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If you’re planning a walk around the reservoir and searching for Silver Lake Reservoir parking, here’s some good news: despite Silver Lake’s reputation for parking chaos (and let’s be honest, deservedly so), the reservoir itself is shockingly easy to park near—especially if you know where to look.

I lived just a couple of miles from the reservoir for over a decade and walked my dogs around it at least four times a week. I’ve parked at every entrance, every hour, every day of the week, and I can tell you confidently: parking is not the nightmare you think it will be. 

In fact, compared to the rest of Silver Lake, parking here feels like winning the lottery… without buying a ticket.

Whether you’re coming for a morning loop walk, a jog, a stroller stroll, or a full neighborhood day after exploring the Silver Lake murals or grabbing coffee at Intelligentsia or Dinosaur Coffee, this guide has you covered with the easiest, safest, and most reliable parking spots.

This is the only Silver Lake parking guide written by someone who has actually circled, parked, walked, and repeated this loop thousands of times.

How long is the loop?

The Silver Lake Reservoir Loop is 2.2 miles (3.5km) long.

Is Parking at the Silver Lake Reservoir Easy? (Short Answer: Shockingly, Yes)

Unlike Sunset Junction or the surrounding shopping streets, the area around the reservoir has:

• long stretches of street parking
• multiple side streets without crazy restrictions
• constant turnover
• plenty of open spots during the week
• shaded sections (major bonus for summer walks)

On most weekdays, you can pull up, park in under two minutes, and start walking. Even weekends are manageable if you know where to go.

While the rest of Silver Lake can feel like a competitive sport (especially near boutiques, coffee shops, or anything involving brunch), the reservoir is much more relaxed.

I don’t know why people complain about parking. I lived in San Francisco — that is where you learn what true parking trauma looks like. If you’re whining about parking in Silver Lake, newsflash: you won’t find a spot easily. And honestly? If parking is the biggest problem in your life… congratulations, you’re doing amazing. 😎

Best Streets for Silver Lake Reservoir Parking

Below are the easiest, most consistent streets to park on — based on years of firsthand experience.

1. Armstrong Ave & Angus Street (My #1 Recommendation)

If you want the closest, most reliable parking, this is it.

Why it’s great:

• Always had a spot here, even on weekends
• Steps from the reservoir loop
• Flat and easy to navigate
• Quick access to the walking path and dog-friendly areas

This area is especially good if you’re pairing your visit with a stop at the Silver Lake stairs or grabbing a coffee afterward.

2. Silver Lake Drive (North Side of the Loop)

This is the long stretch running parallel to the reservoir.

Pros:

• Tons of free street parking
• Ideal for sunrise or early-morning walks
• Great access to the Meadow area

Cons:

• Fills quickly on weekends
• Shade is inconsistent

Still, it’s one of the easiest streets in Silver Lake to park on—full stop.

3. West Silver Lake Drive (South Side / South Dam Area)

If you want those iconic DTLA skyline views, park here.

Pros:

• Easy weekday parking
• Beautiful photo spots along the path
• Quick jump-off point for a 2.2-mile full loop

Cons:

• Weekends get busier
• Lots of runners + dogs = more foot traffic

4. Rowena Avenue (Near Ivanhoe Elementary)

Rowena is the bane of my existence.

If you’ve lived in Silver Lake or Atwater for a while, you’ll remember when both lanes on Rowena let you drive straight through toward Atwater Village or the Trader Joe’s (don’t get me started on the illogic of that TJ’s parking lot) on Hyperion. Then the city switched one of those lanes to a right-turn-only lane — and traffic’s been a mess ever since. And there’s always, always construction on Rowena.

Rowena is still busy and loud, but the upside is that parking is often easier to find than you’d expect.

Why it works:

• Park near Ivanhoe Elementary
• Walk around the corner to connect with the reservoir
• Quick access from Hyperion and Glendale Blvd

Rowena is also a great spot if you plan to continue your day with shopping or exploring nearby Sunset Junction after your reservoir walk. You’ll also be close to some of the best coffee shops in Silver Lake.

Further down Rowena, you’ll find two of the best clothing stores in Silver Lake, Clover and Okhwa @ Forage.

Itinerary: Grab a coffee at Makisupa Coffee, walk to the reservoir. After you complete the loop, about an hour if you power walk, check out Clover and Ojhwa before heading to your car. Just make sure you pay the meter. The pedestrian loop trail around the Silver Lake Reservoir is only 2.2 miles (3.5 km)long. 

