Navigate Ocean City’s Night in Venice Like a Pro: Parking, Shuttles, and Road Rules Explained

To ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for all attendees of Night in Venice, Ocean City implements a comprehensive approach to transportation and traffic management. This includes robust free parking and shuttle services, along with crucial road closures and temporary traffic patterns designed to enhance safety and minimize congestion. Understanding these provisions is key to a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Seamless Access: Parking and Shuttle Services

Ocean City provides comprehensive free parking and shuttle services for Night in Venice, commencing at 4 p.m. on event day.

Designated free parking lots are located at:

• Ocean City Municipal Airport: 25th Street and Bay Avenue
• Soccer Field at Tennessee Avenue: Off Shelter Road
• Ocean City Community Center: 1735 Simpson Avenue

These locations offer ample space and divert a significant volume of vehicles away from the main thoroughfares and residential streets directly adjacent to the parade route. Shuttles will conveniently transport spectators from these parking areas directly to various street ends along the parade route. This makes access to prime viewing spots for Ocean City’s Night in Venice incredibly easy, eliminating the need for attendees to search for parking in crowded areas. The shuttle service also includes a dedicated stop at the Bayside Center for those with tickets to that special viewing area. This free service operates until 10 p.m. to ensure that attendees can return to their vehicles safely and comfortably after the parade and fireworks display conclude. Utilizing the free shuttle service is highly encouraged to avoid parking challenges and ensure a more relaxed arrival and departure.

Navigating the Island: Road Closures and Traffic Patterns

Given the immense popularity of Ocean City’s Night in Venice and the unique, narrow layout of Ocean City, certain road closures and temporary traffic patterns are essential for pedestrian safety and smooth vehicle flow. These measures will be enforced by the Ocean City Police Department.

Visitors should be aware of the parking regulations throughout the city.  Parking in residential zones will be strictly enforced during Ocean City’s Night in Venice and in the hours leading up to it. Violators risk receiving tickets, and in situations where public safety is compromised, vehicles may be towed. This strict enforcement is necessary to maintain emergency vehicle access and ensure clear pathways for the large number of pedestrians.

Specific parking restrictions will be in effect for the entire day of the event, typically from midnight on the day before (Friday) through midnight on the event day (Saturday). These restrictions often include:

• Both sides of Bay Avenue between 16th Street and 24th Street.
• The east side of Bay Avenue between 14th Street and 16th Street.
• West 16th Street, West 17th Street, and West 18th Street will also have parking restrictions in effect.

These areas are critical for parade staging, emergency access, and providing unhindered views for spectators. Residents and visitors in these areas are strongly advised to relocate their vehicles in advance to avoid penalties.

In addition to parking restrictions during Ocean City’s Night in Venice, temporary one-way traffic patterns will be implemented in specific neighborhoods. These temporary traffic patterns are to facilitate safe passage for pedestrians, vehicles, and emergency vehicles to access isolated bayfront areas. The Riviera neighborhood will experience these changes:

• Spruce Road will be eastbound toward the ocean.
• Walnut Road will be westbound toward the bay.
• Arkansas Avenue will be westbound toward the bay.
• Michigan Avenue will be westbound toward the bay.
• West 18th Street Road will be eastbound toward the ocean.

These one-way patterns typically go into effect at 12 a.m. on the day of Ocean City’s Night in Venice and remain in place until the crowds have dispersed and normal traffic flow can be safely resumed. Police officers will be stationed at key intersections within the Riviera neighborhood, such as Ferndale Drive, Appletree Lane, Rosemar Lane, and Bay Avenue, to assist drivers in navigating these temporary changes. Residents and visitors are requested to park their vehicles facing the correct direction of travel on these one-way streets to avoid further complications.

While specific full road closures for vehicle traffic are generally limited to the immediate vicinity of the parade route and are often only temporary as the parade passes, heavy pedestrian activity on major cross streets leading to the bayfront can effectively create localized closures or significant delays.

The Ninth Street Bridge, a primary artery onto and off the island, remains open for vehicles during Ocean City’s Night in Venice and will have specific restrictions for pedestrians and bicyclists. All pedestrians and bicyclists using the bridge for viewing are required to use the Shared Use Bike Path and stay to the south side shoulder. No chairs are permitted on the bridge, and persons are not allowed to block the free movement of the bike path or walk in motor vehicle traffic lanes. Open alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited on the bridge at all times. Ocean City Police will be present on the bridge to monitor compliance and assist as needed.

These traffic management strategies are vital for the safety and enjoyment of the thousands of people who flock to Ocean City for Night in Venice. By planning ahead, utilizing the provided shuttle services, and adhering to all parking and traffic regulations, attendees can contribute to a seamless and memorable experience for everyone.