The City of San Luis Obispo will once again offer free parking in the downtown public parking garages to encourage community members to visit the downtown to enjoy the festivities and support local businesses this holiday season.
Free Garage Parking
Free garage parking will be available at all three downtown parking structures on the following days:
- Thanksgiving Weekend: Thursday, November 27 – Sunday, November 30
- Sundays in December: December 7, 14, 21 and 28
- Christmas Holidays: December 24, 25 and 26
- New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day: December 31 and January 1
- The City will also offer free parking in the garages and on-street during the 49th Annual Holiday Parade on Friday, December 5, 2025 from 4 to 11 p.m.
“Downtown is the hub of all holiday activities in San Luis Obispo. We are happy to continue the tradition of providing free garage parking during the holiday season,” said Donna King, Parking Program Manager for the City of SLO. “We will also offer free parking downtown during the annual Holiday Parade, both on-street and in the garages, from 4 p.m. to 11p.m.”
Free Holiday Trolley Service
Starting the day after Thanksgiving, hop aboard SLO’s Holiday Trolley and celebrate the season in Downtown San Luis Obispo – free of charge, courtesy of Know How To Go!
This Holiday Season the City of San Luis Obispo is encouraging you to make taking a ride on the Trolley a new Holiday tradition. Hop on before visiting Santa in Mission Plaza or plan your date night with a cozy ride on the Holiday Trolley, then explore the restaurants, museums/galleries and shops along the route. Enjoy free rides all season long, thanks to sponsorship from Know How To Go, a program of the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG).
Holiday Trolley service will begin on Friday, November 28, through December 27, operating Thursdays from 5 to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 12 to 8 p.m. Riders can hop aboard and enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays while traveling between downtown shops, restaurants, and hotels – no fare required.
“We are thrilled to offer free trolley rides this year in partnership with Know How To Go,” said Jennifer Rice, the City’s Public Works Deputy Director of Mobility Services. “This partnership makes it easier than ever for our community to get downtown, shop local, and enjoy the holiday magic together.”
The Old SLO Trolley provides a fun, convenient, and car-free way to explore Downtown SLO, including easy access to Thursday Night Farmers Market, local restaurants and retailers, and holiday events. The trolley is fully accessible and climate-controlled for a comfortable ride.
Click here for Trolley Service routes and schedules or call us at (805) 541-2877.
City Invests in Downtown San Luis Obispo
Downtown San Luis Obispo is the heart of the community and remains a key priority for the City. Ongoing investments like this free holiday garage parking program continue to support a vibrant, welcoming environment for residents and visitors. The City funds a range of initiatives to keep the downtown welcoming, clean and safe, including daily maintenance and cleaning, regular power washing, sidewalk and bike lane sweeping, weekday street sweeping, and financial support for Downtown SLO’s Clean & Safe Program. These efforts complement the City’s broader parking and access programs designed to support businesses and enhance the visitor experience.
This holiday season, the City will continue its investments with popular programs and events such as Buy Local Bonus, Lights & Sights in Mission Plaza, the Holiday Trolley, the Annual Downtown Holiday Parade, and more.
For more details on affordable downtown parking options, visit slocity.org/Parking.