Let’s face it, parking at the Delaware Beaches can be something of a hassle if you don’t know what you’re doing. No worries, this local has it all spelled out for you! New to the area or visiting? Here are a few need-to-know facts when venturing into Lewes, Rehoboth, Dewey, or Bethany Beach during the summer season.
Parking meters in historic Lewes are in effect from May 1 to October 15. Metered parking is limited to three hours. There is also a parking lot at Savannah Rd. and the canal. Lewes Beach also has a metered parking lot. Parking on non-metered streets is free!
In Rehoboth Beach, parking meters go into effect the Friday before Memorial Day, from 10 a.m. until midnight. All meters are $1.50 an hour and head-in parking only. There are several change machines located along Rehoboth Avenue, and change is also available at the Parking Meter Division, behind City Hall. While credit cards cannot be used, many meters permit payment using Parkmobile. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., a parking permit is required if you park in a non-metered space. Parking Permits are available for sale at the following locations:
- Parking Meter Division - 30½ Lake Avenue (behind City Hall).
- Rehoboth Avenue coming into town after crossing the drawbridge.
- Bayard Avenue coming into town after crossing over Silver Lake.
Things are a little different in Dewey Beach. Meters are in effect from May 15 to September 15 and you must have a permit to park anywhere there’s not a meter. These rules are in effect from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Permits are available to purchase at the Town Hall.
Finally, in Bethany Beach, “the quiet resort,” meters are also $1.50 an hour. Meters are in effect from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. There are nine change machines located throughout the town, and most meters have been converted to pay stations that take credit cards as well as quarters. Pay stations issue tickets that allow you to use your unused time in other locations. In Bethany, you can purchase a parking permit to use at metered spaces (except for Garfield Parkway). Only residents can park on residential streets between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and they must have permits. Residential parking is free to the public before and after that time.
A few tips:
- Don’t park in private driveways or business parking lots (unless you’re patronizing that business), you WILL be towed!
- Traipsing between Rehoboth and Dewey? Ride the Jolly Trolley!
- Save a lot of time, money, and effort by using the DART bus! Park at their lot just off Route 1 and they’ll get you to the beach of your choice.
- Keep a roll of quarters in your car. You’ll thank yourself later.
- In Rehoboth Beach, try the City Hall parking lot or the lot behind the library.
- In Bethany Beach, the post office and PNC Bank have off-hours parking.
- GOOD LUCK!
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