Ah, summer on the Delaware beaches. Sun, sand, salt water and… parking.
Whether we like it or not, parking is something every beachgoer has to deal with. Before you get to that wonderful beach, you not only have to find parking among all the other summer residents, but also pay for it and then walk from where you ended up finding space on the asphalt. The process is known to prevent more than a few people (but clearly not too many) from going to the beach.
The News Journal/Delaware Online has put together this guide to parking on Delaware beaches to make the process as easy as possible. Read on for tips and what you need to know about parking in every city from Lewes to Fenwick Island this summer.
The Dos and Don’ts of Parking on Delaware Beaches
No matter where you park, there are some general guidelines to follow.
- Go early. The sooner you get to the beach, the easier it will be to park.
- Do not be impatient. Nothing ruins a day at the beach more than a parking meltdown.
- Park and ride. The DART bus is cheap, comfortable, makes frequent trips, and is air-conditioned.
- Don’t bring more than you can easily carry. You will probably have to walk several blocks to the beach.
- Download Parkmobile and enter your information before your trip.
- Do not back out of parking spaces. Almost all coastal towns only require front parking.
- Don’t wait to pay parking tickets. The longer you wait, the higher the fee will be.
Parking in Lewes
Lewes has metered parking in two areas: downtown and the beaches.
The meters are in effect from May 1 to October 14 in the center. From 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., parking costs $1.50 per hour, with a three-hour maximum in most spaces.
At Savannah and Johnnie Walker beaches, parking meters are in effect from May 1 to September 30. From 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., parking is $2.50 per hour, with a maximum of 11 hours.
All meters accept credit cards through ParkMobile. Parking meters accept quarters, beach parking lots accept cash.
Lewes offers free parking at:
- Franklin and Schley Avenues
- Roosevelt Inlet (at the end of Cedar Avenue)
- Beebe Healthcare at Market and 4th Streets, evenings and weekends only
- Otis Smith Park, next to the Daily Market on Savannah Road
- Lewes Little League Fields, July-March
- Lewes Public Library at 111 Adams Ave.
Rehoboth Beach Parking
In Rehoboth Beach, parking meters and permits are in effect from May 15 to September 15, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., respectively.
Parking meters cost $4 per hour citywide and have a 12-hour limit, except in 30-minute spaces and in Grove Park. Meters can be paid with quarter or credit card through the Parkmobile app.
All parking meters have a maximum limit of 12 hours with the exception of 30-minute spaces and in Grove Park. Parking meter rates are $4 per hour citywide. Meter payments can be made with quarter, credit card or through Parkmobile.
All unmetered parking spaces require a permit, which can be obtained at 1 City Hall Dr. or at kiosks located throughout the city. Parking permits are $25 per day, $120 per week and $325 per season.
Scooters can only be parked in designated “Scooter Only” areas and with a permit. The $55 seasonal permit acts as a parking permit in non-metered areas, but meters must be paid for in metered areas.
When looking for a space, don’t forget about metered parking at City Hall and on Chrisitan Street.
Dewey Beach Parking
There are a mix of metered spaces and permit parking spaces in Dewey Beach, all of which are in effect from May 15 to September 15. Parking meters cost $3.50 per hour, payable via Parkmobile or quarters.
Parking permits can be purchased at City Hall at a cost of $30 per day, $55 per weekend, $100 per week, and $300 per season. Season passes can also be purchased online at townofdeweybeach.com, and 24-hour permits can also be purchased through Parkmobile. Parking permits do not apply in metered spaces.
Bonus: Parking at Dewey Beach is free every Monday from 5 to 11 p.m.
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Parking on Betania beach
All Bethany Beach parking spaces require a permit or meter permit from May 15 to September 15, beginning at 10 a.m. daily. and ending at different times throughout the city. Garfield Parkway has a 2 hour limit.
Parking meters cost $3 per hour and are paid with quarters or by Parkmobile. You can also choose to use a parking permit in metered spaces (except on Garfield Parkway and in residential permit areas), which are available at the police station (214 Garfield Pkwy.) for $30 per day, $90 for three days and $210 per week. .
Bethany Beach property and business owners can obtain special parking permits. Learn more at townofbethanybeach.com.
Bethany South Parking Lot
South Bethany does not have metered parking. All parking spaces require a parking permit from May 15 to September 15, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and, where posted, between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m.
Annual residential homeowner parking permits cost $30 and can be purchased at southbethany.delaware.gov or at City Hall (402 Evergreen Road). The only option for visitors is a $20 daily permit, which can be purchased by credit card only at the kiosk outside City Hall.
Fenwick Island Parking
Fenwick Island requires parking permits from May 15 to September 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hourly ($3), daily ($24), and weekly ($150) permits are available for purchase through the Parkmobile app. Seasonal visitor permits ($500) are available at the police station (800 Coastal Hwy.) during regular business hours.
Visitors may not park in marked residential parking areas, which require a residential permit. The city provides residential permits to homeowners.
Shannon Marvel McNaught reports from southern Delaware and beyond. Contact her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Twitter @MarvelMcNaught.
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