Myrtle Beach Parking: A Complete Guide for Visitors
Picture this: you arrive in Myrtle Beach, taking in the exquisite sites and completely ready to immerse yourself in all things local. However, you realize it’s more crowded than anticipated, and you’re unsure of where to park your vehicle.
Don’t let this spoil your trip or make you late for your coveted kayaking session! Prepare in advance, and familiarize yourself with the best parking in Myrtle Beach.
Our helpful guide walks you through the ins and outs of Myrtle Beach parking, so you’ll be well-informed while planning your trip. You’ll eliminate the guesswork of finding parking spots and instead spend more time enjoying the best that Myrtle Beach has to offer! Thankfully, this Myrtle Beach parking guide explains how and when to pay for parking.
The Ins and Outs of Parking Meters in Myrtle Beach
The City of Myrtle Beach has paid parking for anyone visiting its town. It’s important to understand these parking rules because you don’t want a parking ticket — especially on vacation!
Anyone looking to park between 9:00 a.m. and midnight must pay for parking. Myrtle Beach’s rule applies seven days a week, without exception.
Fortunately, Myrtle Beach has no shortage of parking meters, but locating one depends on how busy of an area you’re visiting, and the time of year. Assuming parking meters are readily available, familiarize yourself with hourly rates ahead of time, keeping your stay as enjoyable as possible while removing the guesswork of paid parking.
Here is some information about cheap parking in Myrtle Beach:
- City-wide beach access and street ends cost $3 per hour (an all-day parking pass costs $15 if this is easier)
- Anyone looking to visit the Core Business District pays $2 per hour, with all-day parking passes unavailable
- Secondary areas cost $2 per hour, with all-day parking passes available for $10
Secondary areas include metered or signed street parking between 29th Avenue South and Sixth Avenue North. To clarify, this is between Kings Highway and Ocean Boulevard. Other secondary areas include metered and signed street parking between 16th Avenue North and 67th Avenue North.
Can You Purchase Week-Long Parking Passes?
Of course, you can! These parking passes are ideal for anyone looking to take a seven-day trip to Myrtle Beach, embracing the “set it and forget” mindset with all things parking, especially when exploring the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.
Located at the Pavilion Parking Garage, visitors can purchase a seven-day parking pass for $50. This pass provides access to Myrtle Beach’s paid public meters, offering convenience at an affordable price. However, it’s important to note that the pass is valid only for seven consecutive days and cannot be used for non-consecutive days throughout the year.
Travelers can visit Reef Parking in the Pavilion Parking Garage at 914 North Kings Highway or call them at 843-626-7275.
Another valid parking pass option is to purchase non-resident parking placards. They cost $100 for the year, and give non-residents plenty of opportunities to park throughout Myrtle Beach.
These passes are also available from Reef Parking, and have the same guidelines as the week-long parking passes, in that they’re only good in the following areas:
- Metered spaces
- Street ends
- Specified city areas
Keep in mind that the city excludes these placards from “decal only” parking areas.
Are There Exclusions to Paid Parking in Myrtle Beach?
Parking exclusions are state-wide in South Carolina, ensuring certain individuals receive appropriate parking access regardless of time of year, day, or resident status.
The following vehicle displays receive free parking:
- Purple Heart
- Handicap Placard
- Valid and official handicapped hang tag
- Medal of Honor license tag
- Disabled American Veterans license tag
Vehicles displaying these plates qualify for free parking at public parking meters, as long as the meters are publicly operated. Active-duty military members and veterans with military license plates are also eligible for free public parking.
Myrtle Beach Parking Tips: Have Multiple Payment Methods Available
One of the most commonly accepted payment forms for parking meters is U.S. coins, although some accept credit cards. Yes, credit cards are a popular form of payment in the U.S., but it’s still wise to have change for parking meters.
You can always look for alternative pay stations. These stations typically offer different payment options, and may even feature contactless payment methods from smartphones.
What About Private Myrtle Beach Parking Lots?
Although typically a bit pricier, Myrtle Beach has private parking lots. They might still charge during the off season, even if other areas don’t.
Some private residences offer paid access to private garages and driveways, depending on your needs and budget.
If you can’t find parking, there’s the Coast RTA Public Transit.
What Are the Penalties for Expired Metered Parking?
Myrtle Beach strictly enforces its parking meters, so make sure you pay. Unpaid parking citations start at $30 and go up from there.
The fine can double if you fail to pay your parking citation for 30 days. Tickets postmarked after the 30-day mark qualify for a fine increase, although appeal forms are available.
You Forgot Your Wallet: Now What?
Don’t let this sour your experience in Myrtle Beach, as it happens to the best of us! You can park for free if you know where to look. However, you’re limited to certain beaches and restrictions based on the time of year.
Anyone in the Garden City area (with access to Horry County Beach) benefits from free parking, including Nash Street access.
Additionally, Surfside Beach and North Myrtle Beach conveniently offer free parking, but only between October 31 and March 1. Since Myrtle Beach is a popular travel destination all year long, visiting in the fall, winter, and spring months boasts plenty of incredible activities, so embrace this time of year and its free parking in select locations!
Enjoy Your Trip With Myrtle Beach Parking!
Whether you’re embracing Myrtle Beach for a weekend or a week, there’s no shortage of places to park, from paid metered parking to private parking lots. Just remember to plan your trip, bring plenty of U.S. coins for parking meters, and if you have a placard that qualifies for free parking, be sure to display it.
Familiarize yourself with Myrtle Beach parking before traveling and you’ll have an exquisite time! You can start by signing up for MobileBrochure’s newsletter, so you never miss a beat while planning your Myrtle Beach vacation.
Content on this page is subject to change. Please contact the locations mentioned to see if promotions, hours, pricing, etc. are still valid.
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