OCEAN CITY, Md. — As the tourist season approaches, Ocean City’s paid parking program returns this week, bringing with it the highest rates the town has ever seen and a shift away from traditional kiosks.
Starting Friday through Sunday, paid parking will be in effect, with rates varying throughout the year. Also, all kiosks have been removed except for those at the Inlet Lot, requiring visitors to pay through their phone.
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)
As the tourist season approaches, Ocean City’s paid parking program returns this week.
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 has seen a steeper increase of $1.00 per hour.
Local Kenneth Kirchoff expressed his frustration with the new rates. “Do you want to drive people away? Do you want them to go to Virginia Beach, or do you want them to stay in Ocean City? You should make things enticing for them to come here, not try to drive them out,” Kirchoff said.
According to Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan, the parking price adjustments were made primarily to help cover municipal costs and to maintain safety and cleanliness throughout the town.
Kirchoff believes the price hikes could have a negative impact. “It’s really hard for families to come down here as it is nowadays, and to keep up with the parking rate—I think it’s just ridiculous,".
For now, parking remains free Monday through Thursday. However, visitors should prepare to pay on weekends and, come May 23, every day of the week.