5 Essential Beach Parking Tips for Your Summer Enjoyment

Planning to hit the beach this summer? Of course, when you're out on a vacation with family and friends, you want to savor and enjoy the experience as much as you can. But as a car owner, sometimes you can't help but be distracted by the thought of how your car could be doing in the parking lot. Keep your car safe, secure, and conveniently parked with these five indispensable beach parking tips.

1. Research the area

Visit the website of the beach you're visiting and see if they provide reliable parking. If it's an open beach, you can look up ideal parking places within the area on Google Maps. Search for paid parking garages or lots with good rates and customer ratings. You may have to spend money for this option, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

2. Get there early

If you must park in public, make sure to arrive there early so you can pick a convenient parking spot. A good rule to remember is that everybody wants to be close to the beach, so if you don't plan to stay long, make sure to park where you can leave the venue easily.

3. Pay attention to local parking rules and regulations

Some local governments enforce rates and time limits to street parking, so look out for signs that list parking rules and regulations in detail or ask a local about them to avoid unnecessary confrontations when it's time for you to leave.

4. Be prepared

More likely than not, you will have to park out in the open, so bring along an insulated car cover to protect against heat. Other ways to keep your car cool include putting up a window visor or installing a dash cover. You can leave your windows cracked to let hot air escape, just make sure you park the car somewhere safe.

5. If you’re unsure, don’t park there

If a parking spot seems iffy, go with your gut feeling and find another place to park instead. You certainly don't want to come back to find your car missing because it was towed away or worse, stolen.