OCEAN CITY, Md. — Visitors and residents of Ocean City, enjoy free parking while you can because starting April 1, paid parking returns. This year, it’s more expensive than ever.
For some, the rising costs are just another reason to find alternative ways to get around town. “We ride our bikes around town, and so we avoid the parking issue entirely,” said Anna VonLindenberg, a frequent visitor to Ocean City.
This is the first parking rate increase in Ocean City since 2020. The street and municipal lot rates have increased by $0.50 per hour, while the Inlet Lot rates have gone up by $1.00 per hour.
Parking Rates Breakdown:
April 1 – May 22:
Monday – Thursday: Free parking
Friday – Sunday: $2.50 per hour ($3.50 per hour at the Inlet Lot and ocean blocks near the beach)
May 23 – Sept. 30:
Daily rate: $3.50 per hour ($4.50 per hour at the Inlet Lot and ocean blocks near the beach)
Oct. 1 – Oct. 31:
Monday – Thursday: Free parking
Friday – Sunday: $2.50 per hour ($3.50 per hour at the Inlet Lot and ocean blocks near the beach)
Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan said the adjustments were necessary to cover municipal costs. “All of those costs, our employee cost, everything we do to keep Ocean City clean and safe. It all revolves around us being able to pay our employees,” Meehan said.
For those looking to park in the Inlet Lot or ocean block spaces near the beach, prices will rise by an additional dollar. “The most important thing to people is their time. And if they have parking available, even if the rates are a little more, that’s a benefit to the public as well,” Meehan added.
Despite the price hikes, VonLindenberg doesn’t believe the increases will deter visitors. “I imagine the lots will continue to be full. Supply and demand,” she said.
As the economics of coastal beach towns continue to shift, the cost of parking is rising.