Here's your guide to paid parking at Wilmington-area beaches in 2024

Cheryl M. Whitaker, Wilmington StarNews
·3 min read

Tuesday marks the first day of spring and the weather is getting warmer.

In Southeastern North Carolina, when temperatures near 80 degrees before summer even arrives, it gives people more incentive to enjoy the weather with a trip to the beach.

That also means having a few dollars handy to handle paid parking at local beach towns.

Here is a list of paid parking for beach towns in the Wilmington area.

New Hanover County

The town of Carolina Beach paid parking runs March 1 to Oct. 31.
The town of Carolina Beach paid parking runs March 1 to Oct. 31.

Carolina Beach

  • Dates: March 1 to Oct. 31

  • Times: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

  • Hourly cost: $5

  • Daily cost: $25

  • Weekly cost: $100

  • Where to park: Some places are Lake Park Boulevard, Hamlet Avenue, Cape Fear Boulevard and Charlotte Avenue. Parking along Canal Drive is not permitted. There are also a handful of single-space spots throughout the Carolina Beach Boardwalk area along with privately managed lots, which may have different rates. Details: https://www.carolinabeach.org/visitors/parking.

  • Other details: During an offseason period, which runs from Nov. 1 to Feb. 28, parking is free.

Kure Beach

  • Dates: March 15 to Sept. 30

  • Times: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

  • Hourly cost: $5

  • Daily cost: $20

  • Weekly cost: $100

  • Where to park: Several public parking lots exist along Fort Fisher Boulevard South. Church parking on Sunday from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. is free at the following locations: Third Avenue between K and L avenues, Sixth Avenue between I and J avenues, Kure Beach Community Center parking lot at 118 N. Third Ave. Details: https://www.townofkurebeach.org/parking.

  • Other: Alternative parking available at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area.

Wrightsville Beach

The town of Wrightsville Beach paid parking season has begun. Paid parking is enforced March 1 to Oct. 31.
The town of Wrightsville Beach paid parking season has begun. Paid parking is enforced March 1 to Oct. 31.

  • Dates: March 1 to Oct. 31 unless otherwise indicated

  • Times: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

  • Hourly cost: $5

  • Daily cost: $25

  • Weekly cost: $150 (But visitors have to park in the streets and not any of the parking lots)

  • Where to park: On-street parking is available along Lumina Avenue and on several nearby residential streets. Spots are available in beachside lots toward the north and south end. Truck and trailer parking is not allowed on Pelican Drive and Causeway Drive between March 1 to Oct. 31 and is not allowed on Old Causeway Drive, Keel Street, and Marina Street year-round. Details: https://www.townofwrightsvillebeach.com/163/Parking.

  • Other: Check the local weather forecast before making a parking purchase as no refunds are given for inclement weather or unused time.

More: Wilmington is one of the top 10 cities people are looking to move to, study says

Brunswick County

Holden Beach

  • Dates: April 1 to Oct. 31

  • Times: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • Hourly cost: $4 per hour, up to four hours

  • Daily cost: $20 per day

  • Weekly cost: $80

  • Where to park: Holden Beach has no parking on streets or rights-of-way, except where designated by signs. Map of details parking: https://www.scribblemaps.com/maps/view/HB-Parking/HBParking.

  • Other details: Annual passes are $150 per vehicle.

Oak Island

The town of Oak Island's paid parking will begin April 1 to Sept. 30.
The town of Oak Island's paid parking will begin April 1 to Sept. 30.

  • Dates: April 1 to Sept. 30

  • Times: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • Hourly cost: $4

  • Daily cost: $20

  • Weekly cost: $80

  • Where to park: All on-island public parking spaces will be considered paid parking. Details: https://www.oakislandnc.gov/residents-visitors/parking-information.

  • Other details: Seasonal parking permits can be purchased before the start of the town’s paid parking season for $175 per vehicle. During special events parking is free at the Middleton Park Complex (from SE 46th Street to SE 49th Street), such as the Farmers & Artisans Market.

Pender County

Surf City

  • Dates: March 1 to Oct. 31

  • Times: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

  • Hourly cost: $3 to $5 depending on location of parking lots

  • Where you can park: A map shows several town-managed parking lots along public beach access points throughout Surf City.

  • Other: For more information, email surfcityparkingpermit@pivotparking.com or call 1-833-467-4868, ext. 710.

North Topsail Beach (Onslow/Pender)

  • Dates: Year-round

  • Times: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • Hourly cost: $5

  • Daily cost: $25

  • Weekly cost: $100

  • Other: For more information, call 910-200-1497 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: What to know about paid parking at Wilmington, NC beaches in 2024