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Where to Park at Seattle Center: 2025 Parking Guide

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Looking for parking near Seattle Center? Discover the best lots, garages, street parking, rates, and tips for stress-free parking in 2025.

Seattle Skyline

 

Seattle Center, dubbed as the most visited arts and cultural destination in the state of Washington, features top attractions like the Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), Chihuly Garden and Glass, and Climate Pledge Arena. With this vibrant hub in the heart of the city attracting over 10 million visitors each year, it’s no surprise that parking in the area can be frustrating, especially during busy events or weekends.

Finding a reliable spot is a challenge in itself, between limited street spaces, varying garage prices, and confusing signage. But don’t worry, this guide will break down the best parking lots and garages near Seattle Center, explain street parking rules, and share helpful tips to save you time and stress during your visit.

 

Official Seattle Center Parking Options

Seattle Center operates three primary parking facilities managed by the campus, located at 5th Avenue N. Garage, Mercer Street Garage, and the Theatre Commons ADA Lot. All three self-service parking facilities are open daily, but rates may be subject to change according to demand and scheduled events.

  • 5th Avenue N. Garage (516 Harrison St.)
    This garage charges $6 for the first hour, $13 up to two hours, $15 for 2:01 to 12 hours, and $30 for 12:01 to 24 hours. Event-rate parking ranges from $20 to $45. The vehicle height limit is generally 6”10, but the Harrison Street entrance and Level P1 can accommodate vehicle heights up to 8’6” – be mindful of this if you drive a large vehicle.
  • Mercer Street Garage (650 3rd Ave N)
    Mercer Street Garage has the same parking rates as the 5th Avenue N. Garage: $6 for the first hour, $13 up to two hours, $15 for 2:01 to 12 hours, and $30 for 12:01 to 24 hours. Vehicle height restriction is 7′7″.
  • Theatre Commons ADA Lot (2nd Ave N & Mercer St.)
    This lot charges a flat $15 fee for zero up to 12 hours. ADA-accessible and van-accessible stalls are available, along with a dedicated drop-off zone nearby.

 

Seattle Center Electric Vehicle (EV) Parking

Seattle Center has six level two EV charging stations at 5th Avenue N. Garage, with three stations on Level P1 and another three on Level P2. However, Seattle Center EV parking spaces are available for active charging only. Violators who overstay, park while not charging, or park a vehicle that is not recognized as an EV will be charged with the City of Seattle parking infraction SMC 11.72.125.

 

Monthly Parking & Event Support

Need long-term parking at Seattle Center?

Seattle Center offers monthly parking with 24/7 access at $185 per month for 1 to 9 months of parking and $180 per month for 10 months or longer. Permits can be obtained via mail or in person at the 516 Harrison St. office, and a one-time $5 access card fee will be charged for new purchases.

Seattle Center also offers a parking coupon program for event coordinators and organizations. Simply contact the Seattle Center office directly to avail the offer for your event.

 

Alternative Parking Around Seattle Center

If official garages are full or costly, you still have other parking options nearby.

  • Paid on-street parking is available along nearby streets from Monday through Saturday, and is typically free on Sundays and major holidays. However, parking meters or special rates may be enforced during major events even on free parking days.
  • Republic Garage operates three uncovered parking lots with 24/7 access near Seattle Center with the following parking rates:
    • 215 1st Ave. N Lot: $4 for 0 to 2 hours and $9 for 2:01 to 10 hours on weekdays, and $5 per day on weekends.
    • 401 5th Ave N: $14 for 0 to 2 hours, $19 for 2:01 to 3 hours, and $26 for 3:01 to 10 hours, applicable Mondays to Sundays.
    • 333 Taylor Avenue North: $7 for up to 1 hour of parking only, applicable Mondays to Sundays.
  • Expo Garage operated by Ace Parking Management Inc, open from 7AM to 12 MN, is located at 507 Warren Ave N and parking rates start at $4 for the first hour up to $15 for 10 hours.
  • Diamond Parking Lots are also available in several nearby locations and are usually open 24/7, but hourly parking rates depend on the location of the lot.
  • U-Park Systems are also in operation in several areas near Seattle Center.

Parking Signs to Watch Out For Around Seattle Center

When parking near Seattle Center, watch for these common signs and restrictions to avoid fines or getting towed:

  • Time Limits: Typical time limits of on-street parking around Seattle Center are 2, 4, or up to 10 hours depending on the zone. Avoid making time limit assumptions, and always check posted signage for exact rules.
  • Peak Period Restrictions: These areas prohibit stopping or parking during commute hours, and these restrictions are strictly enforced.
  • Restricted Zones: Be aware of restricted parking zones (RPZs) around nearby residential streets. RPZ rules typically limit parking to permit holders during weekdays, with hours and regulations clearly posted.
  • Parking Limits: Seattle enforces a 72-hour on-street parking limit, so if you’re staying near Seattle Center, avoid remaining on the same block for longer than three days.
  • Event Parking Rate Signage: On event days, Seattle Center parking garages and some nearby lots increase rates based on demand. Look for posted signage indicating “Event Parking” pricing, and be sure to pay accordingly.

 

Book Seattle Center Parking with WhereiPark

Find reliable and affordable parking in Seattle with WhereiPark. Whether you’re touring all the popular spots at Seattle Center or enjoying the hustle and bustle of Downtown Seattle, you can book a parking spot ahead of time with WhereiPark.

WhereiPark makes finding a parking spot easy so you can focus on enjoying the Seattle Center experience instead of circling the block: simply type where and when you need parking, and the platform will provide a list of available parking spaces from registered hosts.

WhereiPark is safe and easy to navigate and, best of all, it’s covered by a 100% money-back guarantee. No stress. Just parking that works.

 

Final Thoughts & Parking Tips

Whether you’re heading to Seattle Center for a concert, family outing, or day of sightseeing, having a parking plan can make a big difference.

For most visitors who value convenience above all, Seattle Center’s official parking garages at 5th Avenue N. Garage or Mercer Street Garage offer the best balance of location and availability, especially if you’re attending an event. However, budget-conscious drivers who don’t mind walking a short distance might prefer Republic or U-Park lots nearby for cheaper parking rates.

On busy weekends or during major events at Climate Pledge Arena, parking fills up quickly. To avoid stress, book ahead with platforms like WhereiPark, arrive early, or consider public transit options like the Monorail or bus to bypass parking altogether. With a little planning, you can remove parking stress from your Seattle Center itinerary.

 

Louise Chan

Louise is a content producer with over a decade of experience writing about a wide variety of topics from home improvement to academic and scientific reports, and financial literacy and cryptocurrency — but her finance and crypto content are for education purposes only and should not be taken as advice because there are licensed experts for that.Louise is enthusiastic about reinforcing financial literacy and anything that can aid people in minimising expenses and maximising savings, which led to her passion for the sharing economy.She aims to educate people by translating complex information into easy-to-digest facts and practical tips for maximum understanding and minimum migraine. Have any questions about content that you’d like to ask Louise? Drop her an email at Louise@spacer.com.

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