5. Lake View Terrace & Glendale Blvd (East Side Access)

If you’re coming from Atwater Village, Los Feliz, or East Hollywood, this is your easiest access point.

Pros:

• Ample side-street parking
• Quick entry to the walking path
• Usually quieter

Cons:

• Must watch street signs—this area is VERY strict with cleaning days

6. Near LAMILL on Silver Lake Blvd.

If you’d rather start your walk with caffeine, LAMILL Coffee is one of the best places to park and begin.

There’s usually street parking along Silver Lake Boulevard and the surrounding side streets (this is your best bet), and from there it’s not even a quarter-mile walk to the reservoir.

Grab an espresso, enjoy the neighborhood energy, and stroll down to the loop—it’s the perfect warm-up before a full walk. When I lived here, I did this often.

Understanding Parking Signs Near the Reservoir (Don’t Skip This)

Silver Lake’s parking signs are notoriously cryptic. They read like someone was given the assignment “create a parking sign, but make it emotionally destabilizing.”

Here’s the simple version:

✔ Most streets allow 2-hour parking

✔ BUT each street has one restricted day

Usually for:

• street cleaning (2–4 hours)
• trash pickup
• city services

TIP: If you see eight open spots in a row, it’s probably cleaning day. Don’t become the ninth victim.

What to ALWAYS check:

• Day + time of street cleaning
• Permit-required signs (rare near the reservoir but still possible)
• Feet from driveways (Silver Lake neighbors WILL call)

If in doubt, pick another street. There is ALWAYS another spot.

Parking Tips if You’re Walking Dogs or Bringing Kids

Because you’ve walked this loop hundreds of times with your dogs, here’s how to help your readers:

• Park closer to the Meadow if you want open grassy areas
• Avoid South Dam with reactive dogs (lots of runners)
• Weekday mornings are peaceful
• Weekends after 10am get crowded
• Stroller-friendly → start on the North side (smoothest pavement)

These tips are what set your guide apart — no one else online has actually done this walk regularly.

Best Times of Day for Easy Parking

Early Morning (6–9 AM)

Easiest parking all week. Cool weather, dog walkers, runners.

Late Afternoon (4–6 PM)

Still easy parking, golden hour light, steady foot traffic but not too busy.

Weekends Before 10 AM

Summertime gets busier, but you can almost always find a spot before brunch hours.

Evenings

Great for parking, but less great for walking (poor lighting in some sections).

Combine Your Reservoir Walk With Coffee or Shopping

Since most people make the reservoir part of a longer Silver Lake day, this is where you naturally add internal links.

Before your walk, stop for coffee at:

Here are the closest coffee bars to the reservoir:

• LAMILL Coffee → stylish, elevated café right on Silver Lake Blvd
  LAMILL Coffee Silver Lake
• Makisupa Coffee Bar → cozy neighborhood spot with plenty of comfy seating Makisupa Coffee

After your walk, stop for coffee at:

• Dinosaur Coffee → chill, minimalist vibes
  Dinosaur Coffee Silver Lake
• Intelligentsia → iconic Silver Lake spot
  Intelligentsia Coffee Silver Lake
• Full coffee list
  Silver Lake coffee shops

Make it a full neighborhood day:

• Admire the Silver Lake murals on your way
  Silver Lake murals
• Visit the Silver Lake stairs for a workout + views
  Silver Lake stairs
• Explore vintage stores in the Sunset Junction area
  Silver Lake vintage stores
• Or get the full lay of the land
  Silver Lake Los Angeles guide

FAQs About Silver Lake Reservoir Parking

Final Thoughts on Silver Lake Reservoir Parking

Parking in Silver Lake has a reputation for being… dramatic. But the reservoir is the exception — wide streets, plenty of options, and easy access make it one of the simplest places to park in the entire neighborhood. Whether you’re here for a morning jog, a dog walk, or a full Silver Lake day, you won’t have to wage war with parallel parking or circle endlessly like you do in Sunset Junction.

And if you’re exploring more of Silver Lake after your reservoir walk, check out my guides to the best coffee shops, the colorful murals, the iconic stairs, and where to find the best vintage stores.

The reservoir may be peaceful — the rest of the neighborhood is anything but.

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