As of March 2025, here is the latest information on parking fees for the 2025 season at several popular beaches near Wilmington, North Carolina:
Carolina Beach
Parking in Carolina Beach has changed yet again. Premium parking lots enforce paid parking year round and cost $7/hr or $35/day. See below for non-premium spots.
- Enforcement Period: March 1, 2025, to October 31, 2025
- Enforcement Hours: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Regular Rates: (Not Premium) – Operated by Text2Park
- Hourly Rate: $6.00
- Daily Rate: $25.00
- Weekly Rate: $100.00
Permit Options:
- Residential Annual Parking Pass: $30 Available to residents and property/business owners of Carolina and Kure Beach
- Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) Parking Pass [Golf Carts]: $100 Available to all individuals
- Central Business District (CBD) Employee Parking Pass: Available to non-resident employees of CBD businesses
Additional Notes:
- Annual residential parking passes are valid in specific town-operated locations
- Certain lots require payment from all patrons, regardless of permit status
Kure Beach
- Enforcement Period: March 15, 2025, to September 30, 2025
- Enforcement Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Rates:
- Hourly Rate: $6.00
- Daily Rate: $25.00
- Weekly Rate: $125.00
Seasonal Permits:
- February 1 – February 8, 2025: $50.00
- February 9 – February 28, 2025: $100.00
- From March 1, 2025: $225.00
Additional Notes:
- Local business employees can obtain a seasonal permit for $75.00
- Marked handicap spaces are free with a valid placard or license plate
- Purple Heart recipients with appropriate license plates may park for free in any marked space
North Topsail Island
- Enforcement Period: Year around
- Enforcement Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Rates: (Operated By Surfcast)
- Hourly: $5.00
- Daily: $25.00
- Weekly: $100.00
- Annual: $250.00
Oak Island
- Enforcement Period: April 1, 2025, to September 30, 2025
- Enforcement Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
“No Bumper, no parking” | Includes Splash Pad & Middleton Playground
Rates: (Operated By Surf Cast)
- Hourly Rate: $5.00
- Daily Rate: $20.00
- Weekly Rate: $80.00
Seasonal Permits:
- Non-Resident Pass: $225 per pass
- Residents: $10 per pass (up to 3)
Additional Notes:
- Sales of seasonal parking permits began on January 20, 2025
- Bulk permits are available starting March 1, 2025
- Resident-only parking spaces are enforced daily from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Surf City
- Enforcement Period: March 1, 2025, to October 31, 2025
- Enforcement Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Rates:
- Hourly Rates: $3 – $5 (depending on location)
- Daily Rate: $25
- Weekly Rate: $80
Seasonal Passes: $300 for non-residents
Additional Notes:
- The program has expanded to over 1,300 parking spaces
- Revenue from the program has increased annually since its inception
Topsail Beach
- Enforcement Period: April 1, 2025, to October 31, 2025 (will start March 1 next year)
- Enforcement Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Rates: (Operated by SurfCast By Otto)
- Hourly Rate: $6 (up to 4 hours)
- Daily Rate: $30
Wrightsville Beach
- Enforcement Period: March 1, 2025, to October 31, 2025
- Enforcement Hours: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Non-Premium) and 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Premium)
Rates: (Operated by Pivot Parking)
Premium Rates: Basically anywhere close to the beach on public beach access streets and parking lots like at Johnnie Mercer Pier (Access 16)
- Hourly Rate: $6.00
- Daily Rate: $35.00
- Weekly Rate: $150.00
Non-Premium: Places like WB Park, Town Hall, Museum or Wrightsville Beach UMC + On-street parking.
- Hourly Rate: $5.00
- Daily Rate: $30.00
- Weekly Rate: $150.00
Additional Notes:
- Residents are not allowed to park at designated spots.
- Seasonal Passes: Not available for non-residents
General Recommendations
Things change, so be sure to visit each website listed above to avoid any parking violations. They will ticket if your vehicle is found without a paid parking voucher during designated hours.
Driving on the Beach
Did you know you can purchase passes to drive right out onto certain local beaches? Below are the details as well as the fees associated:
Near Wilmington, North Carolina, there are two primary locations where you can drive on the beach: Freeman Park in Carolina Beach and Fort Fisher State Recreation Area in Kure Beach. Below are the details for each:
1. Freeman Park (Carolina Beach)
Location: Northern end of Carolina Beach, accessible via Canal Drive.
Permits and Fees:
- Daily Access: $40 per day (purchased at entrance via 24-hour pay station)
- Annual Pass: $200 (available online or at the Carolina Beach Parking Office or Town Hall).
- Vehicle Requirements: 4WD vehicles only.
- Hours: Open year-round, 24 hours a day.
2. Fort Fisher State Recreation Area (Kure Beach)
Location: 1000 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach, NC 28449.
Driving Hours:
- September 15 – March 31: Open 24 Hour
- April 1 – September 14: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM/8:30 PM
Permits and Fees: Passes can be purchased onsite 8AM – 5PM
- Daily Pass: $15 (weekdays) – $25 (weekends)
- Annual Pass: $150
- Vehicle Requirements: 4WD vehicles only.
- Drivers should lower their tire pressure to 20 psi at most to avoid getting stuck, and should carry along boards, a shovel, and other equipment to get out of soft sand as needed.
- Watch for seasonal sea turtle or bird nesting closures, which may occur in the summer months within Fort Fisher State Recreation Area and Zeke’s island Reserve.
3. North Topsail Beach 4×4 Area
Location: North end of North Topsail Beach, accessible from River Road.
- April 1 – September 30: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- October 1 – March 30: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Permits and Fees:
- Daily Pass: $25
- Weekly Pass: $100
- Annual Pass: $250
- Purchase: Through the SurfCAST by Otto app (available for Apple and Android devices).
Vehicle Requirements: 4WD vehicles only.
- Paved Parking Lot: Available at 3962 River Drive (end of River Road before entering the permissible driving area) for visitors without 4WD.
Gate Closure:
- Gate is closed and locked during prohibited driving hours.
- Town officials check the area before locking the gate to ensure it is clear.
- Pedestrians still have access after the gate is closed.
General Recommendations:
- Ensure your vehicle is equipped with essentials (tire pressure gauge, shovel, tow rope, etc.).
- Always adhere to local rules and regulations.
- Contact park officials or visit official websites for the most up-to-date information.
Looking for FREE Beach Parking?
Aren’t we all, friends? If you’re looking for free beach parking near Wilmington, NC, there are several options to consider. Fort Fisher State Recreation Area in Kure Beach offers free parking at the main visitor lot. It does tend to fill up quickly, especially in the summer months.
Wrightsville Beach has limited free parking spots, but the time runs out fairly quickly. Caswell Beach provides free parking at multiple public beach access points year-round. Sunset Beach offers free public parking near the pier and on nearby side streets, while Topsail Beach has limited free parking available during the off-peak season. My best advice as a local is arrive early, especially during peak season, as these spots can fill up quickly and encourage yourself to visit the beach when paid parking isn’t enforced (sunrise or sunset at select beaches).
Good luck everyone!
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