Getting around Downtown Willow Glen mainly comes down to knowing where Lincoln Avenue is, where public parking is located, and which transit options serve the area. Lincoln Avenue is the main commercial street through Downtown Willow Glen, with shops, restaurants, and services along the district.
Visitors can reach the area by car, park on the street or in a public lot, and explore the downtown area on foot. VTA bus service also runs along Lincoln Avenue, providing another way to reach the district.
Quick Overview: Getting Around Downtown Willow Glen
If You Are… | What to Know |
Walking around Downtown Willow Glen | Lincoln Avenue is the main commercial street |
Driving to the district | Lincoln Avenue is the main route through downtown |
Looking for parking | Street parking and public parking lots are available |
Using public transit | VTA Route 64A serves stops along Lincoln Avenue |
Visiting during an event | Check current event information before arriving |
Walking Around Downtown Willow Glen
Lincoln Avenue is the main commercial area in Downtown Willow Glen, with businesses located along the avenue and nearby streets.
The Willow Glen Business Association describes downtown Willow Glen as an area with shops, restaurants, services, and tree-lined streets. Its current information also identifies public parking along the street and in several public lots.
Once you have parked, walking allows you to reach nearby destinations without moving your vehicle between every stop. The exact walking distance depends on your starting point and destination, so use a current map when planning a specific route.
Driving to Downtown Willow Glen
Lincoln Avenue is the main road through the Downtown Willow Glen commercial district.
If you are driving to the area, use current navigation to plan your route based on your starting location and current road conditions. Construction, traffic, and other road conditions can change, so current navigation information is more useful than fixed directions published in advance.
Where Can You Park in Downtown Willow Glen?
The Willow Glen Business Association currently lists street parking and several public parking lots in Downtown Willow Glen.
Public parking locations listed by the association include:
- Bank of America parking lot: 1245 Lincoln Avenue
- Parking lot behind 1351 Lincoln Avenue: enter from Brace or Minnesota
- Parking lot behind Thrift Box: enter from Minnesota
- Parking lot behind the Garden Theater: 1165 Lincoln Avenue, enter from Meredith or Willow
These locations are listed on the current Willow Glen Business Association parking information.
Parking rules can vary by location or change for events, so check posted signs when you arrive.
Parking Along Lincoln Avenue
Street parking is available in Downtown Willow Glen. The Willow Glen Business Association specifically lists parking along the street as one of the district’s public parking options.
If you park on Lincoln Avenue or a nearby street, follow the signs and markings at the specific parking space. Posted restrictions should take priority over general parking information found online.
If you prefer a public lot, the parking locations listed above provide alternatives to street parking.
Getting Around Willow Glen by Bus
VTA provides bus service along Lincoln Avenue. Current VTA Route 64A includes stops at Lincoln & Curtner and Lincoln & Willow. The route also connects with locations including Ohlone-Chynoweth Station and San Jose Diridon.
For current routes, schedules, stop information, and real-time service information, use the official VTA Trip Planner. VTA’s Trip Planner lets you enter your starting point and destination and select transit options, while its real-time tools provide current service information.
Visiting Downtown Willow Glen During an Event
Parking arrangements can differ when an event is taking place in Downtown Willow Glen. If you are visiting for a festival, walk, or another scheduled event, check the event’s current information before arriving. Event-specific instructions should take priority over general parking information.
Planning Your Route
The best way to plan your visit depends on how you are arriving.
Driving: Use Lincoln Avenue as your main reference point and check current navigation before leaving.
Walking: Once you reach the commercial district, use the sidewalks along Lincoln Avenue and nearby streets to reach your destinations.
Public transit: Use the VTA Trip Planner for the current route and schedule from your starting point.
Events: Review the event information before traveling because parking arrangements can change.
For a broader look at businesses, shops, restaurants, and other places around the district, see our Best Places to Explore in Downtown Willow Glen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Downtown Willow Glen walkable?
The main commercial district centers on Lincoln Avenue, where shops, restaurants, and services are located. Visitors can walk between destinations after parking or arriving by transit.
Where can I park in Downtown Willow Glen?
Public parking is available along the street and at several lots. The Willow Glen Business Association lists the Bank of America lot at 1245 Lincoln Avenue, the lot behind 1351 Lincoln Avenue, the lot behind Thrift Box, and the lot behind the Garden Theater at 1165 Lincoln Avenue.
Is street parking available on Lincoln Avenue?
Yes. The Willow Glen Business Association lists street parking among the public parking options in Downtown Willow Glen. Visitors should follow the signs and markings at the specific parking location.
Can I take public transportation to Downtown Willow Glen?
Yes. VTA Route 64A currently includes stops at Lincoln & Curtner and Lincoln & Willow.
How can I check the current VTA route to Willow Glen?
Use the VTA Trip Planner and enter your starting point and destination. The tool provides current transit information for the trip.
Does parking change during Downtown Willow Glen events?
Parking arrangements can change for individual events. Check the current event information before arriving for event-specific parking instructions.
Getting Around Willow Glen
Lincoln Avenue is the main reference point for navigating Downtown Willow Glen. Visitors arriving by car can use street parking or the public lots listed by the Willow Glen Business Association, while VTA provides bus service with stops along Lincoln Avenue.
For regular shopping, dining, or business visits, check current parking information before arriving. If you are using public transit or visiting during an event, check the current VTA or event information as well.
