It’s worth the money to pay to park at the top. You also can park at the base but if you do that be prepared for a hike! The trails are sandy so I don’t recommend open sandals. Depending on what kind of weather you are used to I would also recommend a light pull over or layer you can tie around your waist. The gentlemen working in the visitor center seemed very helpful if you have questions. You could drive to the top and do a quick lookout. If you want to walk or hike, you can choose which routes you have time for.