Perceptions of availability of beach parking and access as predictors of coastal tourism

This study examined the relationship between perceptions of parking and visitation patterns to beaches in North Carolina. Data were collected from both a systematic face-to-face interview (n = 1384) in a semi-structured format at several coastal locations in the state and a random telephone survey (n = 1877) of North Carolina residents living in coastal counties 120 or fewer miles from the ocean. Results showed that beach visitors' perceptions of parking conditions did not correspond to the actual record of parking availability. Moreover, parking perceptions did not strongly correlate with visitation patterns. Management implications are discussed.