Planning a visit to the charming Washington Street Mall in Cape May, NJ? Knowing the parking situation is key to a stress-free experience. From April 1st, parking meters are active throughout the city, including the popular Washington Street Mall area. This guide provides essential information on parking meters around Washington Street and Cape May to help you park smart and enjoy your time.
Understanding Parking Meters Around Washington Street Mall
The Washington Street Mall area, along with Carpenters Lane, Lyle Lane, Mansion Street, and the Welcome Center lots, has parking meters in effect from April 1st to December 31st. This extended period is important to note if you’re visiting Cape May outside of the peak summer season.
Parking in these specific locations around Washington Street Mall costs $2.00 per hour. This rate applies to several streets in the vicinity, including:
- Carpenters Lane
- Congress Place
- Congress Street
- Decatur Street
- Jackson Street Parking Lot
- Jackson Street
- Lyle Lane
- Mansion Street
- Ocean Street
- Ocean Street Library Parking Lot
- Perry Street
- S. Lafayette Street
- 600 block Washington Street
- 500 block Hughes Street
- 500 block Columbia Street
Meters are active every day from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM in the Washington Street Mall zone and throughout the city, unless otherwise specified.
General Parking Meter Information in Cape May
Across Cape May, parking meters operate from April 1st to October 31st, daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The standard rate for most meters is 25 cents per ten minutes.
Payment Options:
- Stand-alone meters: Accept quarters or Parkmobile app payments.
- Multi-meters: Accept quarters, credit cards, and Parkmobile app payments.
If you need change for meters, many businesses in Cape May offer this service. During the beach season, you can also find change at beach tag sales booths. The city provides a five-minute grace period at all meters, giving you a little extra time before a violation is issued.
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Parking Meter Zones and Rates Beyond Washington Street Mall
While Washington Street Mall and its surroundings have a $2.00 per hour rate, other areas of Cape May have different parking fees and times.
$1.50 per hour Zones:
- 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.: Meters east of Philadelphia Avenue (Reading Ave, Trenton Ave & Beach Ave).
- 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.: 1st Avenue, 2nd Avenue, Broadway, Grant Street, Mt. Vernon Avenue, Patterson Avenue.
- Three-hour time limit (10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.): Welcome Center Parking Lot.
These varying zones and times are important to remember as you explore different parts of Cape May.
Free Parking Option
If you’re looking for free parking, the Cape May Elementary School at Lafayette Street and Madison Avenue offers free parking on Saturdays and Sundays while school is in session and daily during summer break until 11:00 PM. However, overnight parking is not permitted at the school.
Convention Hall in Cape May
Knowing your parking options around Washington Street Mall and throughout Cape May ensures a more relaxed and enjoyable visit to this beautiful seaside city. Plan ahead and make the most of your time exploring the shops, restaurants, and attractions!
