Unraveling the determinants of travelers’ parking behavior intentions is critical to the widespread adoption of smart parking systems (SPSs), which hold the promise of greatly enhancing parking efficiency and optimizing resource allocation within urban spaces. Our study pioneers the use of an integrated methodology combining structural equation modeling (SEM) and hierarchical regression modeling (HRM) to dissect the complex interplay of these determinants. We found that, in the structural equation model, social influence notably stood out as having the most significant impact on the intention to utilize SPSs. Notably, while perceived privacy concerns may have ranked lower in terms of influence among these factors, their role was relatively crucial, particularly given the contemporary emphasis on data security. Moreover, within the hierarchical regression model, driving experience was found to play a crucial role in determining the intention to use SPSs. Equally important, our research revealed a divergence in parking intentions between individuals with children and those without. This points towards the imperative need for personalized strategies that can cater to the diverse requirements of different user demographics. This research offers guidance for operators of SPSs aiming to formulate targeted approaches.