Locals and frequent Delaware beach visitors almost always rave about the fall season: cooler weather, a reprieve in solid Coastal Highway traffic and a little more availability at favorite restaurants.
But one of the best feelings? Being able to pull into a downtown Lewes or Rehoboth Avenue parking spot and not have to worry about paying to park.
Finally, the end of parking season is upon us. While many beach towns cover up their meters and stop charging for parking on Sept. 15, there are some variations.
So, here’s a roundup of what you need to know from Lewes to Fenwick Island.
2022 PARKING:How much will it cost to park at the Delaware beaches? Parking changes coming this summer
Lewes
Lewes is unique because it has one of the longest parking seasons, and it distinguishes its downtown and beach parking. Parking at one of Lewes’ two municipal beaches is more expensive than the downtown rates, but those meters become inactive sooner.
During each of the parking seasons, enforcement happens between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Downtown parking
These parking areas include the meters lining Second Street and some metered lots like the ones on Front Street or Third Street. The 2022 rate for downtown parking was $1.50 per hour.
The parking season is May 1 through Oct. 14.
Even when parking does become free, pay attention to the signs because some spots still have time limits ranging from 15 minutes to three hours. And you can still get ticketed for exceeding those limits.
Beach parking
Lewes has two beaches now known as Savannah Beach, appropriately at the end of Savannah Road near the Dairy Queen, and Johnnie Walker Beach, off Georgia Avenue and across from the East of Maui surf shop.
The parking season at these beaches last May 1 through Sept. 30.
The rates at these beaches is $2.50 per hour, and there is an 11-hour time limit.
Rehoboth Beach
The parking season in Rehoboth Beach now runs from May 15 to Sept. 15.
During this time, meters are in effect from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and permits are enforced from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
There is a universal parking rate of $3 per hour in Rehoboth. Another tip: Don’t back into a spot because Rehoboth requires head-in parking.
More parking information is at www.cityofrehoboth.com/parking-information.
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Dewey Beach
Dewey Beach enforces parking from May 15 to Sept. 15.
During this time, all public streets require people to pay through the ParkMobile app or use a permit. There is a four-hour minimum in any “permit parking spots” marked with signs that say Zone 4012, which includes most of the parking in Dewey. That means people will pay a minimum of $10 to park here.
Parking rates are $2.50 Monday-Wednesday and $3 per hour Thursday-Sunday.
For more, visit Dewey Beach’s website.
BEACH TRAFFIC:This longtime family business is leaving Coastal Highway to make way for beach traffic
Bethany Beach
This resort town’s seasonal parking matches both Rehoboth and Dewey and is active May 15 through Sept. 15.
The per-hour parking rate is $2.50 in Bethany Beach.
More parking information is on Bethany Beach’s website.
South Bethany
Following its neighbors to the north, South Bethany requires parking permits from May 15 to Sept. 15.
Permits cost $20 each in South Bethany.
For more parking and beach rules, see South Bethany’s website.
Fenwick Island
Parking permits are required in Fenwick Island from May 15 through Sept. 15.
In Fenwick, people can park for free on the side streets after 4 p.m.
More information is on the town’s website.
SHOULDER SEASON:The Delaware beaches don’t quit after Labor Day. What to know about fall events, parking
State Parks
Delaware State Parks, such as Cape Henlopen, Delaware Seashore or Fenwick Island, require an entrance fee, which covers parking.
Parks charge this fee from March 1 through Nov. 30.
For more about the State Parks’ admissions or annual passes, visit destateparks.com.
Emily Lytle covers Sussex County from the inland towns to the beaches, with a focus on health-related issues. Got a story she should tell? Contact her at elytle@delmarvanow.com or 302-332-0370. Follow her on Twitter at @emily3lytle.
