When planning a vacation, finding and paying for parking might be the last thing on people’s minds. This can become a problem when an unfamiliar parking system is the only thing standing between you and summer fun. Community Service Officers Carolyn Potter and Grace Campbell offered visitors a step-by-step guide, plus some helpful tips, to make paying for parking easier.

Have your license plate number ready: Each parking kiosk is a self-guided system that will walk visitors through the parking process. Press start (make sure to fully decompress the start button, not just tap it), enter the license plate number, insert payment method, and choose how many hours you plan to park by pressing the “up” arrow. The parking rate is $2 per hour. Only electronic receipts are available. 

Card only: All parking meters in Boothbay Harbor accept debit or credit cards only. Some of the older style meters, such as the ones on Oak Street, may look like they accept cash/coin, but they are also card only.

Don’t overpay: Enforced parking is from 8 a.m to 8 p.m. This means visitors only have to pay until 8 p.m., even if they plan to park past that time. However, the town asks that visitors don't overnight park unless they have a permit, or have permission from Police Chief Doug Snydner, according to Potter.

Download the app: In case parking kiosks are down, visitors can also pay for parking through the Flowbird app. Scan a QR code to download, or find it through the App store. Visitors will need to know their parking zone, which can be found on signage next to the kiosk. Potter recommended visitors download the app even if kiosks are working, as it is an easy way to extend parking time without having to return to the vehicle. If there are problems with phone service, free wifi is available in the Boothbay Harbor town office and local library. 

Get a permit: Anyone parking a Camper/RV or bus needs a permit from the Boothbay Harbor town hall website. The parking rate is $5 per hour. People interested in long-term parking can also apply for a permit.  

Ask for help: If all else fails, there will usually be Community Service Officers – wearing blue and black shirts – in public parking areas.