we pay to park for 8 hours or so ? That’s close to shopping?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming town with narrow streets and limited parking, so planning ahead for a full day with a large SUV is important. Most parking in Carmel is metered or in public lots, and many streets have time limits, so paid parking lots are the best option for longer stays.

Here are options for parking close to shopping areas for an 8-hour visit:

  • Ocean Avenue Parking Lots: Ocean Avenue is the main street for shopping, galleries, and restaurants. Several public lots off Ocean Avenue offer metered and pay-station parking. Look for the lot at the intersection of Ocean Avenue and Junipero Street or Ocean Avenue and Mission Street, which are central to shops and easy for a large SUV.
  • Carmel Plaza Parking: This shopping area has a dedicated parking garage and surface lots. Rates are reasonable for all-day parking, and it’s right in the heart of downtown shopping and dining.
  • Pine Street and Mission Street Lots: These lots are slightly off the main drag but still within a short walk of the central shopping district. They often have pay stations for longer stays and may accommodate larger vehicles better than some curbside meters.

Tips for parking with a large vehicle:

  • Arrive early in the morning to secure a spot, especially on weekends or holidays, as lots fill quickly.
  • Check posted height limits and space sizes in parking garages; some garages have lower ceilings that may not fit taller SUVs.
  • Use pay stations that allow for multiple hours; you may need to feed the meter or pay a flat daily rate if available.
  • Consider walking a short distance from slightly farther lots if you cannot find a central spot suitable for a large vehicle.

With these options, you should be able to park your SUV for the day and enjoy exploring Carmel’s shops, galleries, and restaurants without worrying about moving your car frequently.

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