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Parking lot beach and lifeguard tower
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Pay by Phone Now Available in Waterfront Parking Lots

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The Waterfront Department is thrilled to announce the successful launch of a new pay by phone feature for the Waterfront Self-Pay Parking Lots.  Now, visitors have the option to pay for parking directly from their mobile devices, making the process easier and faster than ever. Of course, for those who prefer to pay with cash or haven't yet tried pay by phone parking apps, our existing parking pay stations are still available.

The Waterfront Department partnered with two trusted mobile app providers: PayByPhone and ParkMobile. Both platforms are widely used in cities and college campuses across the country, including UCSB, making them familiar and reliable options for our visitors.

In addition, these payment platforms offer the added convenience of allowing parkers to extend their parking session remotely, eliminating the need to return to the pay stations to make another payment. These improvements not only streamline the parking process but also enhance the overall experience for everyone visiting  beaches, parks, and businesses along the waterfront area, including Leadbetter Beach, Chase Palm Park, and the Cabrillo Pavilion at East Beach. 

Since launching on August 4th, we’ve already processed more than 3,500 mobile app transactions, with about 400 users choosing to extend their parking session remotely.

This project begun in November 2025 following the Waterfront Department’s implementation of a Pay by Plate Parking System, which allows visitors to pay for parking by entering their license plate at all Waterfront Self-Pay Parking Lots. This transition support and enhances operational efficiencies, modernize parking management, and aligns with best practices for municipal parking operations at State and national levels.

While the new mobile app feature brings added convenience to our self-pay parking lots, it is important to note that Stearns Wharf and the Harbor Main Parking Lot continue to operate a staffed kiosk system. These locations utilize the Skidata Parking software along with LPR access control barrier gates, and ticket columns, which in addition to having to pay the kiosk operator directly upon exit, the LPR software allows visitors to pay remotely by scanning the QR code on their parking ticket provided upon entry. This process ensures efficient service and offers an alternative contactless payment option for those visiting these facilities.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Cesar Barrios, Waterfront Business Manager at (805) 564-5525.