Parking in Ocean City

Ocean City gives visitors several distinct parking choices: metered streets, municipal surface lots, private lots and free curb spaces outside the paid zones. The right choice depends on whether the destination is the Boardwalk, downtown Asbury Avenue, a south-end beach or an overnight stay. Rates and time limits vary by location, and high-demand municipal lots can cost more than a short metered visit.

Parking in Ocean City: What Visitors Should Know

Paid parking is concentrated around the Boardwalk, downtown and popular beach approaches. Municipal street meters range from 50 cents per hour in parts of downtown to $2 per hour near the beach and Boardwalk, with posted limits ranging from one to eight hours. Surface-lot pricing changes with demand and is capped by the city at $25 for the day. Always check the entrance sign or meter before paying because adjacent spaces can have different limits.

From October 31 through May 1, all Ocean City municipal lots and street parking are free according to the city's official parking guide. Private lots are separate businesses and may charge under their own schedules.

Where to Park in Ocean City

Boardwalk and central beach

The city operates lots near the Boardwalk, including the Eighth Street and Boardwalk lot and facilities near Ninth Street. These put drivers close to the amusement and central retail area but fill quickly on beach days and event evenings. The Eighth Street lot supports hourly and overnight transactions through ParkMobile. Private lots also line the Boardwalk approach streets; verify the operator, total price, re-entry terms and closing time before committing.

Downtown Asbury Avenue

Downtown meters are generally less expensive than beachfront meters, with some spaces at 50 cents per hour. Time limits are important for a meal or a long shopping visit. Municipal permit locations include the lot at Seventh Street and Central Avenue, the Transportation Center at Ninth Street and Haven Avenue, and the lot at 12th Street and Asbury Avenue. A permit is not a reservation, so permit holders still need an open eligible space.

South-end and north-end beaches

Paid beach parking includes the Longport Bridge lot at the north end, the 59th Street lot and designated spaces in the East Atlantic Boulevard, Beach Road and 57th-to-59th Street area. These remote beach locations use ParkMobile or the service's telephone payment option rather than relying on a nearby coin meter. In quieter residential sections, legal unmetered curb spaces may be available; inspect every sign and do not block driveways or beach-access approaches.

Rates, Meters and Payment

Municipal meters accept coins, and selected meters accept credit cards. ParkMobile is available in city-designated zones. Enter the zone and license plate carefully: paying the wrong zone does not authorize the car in the occupied space. Meter prices and maximum stays are posted at each location. Surface lots accept cash and credit cards, while the Eighth Street and Boardwalk lot also supports app-based hourly and overnight parking.

Municipal lot prices are demand-based rather than one fixed citywide daily rate. The city's published maximum is $25 per day. On an event date, compare a lot's posted daily charge with the cost and time limit of a street meter before entering.

Free Parking Options

Unmetered curb parking away from the central paid districts can be free when no sign restricts the space. It involves a longer walk and becomes scarce on summer weekends. The clearest citywide free period is the off-season: municipal meters and municipal lots are free from October 31 through May 1. This does not override loading zones, accessible-space rules, street closures or private-lot fees.

Seasonal and Longer-Term Permits

Ocean City sells a seasonal metered-parking permit for $150. It is assigned to one vehicle, is not transferable and is valid only at the city's specified permit areas at Seventh and Central, the Transportation Center, and 12th and Asbury. The fee is prorated later in the season. The city also offers higher-priced permits for designated surface lots, including Alpha A and Avenue Lot products, plus limited off-season monthly parking in designated lots from November through March. Availability, eligible locations and application instructions can change, so consult the official parking page or call the city before relying on a permit.

Accessible Parking

A New Jersey disability placard or plate does not automatically make a metered Ocean City space free. Under the city's stated rule, the driver pays for the maximum time allowed at the meter and may then remain for up to 24 hours. Separate state provisions apply to qualifying disabled-veteran and Purple Heart recipients. Marked access aisles and curb ramps must remain clear. Visitors who need a specific accessible beach entrance should review current beach-access information before choosing a lot.

Overnight, Oversized-Vehicle and Bus Parking

Do not assume that a daytime municipal lot allows an overnight stay. Use the Eighth Street and Boardwalk lot's designated overnight ParkMobile option or confirm rules at the chosen accommodation. Oversized vehicles are prohibited in several Boardwalk-area lots unless the city grants permission or a permit. Ocean City Airport accepts applications for limited parking of RVs, boats and trailers for up to two weeks in a designated area; commercial vehicles are not eligible.

Tour and charter buses use the Transportation Center at Ninth Street and Haven Avenue. Published charges are $75 with a reservation and $100 without one, generally from 7 a.m. to midnight. Additional school-property bus spaces may operate in July and August. Nonprofit rates differ. Drivers should reserve and confirm the current location rather than attempting to stage at the Boardwalk.

Events and Busy-Weekend Strategy

For a morning beach visit, select a beach-access area and arrive before central lots reach their demand-priced peak. For an evening Boardwalk visit, a downtown or Transportation Center space can trade a longer walk for an easier departure. During parades, races and festivals, follow temporary signs and the city's traffic notices; a paid receipt or permit does not override a closure.

Alternatives to Driving

Once parked, the Boardwalk and Asbury Avenue are practical to cover on foot or bicycle. The Transportation Center connects parking with regional bus service. NJ Transit Route 507 serves Ocean City on shore schedules; verify the current timetable before making it the return plan. The city's parking page also links a Parking Spot Finder that reports municipal-lot information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is parking in Ocean City?

Street meters range from 50 cents to $2 per hour depending on location. Municipal surface lots use demand pricing up to $25 per day.

Can I pay with ParkMobile?

Yes, in designated zones, including remote beach areas and the Eighth Street and Boardwalk lot. Coins and, at selected meters, credit cards are also accepted.

When is Ocean City parking free?

Municipal lots and street parking are free from October 31 through May 1. Unmetered legal spaces may also be free during the paid season.

Official Parking Resources

• Ocean City parking rates, maps, lots and permits
• NJ Transit shore bus schedules