Parking in Cape May
In high season, finding parking places in Cape May can be exasperating. The center of town collects much of the traffic and has few available free parking spaces. Most spaces are metered. The good news is that no matter where you park in Cape May, you're probably no more than a 20-minute walk to the center of town.
Parking Meters
Metered spaces are everywhere in Cape May; but be aware if you park at a meter, it will cost you a quarter for 15 minutes. The penalty for overtime parking is a $32.00 parking ticket. The meters around the Washington Street Mall accept quarters, Visa and MasterCard. They feature a digital meter box into which you enter your space number. Traditional meters along Beach Avenue and side streets accept quarters. Meters are in effect every day from May 1 through October, between 10AM and 10PM.
Look carefully when you park! If the space has a painted number and a round metal plate next to it (see below), it's a metered space. Don't assume, because you don't see a traditional meter next to the space, that the parking is free.
Free Parking
During the summer months, free parking is offered in the Cape May Elementary School lot on Lafayette Street. Shuttle trolleys run from the lot to locations in town on a regular basis. There are free parking spaces on many side streets throughout town. These typically fill up early in the morning, though if you like driving around, you can find occasional spaces open during the day.
Parking for Dinner
In the evenings, several businesses offer parking spaces for a flat fee (usually between $5 and $7). While this isn't necessarily more economical, it can be less of a headache. 410 Bank Street and Frescos validate parking for the adjacent lot (look for a sign).
Parking at your accommodation
Due to the historic nature of the town, not all Cape May accommodations are able to offer on-site parking. Always ask your accommodation about parking. Many have parking permits for lots around Cape May. In some cases, you're on your own and must find parking for the duration of your stay. In this case, we recommend finding a free spot early in the morning, parking your car, and only moving it if absolutely necessary.