At least that area is not meter parking anymore..U can park FREE along side road and walk down the stairs or through the nature paths to get to the beach area. There is also nice bathroom/shower parking in designated areas. Be careful what you catch ..game patrol is always passing through and watching. Don't keep any fish if the season is closed or if to big or small. I catch huge 44 + inch snook in the summer months but they are to big to keep