From Daytona Beach to New Smyrna Beach, Volusia County beaches are packed for the Fourth of July holiday. There were so many people, police said the beaches were at capacity for parking.

  • Volusia County beaches saw thousands of people
  • Parking was at capacity by late morning
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"I think we drove around for like 45 minutes, pretty bad, up and down this road," said Ryan Hamlan, beachgoer.

Hamlan couldn't find parking anywhere at New Smyrna Beach.

"Everything is totally packed the beach is full, the paid parking lots are totally full," said Hamlan.

By around 10:30 Tuesday morning, police reported beach parking was at capacity and beachgoers would need to find parking at a paid lot or somewhere where parking was permitted.

"Originally we did but we were coming up on Highway 44 and there were already signs up saying the parking lot was full -- the parking lot here and the beach was full," said Hamlan.

Megan Sola said she hadn't been to the beach in a year and didn't expect New Smyrna Beach.

"It's so much more packed than what I'm used to. I'd go to the beaches in Delaware. More crowded around the Fourth but nothing like this," said Sola.

"Everyone's trying to find parking, everyone is backing in, watching each other pull out, trying to sneak parking spots," said Hamlan.

Some people got lucky. Once those who were parked on the beach left, people were able to drive on the beach and take their parking spots.

"It'll be worth it if we don't get towed," said Hamlan.

But Hamlan wasn't so lucky and as soon as they walked off, the owner of the lot where they parked told them they had to get back into their car.

Beach patrol said they aren't sure how many people are out at the beaches but they estimate thousands. They said they're just focused on crowd control and keeping people safe.