A common topic around Wrightsville, Carolina & Kure Beaches this time of the year is, "When do they start charging for parking. Am I going to get a ticket for parking there?" If that’s you, don't worry. We have the answers to all your must-know Wilmington beach parking questions below!
Wrightsville Beach, NC Parking Information:
The town of Wrightsville Beach partners with Pivot Parking for its municipal parking program. Paid parking is in effect daily from March 1st through October 31st except where otherwise posted. The paid lots are in effect from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm in the South Lumina lot, the East and West Salisbury Street lots, the North Lumina lot, and the North Wrightsville Beach lot near Shell Island. You may also find paid parking at Wynn Plaza from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more details on parking locations and specific times the meters run, visit the Town of Wrightsville Beach Parking HERE.
- Rates for Parking on Wrightsville Beach: $5/hour or $25/day for non-premium locations, $6/hour or $30/day for premium locations
Carolina Beach, NC Parking Information:
Parking is enforced from March 1st through October 31st. During this time, paid parking is in effect from 9:00 am until 8:00 pm seven days a week. Premium parking lots have paid parking enforcement year-round. Parking is available by the hour, day, and week. For more details on parking locations and fees, visit the Town of Carolina Beach Parking HERE.
- Carolina Beach Parking Rates: $6/hour or $25/day for lots, $5/hour for metered street parking
- Weekly Visitor Parking Pass: $100
Kure Beach, NC Parking Information:
While some free parking may exist around Kure Beach, most lots do charge. Paid parking is managed by Premium Parking. Handicap parking, as well as Purple Heart Recipients license plates, are always free. They also have weekly parking passes available as well as a full season pass. Parking is enforced from March 15th through September 30th from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more details on parking locations and an interactive parking map, visit the Town of Kure Beach HERE.
- Rates for Parking on Kure Beach: $6/hour or $25/day
- Seasonal Permit Fees:
- Weekly Pass: $125
- Passes purchased February 1 – February 7, 2026: $50
- Passes purchased February 8 – February 21, 2026: $100
- Passes purchased after February 22, 2026: $250
Avoid Parking Fees and Stay Oceanfront Instead!
Want to skip the beach parking fees altogether? Book your next trip to the Carolina coast directly with Bryant Real Estate. Our oceanfront homes come with parking spaces and put you just steps away from the waves! Plus, when you book direct, you avoid the hidden fees and extra commissions that online travel agencies add on to your bottom line. Keep more money in your pocket on your next vacation. Browse our Bryant Real Estate properties and book direct today!