Redondo Beach Parking: Rates, Permits, and Rules Explained

Parking in Redondo Beach shouldn't require a PhD, but between metered spots, permit zones, structure rates, and street sweeping schedules, it can feel that way. Whether you're a resident trying to avoid tickets or a visitor headed to the pier, this guide covers everything you need to know about parking rules, rates, and permits in Redondo Beach — all in one place.

Pier and harbor parking: structures and lots

The most common parking question in Redondo Beach is some version of "Where do I park at the pier?" The answer: two parking structures and one surface lot, all managed by the city's Waterfront and Economic Development division.

Pier Parking Structure is located at 100 West Torrance Boulevard, right where Torrance Boulevard meets the ocean. It provides direct access to the Redondo Beach Pier, the International Boardwalk, and the beach. The rate is $2.00 per hour, and it's a pay-by-space system — you park, note your space number, then pay at one of the pay stations before leaving.

Plaza Parking Structure sits at North Harbor Drive and North Pacific Avenue, closer to the marina side of King Harbor. Same rate: $2.00 per hour, same pay-by-space system. Both structures give you access to the pier, Veterans Park, the marinas, the bike path, and the beach.

Marina Parking Lotat 181 North Harbor Drive (across from Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina) is also $2.00 per hour. This lot accepts the ParkMobile app for payment, though there's a $0.35 transaction fee if you pay that way. One important note: annual parking meter permits are not valid in the Marina Parking Lot. That catches people off guard.

At any of these locations, the pay stations accept credit cards and exact change — no change is given, and the city does not issue refunds for overpayment.

On-street metered parking

Metered parking exists throughout the commercial areas of Redondo Beach, including along the waterfront, in Riviera Village, and near other retail corridors. Meters generally enforce during posted hours, and rates vary by location. Most on-street meters accept coins, credit cards, or the ParkMobile app.

The city's Annual Parking Meter Permit is the workaround for frequent parkers. For 2026, the permit costs $195 per year and exempts you from feeding meters at most metered spots in the city. You purchase the permit through getaPERMIT.net— create an account, apply, wait for staff approval, then pay when you get the confirmation email. The permit is tied to your vehicle, so you'll need your registration information. Remember: this permit does not work at the Marina Parking Lot or in the parking structures.

Residential permit parking zones

If you live near the beach, Riviera Village, or other popular destinations, your street may be in a Preferential Parking Zone. These zones restrict parking to permitted residents during certain hours — typically to prevent commuters, beachgoers, or restaurant customers from taking up residential street parking all day.

Preferential parking zones are designated by City Council resolution, which means they're established on a street-by-street or block-by-block basis. If your street has posted "permit parking only" signs, you need a residential parking permit from the Redondo Beach Police Department's parking enforcement division. You'll need proof of residency (a utility bill or lease at the address) and your vehicle registration.

Residents in these zones also receive guest permits for visitors, though the number is limited. If you're moving to a new address in Redondo, check whether your street is in a preferential parking zone before your first street sweeping day surprise.

Other permit types

Beyond the annual meter permit and residential zone permits, the city offers a few specialized permits:

Riviera Village Employee Parking Meter Permits are designed for people who work in the Riviera Village commercial district. These allow employees to park at meters without time limits during work hours, keeping them from shuffling their cars every two hours.

Oversized Vehicle Permits are required for large vehicles that exceed standard size limits for street parking. The city regulates where oversized vehicles — RVs, trailers, large trucks — can park on residential streets.

Senior Parking Permits provide parking accommodations for senior residents. Details and eligibility requirements are available through the Police Department.

Street sweeping: when not to park

Street sweeping is the single biggest source of parking tickets in Redondo Beach. The city contracts with Athens Services for street sweeping, and two sweepers operate Monday through Friday. Each street has a specific sweeping day and time, posted on signs along the curb.

Your sweeping day depends on your specific street and which side you're parked on. The city publishes an interactive GIS map on its website where you can look up your exact address, and a downloadable PDF schedule is also available. If your sweeping day falls on a city holiday, that side of the street gets skipped for the week and vehicles won't be cited. Holidays include New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday, Presidents' Day, and other major federal holidays.

For sweeping questions or complaints, contact Athens Services directly at (888) 336-6100.

Parking tickets: paying and contesting

If you do get a parking citation, the city handles enforcement through the Redondo Beach Police Department's Parking Enforcement division. You can pay tickets online through the city's website, and the city also offers an indigent payment plan for residents who qualify.

If you believe a citation was issued in error — for example, you had a valid permit displayed or the meter was malfunctioning — you can contest it. The appeals process starts with an initial review, and if you disagree with that result, you can request an administrative hearing. Don't ignore a ticket: fines increase with late penalties, and unpaid citations can eventually be sent to collections or block your DMV registration renewal.

Tips for visitors

If you're visiting Redondo Beach for the day — headed to the pier, grabbing seafood at King Harbor, or spending an afternoon at the beach — here's the short version:

Park in the Pier or Plaza parking structures at $2.00 per hour. They're the most convenient options and rarely completely full except on peak summer weekends and holidays. Download the ParkMobile app before you arrive — it saves time at the pay stations and lets you extend your session remotely if your lunch runs long. Watch for posted time limits on any on-street spot, and never park in a residential permit zone without a permit, especially during enforcement hours.

Redondo's parking system is manageable once you know the rules. The rates are reasonable compared to neighboring beach cities, the structures are well-maintained, and the city is gradually modernizing payment options. The main thing is to know where the sweepers run, where the meters are, and which lots accept which permits. Now you do.