Parking in Carolina Beach for the day? Don’t let your beach visit get ruined by a hefty parking fine.
Quite a few changes have been made to the town parking lots over the last couple of years. Whether you are stopping in for dinner or planning a full day at the beach, this 2024 Guide to Carolina Beach Parking will help you plan your next visit to Pleasure Island, North Carolina.
*UPDATED 1/15/24
When do I have to pay for parking
in Carolina Beach?
Paid Parking
in Carolina Beach
March 1 – October 31
9 am – 8 pm
For eight months out of the year, it will cost you to park during the day in Carolina Beach. During the peak season of March 1st through October 31st, town parking spaces are metered and patrolled by parking attendants from 9am to 8pm.
Some street parking in Carolina Beach is limited to 2 hours. Be aware that staying in these spaces for longer than two hours will land you a hefty fine. If you plan to park for longer than two hours make sure to find an unrestricted parking space in Carolina Beach.
The town of Carolina Beach is reserving the right to charge year-round in their premium parking lots.
How much does it cost to park
in Carolina Beach?
Nov. 1 – Feb. 28
Free Parking
Mar. 1 – Oct. 31
$5 – $7 per hour
$25 – $35 full day
7 Day Visitor Pass
$100
November 1st through Feb 28th is the free parking period in Carolina Beach. Town-operated parking spaces are free all day throughout the months of November, December, January and February.
If you are planning to visit any other time throughout the year, plan to pay for parking during the day.
The cost to park on the street in Carolina Beach is $5 an hour from March 1st through October 31st. There is no full day rate for on-street parking.
Town operated parking lots are $6 an hour. If you plan to stay more than four hours during your visit, purchasing the full day parking rate of $25 is the best way to go. Some parking lots will be considered premium lots and cost $7 an hour and $35 for a full day.
Tips for parking in Carolina Beach
Not all parking lots in Carolina Beach are operated by the town. Private lots have their own hours and prices. Look for the Town of Carolina Beach logo if you want to park in a town lot.
A 7 day visitor pass can be purchased online, at town hall, or at the parking office for $100. This weekly pass allows visitors to park in eligible town-operated lots for 7 consecutive days.
During paid parking season, the town places 30-Minutes Free parking spaces in front of some local restaurants. These parking spaces are a great way to grab coffee or take-out from your favorite spot.
Along Lake Park Blvd in the heart of downtown Carolina Beach, you’ll see parking spots that are boxed in. According to the parking signs, your vehicle must fit inside the lines or you will receive a ticket.
Some parking spots in Carolina Beach are reserved for golf carts only. Parking a regular vehicle in one of these spaces will result in a parking ticket.
Handicap parking is free in town-operated handicap designated spaces only. Vehicles must display a valid handicap license plate, placard, or hang tag. A handicap vehicle parking in a regular parking spot must pay to park.
Why did I get a parking ticket in Carolina Beach?
Did you pay for parking in Carolina Beach and still come back to a ticket on your windshield? According to the Town of Carolina Beach, here are some of the most common reasons for receiving a parking ticket.
- Failure to pay for parking
- Expired meter parking
- Parking over the specified time limit
- Protrusion beyond designated parking space
- Parked facing opposing traffic/against the flow of traffic
- Double parking
- Parking in a controlled residential parking area without a valid residential parking permit
- Parking for more than 24 hours at a time
- Vehicles parked so as to obstruct sidewalk, private driveway, crosswalk, or bike lanes
- Vehicles parked unattended in commercial and passenger loading zones
- Vehicles parked in front of or within five (5) feet in either direction of a private driveway or road
- Oversize vehicles parked on town street
- Vehicles parked on medians
How much is a parking ticket in Carolina Beach?
Parking violations can result in a ticket for $25 or $60. Failure to pay for parking in Carolina Beach results in a non-pay citation of $60. Minor parking infractions will receive a $25 citation.
- NEW for 2024: Tickets paid within 48 hours of issuance will be reduced by 25%.
- Late payments (after 15 days) will have a $50 late payment penalty added, bringing your ticket to $150.
- Extremely late payments (after 30 days) will receive an additional $50 penalty, bringing your total fine to $200.
Payments for citations may be mailed, made online, or resolved in person at the parking office. The town parking office can be reached at (910) 458-4614 if you have any questions regarding parking rules or citations.
Come find your spot at the beach
Looking for live music or a great place to eat in Carolina Beach? SaltyCB has you covered with local guides to playgrounds, events, and rainy day activities. Come visit us soon!
Wondering where to park in Kure Beach? Check out the 2024 Guide to Parking in Kure Beach.
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