Parking at Beaches (South Carlsbad State Beach) (school, live)

[lyner]

Let's say you live ~15 minutes away from the beach. How is parking once you get to the area?

• Is it hard to find a spot?
• Are there dedicated lots? Is it street parking?
• Do you have to pay for parking? Is it free, metered, hourly, or daily charged?
• How does it vary on time of day?
• How does it vary between weekends and weekdays?

You can answer in general terms or be specific on certain beaches. However, for the time-being, I am most concerned with South Carlsbad State Beach so if you have experience with this particular area, that would be great.

Thanks in advance!

[ShelbyGirl1]

1) yes
2)yes and yes
3)Parking in the designated lots are pay, hourly. Street parking is free, but you better be there very early.
4 and 5)It's never NOT busy, especially as the weather gets warmer. Weekdays maybe slightly less busy. It also depends on the surfing forecast.

[lyner]

Originally Posted by ShelbyGirl1

1) yes
2)yes and yes
3)Parking in the designated lots are pay, hourly. Street parking is free, but you better be there very early.
4 and 5)It's never NOT busy, especially as the weather gets warmer. Weekdays maybe slightly less busy. It also depends on the surfing forecast.

Thank you for the info. What is typically the hourly rate for the lots in which you pay?

[1AngryTaxPayer]

You are better off bringing a bike, parking further away(free) and riding in.

[bloom]

Originally Posted by lyner

Let's say you live ~15 minutes away from the beach. How is parking once you get to the area?

• Is it hard to find a spot?
• Are there dedicated lots? Is it street parking?
• Do you have to pay for parking? Is it free, metered, hourly, or daily charged?
• How does it vary on time of day?
• How does it vary between weekends and weekdays?

You can answer in general terms or be specific on certain beaches. However, for the time-being, I am most concerned with South Carlsbad State Beach so if you have experience with this particular area, that would be great.

Thanks in advance!

general:
1. depends which beach and time of day; often there is frequent turnover
2. yes, yes
3. mostly free
4. early morning, late afternoon best
5. w-day > w-endy, obviously

[ShelbyGirl1]

Originally Posted by lyner

Thank you for the info. What is typically the hourly rate for the lots in which you pay?

We were just there the other day and took a look...I think it was $4 for 0-2 hrs and it went up from there, Rangers driving and checking for payment. You pay at automatic machines as you enter the lots. And Handicap permits pay as well.

Ps. See my post below.....I misquoted the rate...sorry!

[ShelbyGirl1]

Here ya go...just found this:
Hourly rates:
Monday-Thursday, 0-1 hr $4.00; 1-2 hrs $6.00; all day $12
Friday -Sunday and holidays, 0-1 hr $6.00; 1-2 hrs $8.00, 2-3 hrs $10, 3-4 hrs $12,all day $15

[lyner]

I forgot to express my gratitude for the follow-up information.

Thank you!

[Fran66]

Originally Posted by lyner

Let's say you live ~15 minutes away from the beach. How is parking once you get to the area?

• Is it hard to find a spot?
• Are there dedicated lots? Is it street parking?
• Do you have to pay for parking? Is it free, metered, hourly, or daily charged?
• How does it vary on time of day?
• How does it vary between weekends and weekdays?

You can answer in general terms or be specific on certain beaches. However, for the time-being, I am most concerned with South Carlsbad State Beach so if you have experience with this particular area, that would be great.

Thanks in advance!

As someone said, as the weather gets warmer, the beaches get busier. But I found that between September and May (when school is in session), it's not all that busy Monday through Friday. Also, during the summer, it's not very busy at all before 8 a.m., even on weekends. (All year round, the surfers are there before 8 a.m.) Year round, I used to go at 6 a.m. and leave before 8 a.m. But then I wasn't at all interested in going in the water.