There are a few things to know about parking at The Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama. The Wharf is a popular outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex located along the Intracoastal Waterway. It attracts many visitors, especially during peak tourist seasons. With popularity comes the need for ample parking space that is preferably free or low cost. So do you have to pay to park at The Wharf? The short answer is yes, parking is not free. However, there are various parking options with different rates and some tricks to get the best deal.
Parking Options at The Wharf
There are several parking lots and garages located around The Wharf complex. The main options include:
Surface Lots
– Main Parking Lot – This large lot is located off of Canal Road on the north side of The Wharf. It has 2,500 regular spaces and 100 handicap accessible spaces. Parking here is $2 per hour or $10 per day.
– North Parking Lot – Found off of North Wharf Place, this lot has 1,000 regular spaces and 25 handicap spots. The rate is $2 per hour or $10 per day.
– West Parking Lot – Located off of West Beach Blvd with 690 regular spaces and 15 handicap spaces. It also costs $2 per hour or $10 per day.
Parking Garages
– North Garage – Provides covered parking by the movie theater and Main Event. Rates are $3 for the first hour, $2 per hour after that, with a $15 daily maximum.
– Central Garage – Next to the Ferris wheel with easy access to The Wharf’s central attractions. Parking is $3 per hour with a daily max of $15.
– West Garage – Found off of West Beach Blvd near many shops and eateries. Rates are $2 per hour or $10 per day.
Valet Parking
– Several restaurants at The Wharf offer valet parking for patrons. Prices and details vary per establishment.
Parking Tips for The Wharf
To get the best parking deal and avoid tickets at The Wharf, keep these tips in mind:
– Arrive early, especially on weekends and busy evenings when parking fills up fast.
– Consider taking advantage of the large surface lots first since they are cheaper for extended stays. The garages are most cost effective for shorter visits.
– Come on weekdays and during off-peak daytime hours if possible to avoid crowded parking. Mornings and early afternoons are ideal.
– Validate your parking ticket if dining at a nice restaurant that offers validation. This can reduce or cover your garage parking fee.
– Don’t park illegally! Make sure to obey posted signs and parking attendant instructions. The fines for parking violations at The Wharf start at $25.
– If staying overnight at a condo or hotel in the area, check if they offer free guest parking. That’s one way to avoid Wharf parking fees altogether.
– For special events, prepaid event parking passes may be available online ahead of time for a discounted rate.
– Join The Wharf’s free loyalty program, Wharf Rewards, to earn points and occasionally get special parking promotions or discounts.
Parking Rates for Disabled Individuals
All of the parking lots and garages at The Wharf have designated handicap accessible parking spaces available. The standard parking rates apply in those spots, there is no special discount for disabled placard holders. However, the time limit for handicap parking is 24 hours. So a disabled individual can pay the $10 daily max and stay the whole day, rather than having to move their car every few hours. Proper disabled placards or plates must be displayed when using the handicap parking areas.
Parking Validation Options
Many of the bars, restaurants, cafes, and other businesses at The Wharf offer validation for customers who park in the garages. Validated parking means that your parking fee is reduced or voided when you bring your parking ticket to be stamped and signed by the merchant.
Here are some of the notable establishments that offer parking validation along with details:
Restaurants
Restaurant | Validation Details |
---|---|
Wintzell’s Oyster House | 50% off parking in North or Central Garages |
Villaggio Grille | $10 credit for Central Garage |
Johnny’s Restaurant | 50% off Central or North Garages |
Bars
Bar | Validation Offer |
---|---|
Pink Pony Pub | First hour free in North Garage |
Miss Lucille’s Loft | $8 credit for North or Central Garages |
Woodshed Lounge | 50% off Central Garage |
Cafes
Cafe | Validation Details |
---|---|
Le Pan Quotidien | First hour free in Central Garage |
Wharf Coffee House | 50% off North or Central Garages |
So be sure to get your parking ticket validated after eating, drinking, or grabbing coffee! It’s a nice perk that makes parking more affordable.
Parking for Electric Vehicles
The Wharf has a few designated electric vehicle parking spaces located in the North and Central garages. These spots allow EV drivers to plug in and charge their vehicles. The standard garage parking rates apply in the EV spaces. There are currently only about 4-6 EV parking spaces available, so they often fill up fast. More EV charging stations are slated to be added in the future based on demand.
Conclusion
While parking at The Wharf in Orange Beach is not completely free, there are plenty of parking options with hourly and daily rates under $15. The lowest prices are $2/hour or $10/day at the large surface lots. Garages range from $2-3 per hour with daily maximums around $15. Valet parking, validation, arriving early, and other tricks can help reduce costs. Disabled placard holders and EVs can access designated spaces but pay standard rates. Knowing the parking rates and policies at The Wharf allows visitors to better plan their budget and itinerary. With a range of parking choices, Orange Beach’s premier entertainment hub seeks to provide both convenience and value.