Paid parking lot at The Point, Cherry Grove Beach, SC
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Parking Guide

Parking at The Point: Everything You Need to Know

Figuring out where to park is half the battle for first-time visitors. Here's a complete breakdown of every parking option near The Point at Cherry Grove Beach — from the paid oceanfront lot to the free street spots — plus what amenities you'll find along the way.

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Free
to access The Point — parking costs vary
3
beach access points at the north end
9am
arrive before this on summer weekends
4
public restrooms available at the lot

Overview: Parking Near The Point

The Point sits at the very northern tip of Cherry Grove Beach, where Ocean Boulevard dead-ends at the inlet. That means there's essentially one road in and one road out — and parking is concentrated in a small area. Knowing your options before you arrive saves a lot of circling and frustration, especially on busy summer days.

There are two main parking strategies: the paid oceanfront lot right at the end of Ocean Blvd, or free street parking a few blocks south and walking up. Both work well depending on how much you're carrying and how early you arrive.

Plan ahead

Parking near The Point is straightforward once you know the layout — but on a busy Saturday in July, arriving without a plan means circling for 20 minutes. This guide covers every option so you can show up ready.

The main paid lot sits right at the end of Ocean Boulevard and is split into two sections: oceanside and soundside. The oceanside section is the one you want — it puts you closest to the beach access points and the walk north toward The Point. The soundside section faces the marsh and inlet, and is a slightly longer walk to the water.

Rates are posted at the lot entrance. Payment is typically handled by a kiosk — bring a credit card or have the app ready. In peak season (June through August), the lot can fill up by mid-morning on weekends. If you arrive after 10am on a Saturday in July, plan on street parking.

Oceanside view of the paid parking lot at The Point, Cherry Grove Beach
The paid parking lot on the ocean side — closest access to The Point and the beach entrances.
Soundside view of the paid parking lot at The Point, Cherry Grove Beach
The soundside section of the paid lot — a good overflow option with marsh views, slightly further from the beach access.

Free Street Parking

If the paid lot is full or you'd rather not pay, free street parking is available along Ocean Boulevard and the side streets that feed into it. The further south you park from the lot, the longer the walk — but it's flat beach terrain and most of it is shaded by the surrounding homes and dunes. On a good day with low tide, the extra five or ten minutes of walking is worth it to avoid circling for a paid spot.

There is also limited parking along the north side streets adjacent to the lot. These spots go quickly but are worth checking before committing to a longer street park.

Side street parking near the north entrance at Cherry Grove Beach
Side street parking near the north entrance — limited spots that go fast in peak season but worth checking first.

Golf Cart Parking

Cherry Grove Beach is a golf cart-friendly community, and there are dedicated golf cart spaces near the north entrance. If you're renting a golf cart during your stay — which is a great way to get around — look for the marked golf cart parking area just off the main lot. It's clearly marked and keeps the regular vehicle spots available for those driving in.

Golf cart parking near the north entrance at Cherry Grove Beach
Dedicated golf cart parking near the north entrance — a great option if you're renting a cart during your stay.
Golf cart tip

If you're staying nearby, a golf cart eliminates the parking problem entirely. Ride straight to the lot, use the dedicated cart spaces, and skip the search for a car spot on busy summer days.

Restrooms

Public restrooms are available at the paid parking lot. They're located within the lot area — look for the signage as you pull in. The facilities are maintained seasonally and are typically open during peak beach hours. If you're arriving before the lot opens or late in the day, plan accordingly — there are no other public restrooms within easy walking distance of The Point itself.

Public restrooms at the paid parking lot near The Point, Cherry Grove Beach
Public restrooms at the paid parking lot — plan your arrival and departure timing around these, as they're your only option close to The Point.

Water Fountains

There are water fountains at the paid lot area — two of them, one near the front entrance and one further into the lot. On a hot summer day, these are worth knowing about before you head out. That said, always bring your own water for the beach. The walk to The Point and back, especially in the heat, goes through exposed sand with no shade. A water bottle per person is not optional in July and August.

Water fountain near the front of the parking lot at Cherry Grove Beach
The water fountain near the lot entrance — easiest to find when you first arrive.
Water fountain at the parking lot near The Point, Cherry Grove Beach
The second water fountain further into the lot — good for a refill before heading back to your car.

Peak Season Parking Tips

Summer weekends

On peak summer weekends, the paid lot at The Point can be completely full by 10am. If you're planning a morning visit, aim to arrive by 9am — both for the parking and for the best light, lowest crowds, and quietest beach experience.

Arrive before 9am on summer weekends
Bring a card — the kiosk is faster than cash
Check side streets before giving up on the lot
Golf cart = no parking problem on busy days
Weekdays are far less competitive than weekends
Don't leave valuables visible in your car

The Entrances to The Point

Once you're parked, there are three beach access points that lead you toward The Point. All funnel onto the same stretch of beach — which one you use depends on where you parked.

The Paid Parking Lot Entrance

The paid parking lot itself has a direct beach access point — making it the most convenient option if you're parking in the lot. Once you've parked and paid, simply follow the walkway from the lot straight down to the sand. This entrance puts you right on the beach with a short walk north to The Point. It's the most used access during peak season precisely because it requires no extra navigation after parking.

The North-Most Entrance

The northernmost entrance is the closest access point to The Point itself. This is the one to use if your goal is getting to the sandbar quickly. From here it's a short walk north along the beach, and during low tide you'll see the sandbar start to emerge as you approach the inlet. The entrance is well-marked and has a wide wooden boardwalk leading down to the sand.

The northernmost beach entrance at Cherry Grove Beach near The Point
The northernmost beach entrance — your closest access point to The Point and the sandbar.

The 2nd North-Most Entrance

A short distance south of the first entrance is the second northernmost access point. This one is useful when the main entrance is crowded, or if you've parked further down Ocean Blvd. It leads to the same beach and from there it's a quick walk north. Many visitors find this entrance less congested during peak hours and use it as their preferred entry and exit point.

The second northernmost beach entrance at Cherry Grove Beach
The second northernmost entrance — a good alternative when the main entrance is busy.

Parking FAQs

Is parking at The Point free?
The Point beach itself is free to access. Parking costs depend on where you leave your car — the paid oceanfront lot charges by the hour, while street parking along Ocean Blvd and surrounding side streets is free. The lot is the most convenient option; street parking is free but requires a longer walk.
What time does the paid lot fill up in summer?
On busy summer weekends (late June through August), the paid lot can fill up by 10am — sometimes earlier. Arriving before 9am gives you the best chance of getting a spot. Weekdays are significantly less competitive even in peak season.
Can I park a golf cart near The Point?
Yes — there are dedicated golf cart parking spaces near the north entrance. Cherry Grove Beach is very golf cart-friendly, and many locals and visitors use carts as their primary way to get around. If you're renting a cart, it's one of the easiest ways to handle the parking situation entirely.
Are there restrooms near The Point?
Yes, public restrooms are available at the paid parking lot. They're maintained seasonally during peak beach hours. There are no restrooms on the beach itself or at The Point — the lot facilities are your best option before and after your visit.
What if the paid lot is full?
Check the side streets adjacent to the lot first — there are often a few spots. If those are taken too, park along Ocean Boulevard further south and walk up. The walk is flat and easy, and you'll pass the two beach access entrances on your way.
Which entrance gets me to The Point fastest?
The northernmost entrance (separate from the lot) is closest to The Point. If you're parked in the paid lot, the lot's direct beach access is the most convenient. Both put you on the same beach — from there it's a walk north along the shoreline to reach The Point itself.
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