Carolina Beach, North Carolina, is a beloved coastal destination known for its stunning beaches, classic boardwalk, and lively atmosphere. While it’s a fantastic place to visit, finding convenient and stress-free parking can sometimes be a challenge. In this guide, we will explore the various parking options in Carolina Beach, along with tips and information to make your visit more enjoyable.

How Much is Parking?

March 1st – October 31st, 9AM – 8PM
Parking Lots: $6/hour or $25/day
Premium Lots: $7/hour or $35/day*
*with option to charge year-round
On-Street Parking:
Without Time Restrictions: $5/hour with no daily rate
With Time Restrictions: $5/hour (2 Hour Limit)

Enforcement March 1 – October 31
Hours of enforcement: 9AM-8PM
Non-pay citations: $60
Minor infractions: $25
25% discount if citation paid in 48 hrs.

November 1st – December 31st, 9AM – 5PM
Parking Lots: $2/hour or $10/day
On-Street Parking:
Without Time Restrictions: $2/hour or $10/day
With Time Restrictions: $2/hour (2 Hour Limit)

Weekly Visitor Parking Permits: $100
Available for purchase at Town Hall, the Parking Office (open 7 days a week) and online here.

Annual Local Parking Permits: $40
Only available to Carolina Beach residents, Kure Beach residents, and property/business owners in both locations.

Visiting the Boardwalk?

Here’s a helpful map highlighting the best places to park! We recommend the green if you can!

1. Street Parking is the best if its available. That way you can park right at the Boardwalk and all the local businesses.
2. The Public Parking Lot (Operated by the Town of Carolina Beach) is the next best option since you can pay hourly and its more readily available. It’s also only a block away from the Boardwalk.
3. Private Parking lots are the most expensive, and they sometimes make you pay for the whole day. Town parking passes are not accepted in these private parking lots.

It’s good to know before you go!

Parking Areas

Town-operated parking is open year round and paid parking is enforced March 1st – October 31st from 9AM – 8PM and November 1st – December 31st from 9AM – 5PM. Parking fees restart each morning during enforcement hours for all of the Town’s parking lots and on-street parking spaces. Carolina Beach offers a variety of parking options to accommodate the needs of both residents and visitors. Here’s a breakdown of the main parking areas:

1. Park at Your Vacation Rental (and Walk to Everything!)

The best and most-affordable parking spot is at your vacation rental. Reserve your stay at a property within walking distance to everything happening in Carolina Beach. The Sunrise Shack, Carolina Clover, The Little Paddle, and Seabird are all historic beach cottages only a few minute walk away from the beach, boardwalk and many of the island’s favorite events and festivities year-round. We would love to host you during your visit to Carolina Beach. Send us a message here or book direct today and save!

2. Public Beach Parking

Carolina Beach’s main attraction is its beautiful sandy shores, and you’ll find parking options close to the beach for a convenient day of sun and surf. There are several public beach access points with parking, including:

Hamlet Ave. Beach Access – Located in the northern part of town, this access point offers parking and a wooden boardwalk to the beach.

Carolina Beach Boardwalk – Parking can be found along the boardwalk, making it easy to access both the beach and the boardwalk attractions.

Harper Ave. Beach Access – Situated near Carolina Beach State Park, this access point offers parking and access to a less crowded beach area.

Atlanta Ave. – 200 Atlanta Ave.
Paved parking lot in front of the Hang Ten Grill -15 spaces

Tennessee Ave. – 1 Tennessee Ave.
Gravel parking lot on Tennessee Ave. at beach access – 18 spaces
Restroom Facilities

Ocean Blvd – 1 Ocean Blvd. 
Paved parking lot on Ocean Blvd. at beach access – 20 spaces
Restroom Facilities

South Carolina Ave. – 1 South Carolina Ave. (oceanfront)
Paved parking lot on South Carolina Ave. at beach access – 7 spaces
Restroom Facilities

Texas Ave. – 1 Texas Ave. (oceanfront)
Gravel parking lot on Texas Ave. at beach access – 9 spaces
Restroom Facilities

Beach parking tends to fill up quickly during the summer, so arriving early is highly incouraged, especially if you plan to spend a full day at the beach. Many beach parking areas offer pay stations where you can purchase a daily parking pass.

