Los Angeles is a city that attracts visitors from around the world, drawn to its sunny beaches, iconic Hollywood sights, and endless entertainment options. But as any local can attest, navigating LA’s busy streets and finding parking can be a challenge – especially if you’re trying to maneuver an oversized vehicle like a charter bus or party bus. Whether you’re planning a memorable night out on the town or putting together an epic celebration, knowing where your bus can park, load, and unload guests is key. This guide breaks down the must-know parking details for LA’s top destinations and how to park your bus rental in Los Angeles.
LA Parking Information
In a city as massive as LA, public parking is both essential and hard to come by. While many larger garages and lots can accommodate standard vehicles, their space for oversized rides like charter buses and party buses tends to be limited. Your best bet is typically surface lots, which are more likely to have designated areas for buses to park.
LA also has metered street parking throughout the city, with payment options ranging from old-school coin meters to modern systems that accept cards and mobile payments through LA Express Park. Just be sure to have cash or coin on hand since time limits and rates vary across different LA neighborhoods.
Where to Park a Bus in Beverly Hills
As one of LA’s most iconic destinations, Beverly Hills draws hordes of tour buses year-round. To manage the traffic, the city has established specific regulations for bus staging, loading, and parking that you’ll want to be aware of before cruising down Rodeo Drive.
Loading Zones
These designated areas allow your bus to briefly pull over and let passengers hop on or off, but you can’t linger for too long. In Beverly Hills, approved loading zones include:
– North Santa Monica Blvd between N Canon Dr & Crescent Dr (8am – 10pm daily)
– 3rd St south side between Civic Center Dr & Foothill Rd (8am – 10pm daily)
– 400 block of N Crescent Dr adjacent to City Hall (Saturdays & Sundays 8am – 10pm)
– 400 block of N Rexford Dr next to Beverly Hills Library (Sundays 8am – 6pm)
– Burton Way adjacent to Beverly Hills Courthouse (Sundays 8am – 6pm, loading & staging allowed)
Staging and Parking Zones
For longer stops, Beverly Hills has designated staging and parking areas primarily along Burton Way and N Santa Monica Blvd near landmarks like the courthouse and civic center. Just keep an eye out for posted signage with the specific hours and durations allowed.
Where to Park a Bus in Santa Monica
Like Beverly Hills, Santa Monica hosts incredible numbers of tour buses each year exploring its iconic pier, sandy beaches and upscale shopping districts. The city has developed specific parking policies for oversized vehicles to keep traffic and pedestrians flowing smoothly.
Loading Zone
The dedicated loading and unloading zone for charter buses and tour buses stretches along 2nd St between Colorado Blvd and Broadway. Your driver can pull over here to let guests hop on or off just steps from top attractions like the Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade.
Staging and Parking Zone
When it comes to longer-term parking, charter buses and party buses should head to Lot 1 North at 1550 Pacific Coast Highway, right next to the Santa Monica Pier. This paid parking lot is open from 6am to 2am daily, with rates varying by season. Be sure to email parking@smgov.net or call 310-458-8295 to reserve your oversized spot in advance.
Parking at LA’s Most Popular Attractions
While Beverly Hills and Santa Monica have clearly outlined parking procedures for buses, other LA neighborhoods rely more on nearby public lots and designated street spots. Here are some key parking details for some of LA’s biggest tourist draws:
The Greek Theatre at the Griffith Observatory
The iconic Griffith Observatory doesn’t allow bus parking, but the nearby Greek Theatre does. After dropping off your group, your driver can leave the bus here while everyone explores the Observatory grounds and world-famous Hollywood vistas.
Union Station
LA’s iconic train depot has two parking lots – B and D – with availability for oversized vehicles like charter buses and party buses. Lot access and rates vary by season, so it’s best to call ahead before relying on parking here during your visit.
El Pueblo de Los Ángeles Historical Monument
This top cultural destination in DTLA offers charter bus and school bus parking right along N Main St adjacent to the monument grounds.
Staples Center
The home of championship-winning basketball and hockey teams does have oversized vehicle parking, but availability is limited. Call 213-765-6815 at least 10 days before your visit to reserve a prepaid parking spot for your charter bus or party bus rental.
Dodger Stadium
Operating under a similar policy, Dodger Stadium has ample parking lots to accommodate buses, but you’ll need to follow parking staff instructions and purchase a permit in advance. In previous seasons, these have cost around $50 per bus. Curious about LA sports? Read our guide!
California Science Center
One of the easiest stops for bus parking, the California Science Center is located in Exposition Park and provides designated $30 parking areas for charter buses and other oversized vehicles.
Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden
If you’re looking for an outdoor escape from the city bustle, the LA Arboretum offers two free parking lots that can fit charter buses, motorcoaches and other oversized rides.
Book Your Bus With Partybus.com!
From the Hollywood Hills to Santa Monica beaches, Los Angeles has endless attractions to explore by charter bus or party bus. But finding appropriate parking can make or break your group’s day on the town.
Study this guide carefully as you map out your LA itinerary, and be sure to have your driver call ahead to any desired destinations to confirm available parking and reserve a spot if needed. With some proactive planning, you can ensure a smooth, stress-free ride from stop to stop while taking in the best of the City of Angels! Call partybus.com at 877-563-2133 for a free quote on LA party bus rentals.