RA40

iTrader: (6)

First off we're not beach goers and this isn't an illegal parking ticket story.

I'm clueless to these tourist beach areas. Back in the days I surfed, we chose spots along Huntington Beach Cliffs and there were empty dirt lots to park in. Anyway, some family members had a fire pit on the south side of HB pier. They told us the lot is just off Magnolia so off we went to meet up in the evening. I pulled up to the gate expecting ~$8 or so, the ranger stated $15 for a day use pass. I looked at the rate board and was Wife heard the $15 and was WTF...$15!!!!? We're here for about 2 hours.

The ranger must have been amused having probably heard that line to death. I told him we've not been down to the beach in a long time. He smiled and I forked over a $20. I drove on and the female mindset turned it around onto me. "You don't take me out enough...parking rates have changed!" (She's joking but ya never know what direction females are going with a line like that. )

I'm thinking: For $15, we can get a red box DVD, buy some fermented beverages and enjoy a quiet evening at home. No crowds, parking... not to mention an evening dinner would be north of $50 for us.

I'm pretty amazed how much parking can be at the beach. At least the sunset was typical for a clear sky So. Cal day.

pheonix72

iTrader: (6)

Yes, it is ridiculous how the government is nickle & dime us for more money even though we have the highest income tax and highest gasoline tax in the nation!
Hope you had a great time with the Mrs; -)

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

$15.

Even for a motorcycle!

FSportIS

iTrader: (13)

Damn... that sucks. Well at least it is better than parking in some of the area in LA, I remember back in the day when I had a job interview in LA, it is 36 or 40 or so for a day but lucky the employer waived it lol.

PlacidBoi

iTrader: (11)

This is why I never really go to the beach.
I often drive up PCH, and end up somewhere in Malibu. You simply park on the side and walk down to the water. It's much more fun !

Meraki Autoworks

iTrader: (8)

Sounds like you went to Huntington beach. whenever I go there I park on the street cause for 2 hours you would've probably paid around 3 bucks. All the surrounding beaches have free parking in residential areasand stuff without the risk of getting towed.

abounly

iTrader: (27)

Yup huntington beach is pricey. I use to go there all the time in highschool. It's still $15 like 5 years ago, i'm guessing its because of the bon fire pits.

I usually go to newport beach, park in the neighborhood and walk a block down to the beach to skimboard.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

These places have you. They know most aren't likely to want to hoof in the big and heavy beach items like ice chests, tents, etc. I dragged one of the ice chests back when we left and was happy it was only to the parking lot. Getting it across PCH would not have been fun.

Same with other parking like at LA and Anaheim convention center.

Mesca

iTrader: (28)

If you're only going for 2 hours I recommend bringing quarters for meter parking right on the street. Might be a little bit of a farther walk but it's worth the money you save!

islandbeef

I can understand why some people purchase pools.

FSportIS

iTrader: (13)

On the good side, anyone notice how beautiful and amazing the picture is... natural blue sky blending in with the sun. The picture is nicely taken. What camera did you use?

STREETGS

This reminds me when i went with a couple of friends last summer,

all the fire pits where taken, so i decided to make my own pit
we walked as close to the water as possible , dug up a pit and fired it up !!!
10 mins enjoying the fire when we got surrounded by 7 cop cars 4 beach police trucks and two helicopters .

"they stated what we where doing was eligal and a safety hazard"

my reply was: "why, is the sand going to catch on fire?
They responded by saying that if we paid $35 we could stay with the pit........