Secrets to parking in Los Angeles on the cheap

LOS ANGELES - Tired of paying too much to park? We’ve got the secrets that can save you money!

Go to this website: ParkinginLA.LACity.org.

It lists all the Department of Transportation parking lots in Los Angeles. They’re cheaper than business-owned lots and are arguably the best deal in town.

For example, smack in the middle of the NOHO Arts District, a lot on Magnolia, goes for 50 cents an hour and 2.50 for the day. That same deal is offered at Wooster and Pico Blvd. in the Midcity Area.

Near Beverlywood? On Pico west of Robertson Blvd, parking is available for three dollars daily.

And believe it or not, on the Westside and near the beach, there is free parking! You can find free parking at lot 617 on Electric Avenue right near trendy Abbot Kinney Blvd. in Venice.

The City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation website lists deals and free lots in the San Fernando Valley too from Canoga Park to Woodland Hills and more.

Keep in mind that the free parking sites tend to be small, and they are first come, first served, so get there early in the morning. 

Other great parking sources include parkopedia.com and LA Express Park both use real-time updates on parking based on the time of day. You type in your destination, time of day, and how long you’d like to park, plus the maximum you want to pay.

Another app we discovered is SpotHero. You can type in an address, event, venue, airport or city and the app will give you parking options, which include price and the walking distance from the space to the destination.

And finally, check out ParkMe.com. Like SpotHero, ParkMe shows you the closest reservable parking spots with prices for easy comparison. You can filter by amenities, covered spaces, e-v charger. ParkMe also offers some “pro tips,” including where to park if you have an electric car, parking for free at any of the Metro rail lots, and avoiding street parking tickets.