How to Read a Spot Before You Commit
Parking logistics, privacy assessment, and the lost art of the drive-by.
The Drive-By
Never commit to a spot you haven't driven past first. Do a slow pass. Check for other cars, lighting conditions, how easy it is to pull in and out. A spot that looks perfect on a map can turn out to be a busy parking lot, a dead end with no turnaround, or directly under a streetlight that makes everything feel like an interrogation.
Privacy Score Translation
1 star privacy: other people will definitely be here. Great for casual hangs, terrible for anything you don't want an audience for. 3 stars: you might see someone walking a dog, but you'll mostly be alone. 5 stars: it's just you, the sky, and whatever combination of feelings and snacks you brought. Choose accordingly.
The Backup Spot
Always have a second option within 15 minutes of your first choice. Spots get crowded, gates get locked, weather changes. Having a backup isn't pessimism — it's the kind of quiet competence that makes someone think 'oh, they've got this.' Transition to the backup smoothly, without making it feel like a failure. 'I know another place' is a powerful sentence.
Parking Position
Face outward for overlooks — you want the view through the windshield, not through the rearview mirror. Back in so you can leave quickly if needed. And leave enough room between you and the next car (if any) that you don't feel like you're in a parking lot. You're not at the grocery store. Give yourself space.