Beach Rules & Visitor Guide

Speed Limit: The beach speed limit is 15 MPH.

Vehicles: Street-legal vehicles only. Drivers must follow all traffic laws and operate safely.

Driving & Parking: Drive-on beach areas are east of Highway 332. Beach traffic is one-way eastbound with parking on the dune-side only where allowed.

Dunes: Do not drive, park, walk, or disturb protected dunes or erosion control materials.

Beach Pass: Vehicles, including golf carts, must display a valid beach permit when driving or parking on the beach.

No Glass: Glass containers are prohibited on the beach.

No Littering: Use trash receptacles or take your trash with you.

Campfires: Fires must be controlled and no larger than 3 ft. x 3 ft. Fires must be fully extinguished before leaving.

No Fireworks: Fireworks are prohibited on the beach and within city limits.

Pets: Pets must be leashed at all times and have required vaccination tags.

Noise: Keep music and sound at a reasonable level that does not disturb others.

Sand Holes: Do not dig holes deeper than 12 inches. Fill all holes before leaving.

Fishing & Crabbing: Do not leave bait, fish remains, or crab remains on the beach.

Private Property: Do not cross private property to access the beach without permission.

Licensed Driver Required: Golf cart drivers must have a valid driver’s license.

Required Equipment: Golf carts must have required safety equipment, including headlights, taillights, reflectors, mirrors, and a parking brake.

Identification: Golf carts must display a valid golf cart license plate or motor vehicle plate.

Slow-Moving Vehicle Emblem: Golf carts must display a slow-moving vehicle emblem.

Prohibited Areas: Golf carts are not allowed on Surfside Bridge, Bluewater Highway, or Fort Velasco Boulevard except to cross at intersections.

Pedestrian Beach: Golf carts are not allowed on the pedestrian beach except for permitted accessibility use.

Beach Permit: Golf carts must display a valid beach permit when driving or parking on the beach.

Safety: Operators must follow traffic laws and operate safely at all times.

Stay Calm: Do not panic. Conserve your energy and focus on staying afloat.

Do Not Swim Against the Current: Rip currents can move faster than expected.

Swim Parallel to Shore: Move sideways until you are out of the current, then return to shore.

Float or Tread Water: Keep your head above water and regain control of your breathing.

Signal for Help: Wave your arms and call for assistance if needed.

Help From Shore: Call 911 and throw a flotation device if available. Do not enter the water unless trained.

Emergency: Call 911 in case of emergency.

Changing Conditions: Gulf conditions can change quickly due to waves, tides, wind, and weather.

Children: Never leave children unattended near the water or traffic areas.

Traffic Awareness: The beach is also a public roadway. Watch for moving vehicles and teach children to stay alert.

Fire Safety: Fully extinguish fires with water before leaving the area.

Sand Holes: Fill in all holes to prevent injuries to people, pets, wildlife, and vehicles.

No Pallet Burning: Burning pallets can leave nails and sharp debris in the sand.

Stingrays: Use the “stingray shuffle” by sliding your feet through the sand when entering the water.

Sun Protection: Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and take breaks from the heat.

 Tides: NOAA Tides & Currents  Bacteria Testing: Texas Beach Watch

Stay Off the Dunes: Dunes help protect the shoreline and surrounding properties.

Respect Wildlife: Do not disturb birds, turtles, marine life, or nesting areas.

Pack Out Trash: Remove all trash, food, fishing line, and personal items before leaving.

Report Sea Turtles: Call 1-866-TURTLE5 to report sea turtle sightings or concerns.

Report Stranded Mammals: Call 800-962-6625 for stranded marine mammals.