3. Paid Parking Lots

In addition to street parking, there are several paid parking lots throughout Carolina Beach. These lots provide convenient parking options, often with longer hours and seasonal availability. Some popular paid parking lots include:

• Paved parking lot across the street from beach access – 45 spaces
• Restroom and Beach Shower Facilities

Hewett Lot 304 Carolina Beach Ave S. Carolina Beach, NC 28428

• Parking lot on Carolina Beach Ave S – 17 spaces

4. Street Parking

Street parking is available throughout Carolina Beach, but it can be limited during peak tourist seasons. Street parking is usually metered and may have time restrictions, so pay attention to posted signs. Key areas with street parking include:

Boardwalk Area: This area offers street parking with easy access to the boardwalk, beach, and nearby shops and restaurants.

Residential Areas: Some residential streets provide street parking, but be aware of any posted restrictions, especially in neighborhoods.

Street parking is a good option for short visits and quick stops. Keep in mind that during busy periods, you may need to search for an available spot.

5. Private Beach Parking Lots

This is kind of your last resort if you can’t find parking elsewhere. Private lots are more expensive and sometimes require you to purchase an entire full-day in order to park. We advise parking in the town-operated lots with signs that read “Town Passes Accepted.”

View this interactive map showing all the parking spaces in Carolina Beach

Parking Regulations and Fees

To ensure a smooth parking experience in Carolina Beach, it’s essential to be aware of the local parking regulations and fees. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Parking Meters: Many street parking spaces in the business and beach areas are metered. The rates are posted on the meters or on nearby signs. Payment methods may vary but often include coins and credit cards.

Time Limits: Pay attention to posted time limits on street parking. These restrictions typically vary, so be aware of how long you can park in a specific area.

Parking Passes: If you plan to visit Carolina Beach frequently or for an extended stay, consider purchasing a parking pass. These passes may offer cost-effective options for daily or seasonal parking.

Paid Lots: When using paid parking lots, check the posted rates and hours of operation. Some lots have different rates for day and night parking.

Residential Parking: Be mindful of parking restrictions in residential areas. Many of these areas have designated parking for residents only, and parking in these spots can result in fines.

Boat and Trailer Parking: If you’re visiting Carolina Beach with a boat or trailer, be sure to use designated parking areas and observe any specific regulations.

Accessible Parking: Carolina Beach provides accessible parking spaces for individuals with disabilities. These spots are typically marked with appropriate signage.

Enforcement: Parking regulations are actively enforced in Carolina Beach, so make sure to comply with all rules to avoid parking tickets.

Skip the fees when you book direct at nccottages.com

Tips for Easier Parking in Carolina Beach

To enhance your parking experience in Carolina Beach, consider these tips:

1. Arrive Early: If you’re planning a full beach day or a visit during a busy time, aim to arrive early to secure a parking spot close to your destination.

2. Use Mobile Apps: Some paid parking lots and meters offer mobile payment apps that allow you to pay for parking from your smartphone, saving time and hassle.

3. Carpool or Use Public Transportation: If possible, carpool with friends or family to share the cost of parking. Alternatively, explore public transportation options if available.

4. Observe Parking Signs: Pay close attention to posted parking signs and regulations. This will help you avoid fines and ensure a positive parking experience.

5. Consider Parking Passes: If you plan to stay in Carolina Beach for an extended period, explore the availability of daily or seasonal parking passes to save money.

6. Stay Informed: Before your visit, check the latest parking information on the official Carolina Beach website or with local authorities.

Plan Ahead

Parking in Carolina Beach, NC, can be a breeze with proper planning and awareness of the available options and regulations. Whether you’re looking to spend a day at the beach, explore the boardwalk, or enjoy the town’s attractions, Carolina Beach offers a range of parking choices to suit your needs. By following the tips and guidelines provided in this guide, you can make your visit to this beautiful coastal destination as enjoyable and convenient as possible.