Gulf Shores beach parking fees changing July 1

GULF SHORES, Ala. (WALA) - Starting July 1, parking at Gulf Shores beaches is changing and depending on where you park, it could cost more or less than it does now. Hundreds of parking spaces that were free will no longer be.

Gulf Shores is launching a new parking fee structure at its public beaches and within the Beach Walking District. The flat rate is going away. Starting July 1, visitors will pay by the hour and the rate depends on where they park.

New fees north of Beach Boulevard

Hundreds of parking spaces inside the Beach Walking District north of Beach Boulevard have been free but will now cost $2 an hour.

Beachfront lots moving to hourly rates

Things are changing south of Beach Boulevard, too. Grant Brown with the City of Gulf Shores said the beachfront large parking lots are changing from a $15 all-day rate to an hourly structure.

“We are changing the structure of the beachfront large parking lots from what was fifteen dollars for all day was your only option, so now an hourly rate…three dollars an hour and those will go into effect all the way until 2:00 a.m.,” Brown said. “We still do not allow overnight parking in the beachfront large parking lots.”

City leaders said the new parking spaces north of the highway which have been added over the last few years have created high demand with very little turnover. The goal of the new hourly rate is to keep spaces moving so more visitors can use them throughout the day.

“People will pay to park. They’ll park for their couple of hours. They’ll go to the beach. They’ll have their meals. If they want to stay longer, they’ll get a text message to their phone from the Park Mobile app that they can extend the number of hours that they are paid to park, so we feel like it’s a good way for people to take and make better use of the beachfront parking area,” Brown said.

Revenue increase expected

The city stands to make considerably more money with the new fee structure. Last year, Gulf Shores took in $1.3 million from beach parking. Those fees have helped the city offset the estimated $3.5 million to $4 million annual cost to staff and maintain its beaches.

Those parking on either side of the highway said the fees would have very little impact on their visits.

Mason Martinez, who was using free parking, said he does not come to the beach often. “Me personally, I don’t come to the beach a lot so I mean, of course I like to park for free, but I’m not out here enough for…to…for me to really care,” Martinez said.

Tyler Belcher, who was paying the all-day fee, said parking is a small expense. “We’re just here for a couple days having a good time. Down here with my wife, daughter and one of her friends so grand scheme of things, parking’s the cheapest thing I pay for all week,” Belcher said.

Fines fort parking violations will see an increase from $25 to $75 dollars beginning in July. The city will still be using the ParkMobile app, so visitors will be able to pay through the app, by text or toll-free call. Gulf Shores residents can still park at the beach for free as long as they have their hurricane reentry sticker displayed on their windshield.

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