Whether you frequent the beach during the summer or have a few short trips to visit friends planned, paying for parking can be just as much of a headache as finding it.  

While most parking areas at the Delaware beaches require payment or passes to park, some spots are offering limited free parking for whoever gets to it first.  

If you want to save some cash this summer, here’s how you can enjoy free parking in Delaware beach towns.  

Free parking in Dewey Beach  

Dewey offers paid parking on all public streets from May 15 to Sept. 15, but free parking every Monday, excluding federal holidays, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. 

For those with a handicapped placard or license plate, accessible parking is available for free in any zone. Your placard or plate serves as your permit.   

Free parking in Rehoboth Beach 

Paid parking by meter or permit in Rehoboth is enforced from May 15 to Sept. 15. Permits are required from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and metered spaces are required from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free parking is available after these times.  

Rehoboth requires those with handicapped permits to pay meter fees or purchase a parking permit during times when parking payment is enforced. 

Free parking in Fenwick Island 

Parking permits and paid spots are required from May 15 through Sept. 15 between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. in Fenwick. Free parking is available after this time.  

Fenwick requires those with handicapped permits to pay meter fees or purchase a parking permit during times when parking payment is enforced. 

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Free parking in Bethany Beach  

Public parking in Bethany requires payment or a permit from May 15 to Sept. 15. Parking rates are enforced from Hollywood Street to First Street from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and on all other streets from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.  

Free parking is available after these times.  

Bethany requires those with handicapped permits to pay meter fees or purchase a parking permit during times when parking payment is enforced. 

Free parking in Lewes

Lewes enforces paid parking from May 1 to Sept. 30 at the beaches and until Oct. 14 downtown. Hourly parking costs $1.50 at metered spots downtown and $2.50 at metered spots at the beach from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free parking is available after this time.  

Lewes requires those with handicapped permits to pay meter fees or purchase a parking permit during times when parking payment is enforced. 

There are several areas where free parking is available for longer periods in lots located at: 

• Franklin and Schley avenues, which has electric vehicle charging stations 
• Roosevelt Inlet, at the end of Cedar Avenue near the inlet 
• Beebe Healthcare, off Market and Fourth streets, on evenings and weekends only  
• Otis Smith Park, which has electric vehicle charging stations 
• Lewes Little League, between July and March only 
• The Lewes Library Trailhead 

DART Beach Bus, Park & Ride 

For a completely hands off experience, the Delaware Department of Transportation offers the Beach Bus shuttle service through DART, beginning May 20 and lasting through Sept. 8.

DelDOT saw a 16% increase in Beach Bus ridership from 2022 to 2023, with a whopping 242,566 passengers documented last year, the agency said, so if you haven’t tried it for yourself yet, you’re missing out.  

The shuttle operates daily with increased frequencies from early morning to late at night. Exact times depend on which line passengers are aboard.

The Rehoboth Park & Ride is on 20055 Shuttle Road off of Delaware Route 1. The Lewes Transit Center is at 17616 Coastal Highway. Parking is free at both Park & Ride lots.  

Upon boarding, bus fare costs $2 per trip, $4 for a daily pass, $16 for a seven-day consecutive day pass or $60 for a 30-day consecutive day pass. Student fare is $1 and reduced fare is 80 cents for those 65 years of age and older, or with a certified disability. Blind passengers ride free. 

With the service’s family bargain, two adults with two children (46 inches or less) ride round trip to the beach on the 305 Beach Connection (Magenta Line) for $20 with a three-zone daily pass. 

Buses stop at the beaches, lots and nearby areas including: 

• Rehoboth Beach and the Rehoboth Boardwalk  
• Lewes  
• Long Neck  
• Dewey Beach  
• Bethany Beach  
• South Bethany Beach  
• Fenwick Island  
• Ocean City, Maryland  
• Millsboro  
• Georgetown 

Stops are also made at the outlets. 

If that’s not enticing enough, all buses are air conditioned and equipped with wheelchair lifts. 

Passengers can use the free DART Transit app to view bus stops, get real-time bus information and plan their trips. Payment also can be made from your phone with DART Pass mobile payment. 

Deauville Beach visitor’s guide: Entry fees, annual passes announced for Deauville Beach, on sale beginning May 15

Bus passes can be purchased at DART First State Transportation stores, sales outlets, or online. 

While at the beach, bus passes can be purchased from: 

• Acme at 18578 Coastal Highway, #13, in Rehoboth Beach. It offers seven-day passes and Paratransit strip tickets.  
• Big Oaks Campground (seasonal) at 35567 Big Oaks Lane in Rehoboth Beach. It offers seven-day passes.  
• Cape Henlopen Senior Center at 11 Christian Street in Rehoboth Beach. It offers Paratransit strip tickets.  
• DART First State — Lewes Transit Center at 17616 Coastal Highway in Lewes. It offers daily, seven-day and 30-day passes.  
• DART First State Rehoboth Park & Ride (seasonal) at 20055 Shuttle Road in Rehoboth Beach. It offers daily, seven-day and 30-day passes.  
• Lewes Senior Center at 32083 Janice Road in Lewes. It offers Senior Citizens Affordable Taxi tickets, also known as SCAT.  
• United Checking Cashing at 662 North DuPont Boulevard in Milford. It offers all passes.   

Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys’tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com.