croatan is free.
on 264, take the birdneck exit, go right (towards general booth blvd) and follow that road until motorworld is on your left. take a left onto general booth towards the oceanfront... croatan blvd will be on your right (past the museum).. lots of big houses and what not. Go down and follow the sign for "free parking year round"

although i hear they will be charging next summer. Because they just added an assload of new spaces.

theres a swimming and a surfing section.. just watch out, dont pass the fence in the water because thats military property. and i hear they confiscate your board if youre caught. have fun.