Parking near Talbot Street
We are camping at Sun Outdoors Gateway. I know they offer a shuttle into town (not sure where it drops you off though). I want to go to Talbot Water Sports for the pirate ship and then walk around the Boardwalk near there. Will parking be impossible there on a Sunday or Monday around 10:30 or 11 in August?
Parking near Talbot Street in Ocean City during August, especially on weekends, can be challenging because it’s a very popular area close to the Boardwalk and the beach. However, arriving around 10:30–11:00 am on a Sunday or Monday is generally manageable, as it’s just before the peak crowds hit for beachgoers and tourists.
Here’s what to expect and some options:
- Street parking: There are metered spots along Talbot Street and nearby cross streets. On weekdays and slightly later in the morning, availability improves, but in peak summer, these spots can fill quickly. Expect to spend a few minutes searching.
- Public lots: The city operates several pay lots near the Boardwalk. Some are within a 5–10 minute walk of Talbot Street, such as the 4th Street and 3rd Street lots. These lots are generally easier to get into early in the day before noon.
- Private or commercial parking: Some businesses and hotels in the area rent out spaces by the hour or day, which can be a good backup if public options are full.
Other tips to make it smoother:
- Consider using the Sun Outdoors shuttle if it drops you close enough — this can save time and parking stress, though you’ll want to confirm the drop-off point relative to Talbot Street and the pirate ship location.
- Arriving slightly earlier, around 10:00 am, gives you the best chance of snagging a convenient parking spot.
- Bring cash or a credit card for metered and lot parking — meters accept both, and some lots have attendants taking payments.
- If your schedule is flexible, parking a little farther away (e.g., near 9th Street or 10th Street lots) is usually easy, and you can enjoy a short walk along the boardwalk toward Talbot Street.
Overall, parking at that time on a Sunday or Monday in August is not impossible, just plan to arrive before noon and have a few backup options in mind.
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