Key West City Guide
Parking in Key West: Garages, Rates & Resident Zones
Parking in Key West is notoriously limited, strictly regulated, and one of the easiest ways for first-time visitors to collect an expensive traffic citation. Historic Old Town was built in the 19th century for sailing captains, mule wagons, and pedestrians—not modern full-size SUVs. Many street spaces are reserved exclusively for Monroe County residents with yellow windshield decals. This guide breaks down the four major municipal parking facilities, on-street metered parking apps, resident permit zones, and park-and-ride options. The wider island directory and travel planner starts on the Key West City Guide homepage.
Quick answer Best garage location, street parking rules, and the residential zone trap
Read on 10 September 2026: If you drive into Key West Old Town, park directly at the Old Town Garage (Park N Ride) at 300 Grinnell Street ($4.00/hour, $32.00 daily maximum). It offers covered parking, clean restrooms, and is Stop 1 for the free Duval Loop bus. Never park in spaces marked with white pavement lettering that reads 'RESIDENTIAL ONLY'—the fine is $100 and towing is strictly enforced.
Key takeaways
- Head straight for Old Town Garage (Park N Ride) at 300 Grinnell Street for guaranteed covered parking and instant Duval Loop access.
- Mallory Square Lot (412 Wall Street) is closest to Duval Street but charges $5.00/hour with zero daily maximum cap.
- Beware the 'Residential Only' markings: solid white curb lettering and signs restrict these spots 24/7 to local permit holders.
- Pay on-street meters using the ParkMobile app (Zone 33040) or credit card kiosks; rates run $4.00 to $5.00 per hour across Old Town.
Compare hourly rates, daily maximums, capacities, and transit access across Key West parking lots:
| Facility | Hourly Rate | Daily Max | Spaces | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town Garage (Park N Ride) | $4.00 / hr | $32.00 / day | 250 spaces | Full-day visits & Duval Loop connection |
| Mallory Square Lot | $5.00 / hr | No daily max | 100 spaces | Short visits & evening sunset celebration |
| Key West Bight Lot (Caroline St) | $4.00 / hr | $32.00 / day | 120 spaces | Historic Seaport boat charters & dining |
| Simonton Street Lot | $4.00 / hr | $32.00 / day | 60 spaces | Central Duval Street access |
| Truman Waterfront Park Lot | $4.00 / hr | $32.00 / day | 150 spaces | Fort Zachary Taylor & splash pad access |
| On-Street Pay-by-Plate | $4.00 - $5.00 / hr | No daily max | Scattered | Quick 1-2 hour stops near shops |
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The Residential Permit Zone trap
The single most common parking error in Key West is pulling into a curbside space marked 'RESIDENTIAL'. Throughout Old Town, more than 1,000 street spaces are reserved exclusively for Monroe County registered vehicles displaying a valid City of Key West resident parking permit decal.
These spaces are clearly identified by large white letters stenciled directly onto the asphalt reading RESIDENTIAL ONLY, accompanied by metal street signs. There is no grace period, no visitor permit pass, and no evening or weekend free window. Non-permitted vehicles parked in residential spots will receive a $100 citation, and during high-traffic events like Fantasy Fest or holiday weekends, code enforcement tows offending vehicles immediately to a mainland-bound impound yard.
On-street metered parking: hours and ParkMobile app
Key West operates pay-by-plate parking across commercial corridors including Duval Street, Whitehead Street, Front Street, and around the Historic Seaport. Meter enforcement hours run from 8:00 AM to midnight Monday through Saturday, and from 12:00 PM (noon) to midnight on Sunday.
You do not need to display a paper receipt on your dashboard. Instead, enter your vehicle license plate into the solar-powered multispace kiosks or pay directly via your smartphone using the ParkMobile app (enter the zone number posted on the nearest green street sign). The app allows you to extend your session remotely if lunch or shopping runs long.
Free parking options in Key West
Free unrestricted parking is virtually nonexistent in historic Old Town, but there are a few legal opportunities if you know where to look:
- New Town residential avenues: Streets east of White Street and north of Truman Avenue generally do not have parking meters or residential permit markings. However, walking from New Town to Duval Street takes 30 to 45 minutes.
- Higgs Beach and Smathers Beach: Both Atlantic public beaches provide free daylight parking lots for beachgoers. Spaces fill rapidly between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM on sunny weekends.
- Scooters and bicycles: City bicycle racks are free across the entire island. Dedicated motorcycle and scooter spaces are metered at a discounted rate ($2.00 to $3.00/hour) compared to full-sized automobile spaces.
Frequently asked questions about parking in Key West
Where is the cheapest parking in Key West?
The City Old Town Garage at 300 Grinnell Street offers the most economical daily parking at $4.00 per hour capped at $32.00 for 24 hours, including free transfer to the Duval Loop bus.
Can tourists park on residential streets in Key West?
No. Spaces marked 'RESIDENTIAL ONLY' on the asphalt and street signs are reserved 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for residents with city decals. Non-residents face a $100 fine.
Is Sunday parking free in Key West?
No. Street meters and city lots charge on Sundays starting at 12:00 PM (noon) through midnight. The only free period is Sunday morning between 8:00 AM and noon.
How do you pay for street parking in Key West?
You can pay with credit card at curbside solar kiosks or through the ParkMobile mobile app by typing in your vehicle license plate and the posted parking zone number.
Can golf carts park in regular parking spaces?
Yes, street-legal low-speed vehicles (golf carts) must park in marked motor vehicle spaces and pay standard vehicle meter rates. They cannot park on sidewalks or in bike racks.
Key West on video: Parking Guide
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