
Most of White Rock is pay parking. The cost fluctuates but it is most expensive off Marine Drive by the beach (currently $3 per hour in high season). The new pay-by-space system makes buying or adding time simple. Just enter your space number on any nearby dispenser, pay, take your receipt and walk away. There's no need to return to your vehicle or place your ticket on your vehicle's dash. If you want to add time later, just enter your stall number (printed on your receipt) at any one of 36 dispensers along the beach and choose your payment method. You can even pay by cell phone. (Requires registration with Verrus Mobile Technologies Inc. You'll need to use a credit card the first time you call. Nominal user fees apply.) Learn more at www.city.whiterock.bc.ca.
White Rock has the largest and one of the most popular beaches in the [wiki=85bbb8a989292f064289be15a7da8e86]Lower Mainland[/wiki], located on the southern edge of the city alongside Marine Drive. The long sandy beach is perfect for everything from picnics to a game of frisbee. When the tide goes out there are many tidal pools that are left exposed and is a great place to see marine life up close. [wiki=8ce94baacc570c97dae055b23ea897fa]British Columbia's[/wiki] south coast is sheltered by [wiki=ea999edb8c9e67914e81ebedf1ccf862]Vancouver Island[/wiki], because of this the water temperatures are relatively warm.
White Rock is famous for its large White Rock and its pier that juts out over 500 meters from the shore. Its a popular place for a walk. During the summer some locals jump off the end of the pier, although this practice is discouraged and diving can be dangerous.
White Rock's "alternate beach" area on the north-west of the White Rock in the Ocean Park neighborhood of Surrey is much cozier and quieter, with a handful of nearby establishments specializing in organic, ice cream, fish and chips, coffee houses, and of course fabulous sit down dining experiences. Crescent Beach radiates a small-town sea side feeling. In the winter, Crescent Beach is a bird watching paradise, and known for Bald Eagle nesting and hunting grounds. Paddling and windsurfing activities are common in the summer. Follow Crescent Road off the King George Highway. Alternatively if starting from White Rock head east on North Bluff Road/16 ave right to the end.
Marine Drive is packed with restaurants, from standards like fish and chips to ethnic restaurants to pubs.
* Bakery and cafe that does a nice lunch and afternoon tea. The menu includes a mix of salads and sandwiches; the cupcakes and butter tart are excellent.
A variety of chicken, pork, seafood and vegetarian Thai dishes.
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* Japanese restaurant with the usual sushi, sashimi, tempura, udon, etc. dishes. Reviewers indicate the meals are good value.
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Ocean Beach Hotel, 14995 Marine Drive. There is a night club and restaurant below.
The largest hotel in White Rock with a mix of standard guestrooms and suites. The hotel has a tropical theme and includes a health club, indoor pool and whirlpool spa.