The Music Concourse Garage
The Music Concourse Garage has 800 spaces under the plaza between the de Young and the California Academy of Sciences. Enter from Fulton Street at Tenth Avenue, or from Music Concourse Drive off Martin Luther King Jr. Drive near Ninth Avenue and Lincoln Way. It is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (later for scheduled events). Recently posted rates are $5.25 an hour on weekdays, up to $29, and $6.25 an hour on weekends, up to $33.
Free street parking, for now
The park has roughly 4,700 street parking spaces along roads open to cars, including Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Nancy Pelosi Drive, Bowling Green Drive, the Blue Heron Lake loop and JFK Drive west of Transverse Drive. Today most of it is free, with time limits in some areas. In July 2025, the Board of Supervisors authorized the SFMTA to charge for parking on all park streets and lots open to private vehicles, starting as early as January 1, 2027. Early proposals suggested up to $3 an hour. JFK Promenade itself is car-free.
Accessible parking
The Bandshell lot by the Music Concourse has 20 accessible spaces with direct paths to the Japanese Tea Garden and Music Concourse, and the garage has more. Accessible parking is also signed at Haight and Stanyan, McLaren Lodge, Nancy Pelosi Drive, the Botanical Garden entrance, the Blue Heron Lake loop, the bison paddock, Anglers Lodge, the golf course, the archery range and the Dutch Windmill. The free park shuttle is wheelchair accessible.
Avoid parking headaches
Car break-ins are common in San Francisco, so never leave bags or valuables in view. On weekends, the garage and nearby roads fill by late morning; arrive before 10 a.m. or come by Muni. During Outside Lands and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, there is effectively no event parking.
Frequently asked questions
Is parking free in Golden Gate Park?
Street parking on many park roads is free for now. The city has approved paid parking across the park, expected to start in January 2027. The Music Concourse Garage charges by the hour.
Where do I park for the de Young and Academy of Sciences?
The 800-space Music Concourse Garage, under the plaza between them. Enter from Fulton Street at Tenth Avenue or from Music Concourse Drive off Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. It is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
