Headache-Free Parking? There’s an App for That in Ocean City
If you’ve ever spent part of a sunny summer day circling Ocean City, looking for an open spot, you’re not alone. It’s been a familiar frustration for visitors and locals alike, until now.
This week, the city officially rolled out a brand-new “Parking Spot Finder” system aimed at making parking in America’s Greatest Family Resort easier than ever. Using a combination of high-tech sensors, real-time data, and an easy-to-use mobile app, the new system enables drivers to quickly locate available spaces in city-owned lots, thereby reducing both stress and traffic congestion associated with finding the perfect spot.
As part of the city’s ongoing “Always a Spot in Ocean City” campaign, this system is designed with visitors in mind. “It should be a great convenience to everyone,” said Mayor Jay Gillian. “And it’s a way to support our local businesses, maximize parking lot usage, and enhance traffic flow citywide. We’re always looking for ways to improve the Ocean City experience.”
Here’s how it works:
Sensors have been installed in key municipal lots throughout the island. These sensors provide live updates on parking availability. Visitors can download the Ocean City Parking Spot Finder app for free (available on both iOS and Android) to check availability in real time from their phones. Available spots will also be displayed on roadside displays at each lot.
Currently, the system covers several of the most popular municipal lots, including:
Fox Trot Lot (between 5th & 6th streets, beach block, enterence on 5th street. A prime spot for the north end of the boardwalk)
Golf Lot (6th street between Ocean and Atlantic Avenues, Across from the High School )
Baker Lot (8th street and the boardwalk, Ideal for Music Pier)
Delta Lot (Moorlyn Terrace (between 8th and 9th street) beach block, close to the Music Pier and central Boardwalk)
Beta Lot (9th street, perfect for Boardwalk and beachgoers)
- Alpha Lot (9th street, perfect for Boardwalk and beachgoers)
The Ocean City Parking Spot Finder app is designed with simplicity in mind. It’s easy for anyone to use. A color-coded system lets you instantly see which lots have plenty of spots, which are filling up, and which are full. The app also displays the number of available spaces in each lot, taking the guesswork out of parking. The app not only shows which municipal lots have availability, but it also provides turn-by-turn directions to help you get there. The interactive map also highlights popular Ocean City destinations and attractions, so you can quickly choose the lot that’s closest to where you’re headed.
For many, this will come as a welcome change. Instead of rolling the dice and driving around in hopes of stumbling upon an open space, drivers can now head straight to a lot with availability, saving time, reducing traffic backups, and making their trip into town much smoother.
The Ocean City Parking Spot Finder app is just one more way Ocean City is working to make every visit to the island a little easier and a lot more enjoyable.