The Port of San Diego is an amazing place to start off on your journey! Conveniently placed on San Diego Bay, it’s a short drive away from both the city center and the U.S.-Mexico Border. Depending on your cruise brand, your trip will begin at one of the two cruise ship terminals. Parking Access will help you find the best San Diego Cruise parking spot close to your terminal! Discover all long-term parking options at and near the port, as well as the top hotels and a few money-saving tips.
San Diego Cruise Terminals
Is this your first time cruising out of San Diego? Planning your trip should include navigating the cruise terminals, too. Both are situated on San Diego Bay’s Embarcadero, which is full of activities, attractions, and shopping and dining options. Use any listed address to get driving directions to your cruise ship terminal and find it hassle-free:
- B-Street Pier & Cruise Ship Terminal: 1140 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
- Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier: 1000 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Cruise lines that depart from the port include Celebrity Cruise Line, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Most cruise ships dock at the first and largest pier.
San Diego Cruise Parking
Unlike many other seaports, the Port of San Diego offers plenty of long-term and short-term parking services. Depending on your needs, plans, and budget, you may choose one of the three San Diego Cruise Terminal parking options:
- Long-term parking at the port
- Downtown San Diego parking lots
- Street parking along the waterfront area
Long-Term San Diego Cruise Port Parking
The official website of the Port of San Diego suggests several overnight parking areas suitable for extended stays. A few parking garages are located directly across the street from the cruise terminals—these are the most convenient options. All of them are a short walk away:
| San Diego Cruise Parking Area | Daily Parking Rate | Location |
| THE BRIC North Garage | $16.00 | Under the Spring Hill Suites Hotel |
| THE BRIC South Garage | $16.00 | Under the InterContinental Hotel |
| Wyndham San Diego Bayside Garage | $14.00 (Self-Parking) $17.00 (Valet Parking) |
1355 N. Harbor Dr. |
If you wish to reduce your expenses, turn to off-site parking lots, which are just a short drive away from the port. Some of them provide shuttles to and from the terminals. If you book parking without the shuttle service, grab a taxi or request an Uber. It still may be more affordable than THE BRIC San Diego Cruise Parking.
The list below comprises all car parking facilities near the port—compare the locations, parking rates, and shuttle info to find the best one!
| San Diego Cruise Parking | Daily Rate | Distance From the Port | Shuttle |
| Manchester Grand Hyatt Garage | $6.00 | 0.7 miles (1 Market Pl) | No |
| Bayfront Cruise Ship Parking | $10.00 | 1.5 miles (1 Park Blvd) | No |
| ABM Parking Lot | $10.00 | 2.5 miles (851 Harbor Island Dr) | No |
| Horton Plaza Parking Garage | $12.00 | 1.1 miles (814 Fourth Ave) | No |
| Four Points by Sheraton San Diego Little Italy | $10.95 | 1.3 miles (1617 1st Ave) | Yes |
| San Diego’s Park, Shuttle, & Fly | $19.99 | 2.8 miles (3405 Pacific Hwy) | Yes |
If you have any concerns or questions, reach out to the Port of San Diego at 619-686-6464 or send an email at parking@portofsandiego.org.
Short-Term Parking at the Port of San Diego
The port operates many parking meters along North Embarcadero, South Embarcadero, Crescent Area, Spanish Landing, Shelter Island, and other nearby locations. If you need a short-term space, this is the best option for you! The time limit is either three or four hours, depending on the location.
If you park along North Embarcadero or Crescent Area, the hourly parking rate will be $2.50. South Embarcadero parking meters charge $1.75, while street parking near the Spanish Landing Park is $1 per hour. Read the signs carefully and follow the regulations to avoid getting a San Diego parking ticket. If you get one, learn how to dispute it.
Accessible Parking
Any person with disabilities can park free of charge in one of the following areas:
- Handicapped parking spaces with the wheelchair symbol
- On-street metered parking spots
- Next to any blue curb
- Next to any green curb but not longer than 72 hours
All private and public parking lots located off-site also provide disabled parking, but it isn’t complimentary. Standard parking rates apply.
Returning to Your Long-Term Parking Lot
Parking structures across from San Diego Cruise Terminals are so close that you won’t even need a shuttle service after your cruise trip. However, Wyndham San Diego Bayside still provides it. Parking in an off-site parking facility requires a post-cruise shuttle. If your parking provider offers this service—like San Diego’s Park, Shuttle, & Fly does—they will take care of transportation. If your lot doesn’t offer shuttles, be sure to arrange another mode of transport, such as a taxi service, Lyft, or Uber. Ridesharing is the best option. For instance, a ride between the Port of San Diego and Manchester Grand Hyatt will cost up to $8.
San Diego Park & Cruise Deals
Park and Cruise packages are an ideal alternative to official cruise parking in San Diego. Several hotels in the area have such deals and can provide passengers with a low-cost parking service. Some of them offer Park Snooze & Cruise packages, too. These arrangements include parking, a one-night stay in the hotel, and transportation to and from the San Diego cruise ship terminals. They are perfect for travelers who live outside the city and wish to get a good night’s sleep before departure.
Here are the best San Diego Park and Cruise hotels in the area:
- SpringHill Suites San Diego Downtown/Bayfront
- The Dana on Mission Bay
- Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown
- Wyndham San Diego Bayside
- Hilton San Diego Airport/Harbor Island
Get in touch with any hotel for additional information. They will provide details on rates and shuttle transfers to the Port of San Diego.
Bottom Line
San Diego cruisers have an array of options! The closest parking garages are the most convenient, especially the Wyndham San Diego Bayside Garage, which offers free shuttle service as well. Off-site parking lots have great amenities for oversized vehicles, and most of them are open 24/7. They are more affordable—as low as $6 per day—and allow advanced reservations. You can also book a Park and Cruise deal and leave your vehicle in a safe hotel parking area. Finally, you have one more option—many San Diego International Airport parking lots offer their services to cruise passengers, too. Go through our guide to San Diego Airport Parking for more details and rates.
Compare all the options to see what works for you and make a reservation to get the best deal and travel stress-free!
Parking Access is available around the clock to take you through any parking process! Our guides throw light on parking at cruise ports, airports, ballparks, and other popular locations. Check out our other articles to learn more about:
- Los Angeles Cruise Parking
- New Orleans Cruise Port Parking
- Port Canaveral Cruise Parking
- Port Everglades Cruise Parking