OCEAN CITY, Md. - Tomorrow is the last day parking will be free in Ocean City until October 1st. Starting May 23rd, paid parking will be everyday, and prices around town are also increasing.
This marks the first parking rate increase in Ocean City since 2020. Street and municipal lot rates have increased by $0.50 per hour, while the Inlet Lot and ocean block areas near the beach have gone up by $1.00 per hour.
Sam Delauter, owner of Sunrise Diner right next to the Boardwalk, said he hears concerns regularly from customers. “I hear it from the customers,” Delauter said. “People say, we come down here and we used to get a room for $50 a night, but now a room is minimum $200, and then you're paying for parking on top of that.”
Parking Rates Breakdown
May 23 – Sept. 30:
Daily rate: $3.50 per hour
Inlet Lot and ocean blocks near the beach: $4.50 per hour
Oct. 1 – Oct. 31:
Monday – Thursday: Free parking
Friday – Sunday: $2.50 per hour
Inlet Lot and ocean blocks near the beach: $3.50 per hour
Town officials say the rate adjustments are necessary to keep up with municipal expenses, including employee wages and services that help maintain Ocean City's cleanliness and safety.
Sam Delauter, owner of Sunrise Diner right next to the Boardwalk, said he hears concerns regularly from customers.
While the new fees may strain some visitors’ budgets, Delauter said he understands the reasoning behind the decision. “The town needs increased revenue as well,” he said. “So I kind of understand that too. And the town's doing a lot to put on new events and bring a lot of new people in. So business is up. I haven't noticed any drop-off yet.”
Paid parking will remain in effect from May 24 through October 31st, so anyone planning a beach day this summer should be prepared — and make sure their parking app is ready.