Quick note: I always recommend checking vacation rental availability early — especially for spring break, summer, and SandFest when the best homes book months ahead.
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When visiting the beaches of Port Aransas, you’ll find that the beaches are wide and fairly flat. For this reason, driving on the beach is allowed in the sandy lane-like areas in front of the dunes.
If you’re driving onto the beach in Port A (which you totally should), there’s one thing you don’t want to forget:
Yes — you need a beach parking permit.
Don’t worry — it’s easy to get and inexpensive, but required in most areas — but missing it can mean a ticket you definitely don’t want on vacation (especially during busy weekends).
Here’s exactly what to know before you go.
Do You Need a Beach Parking Permit in Port Aransas?
Yes — if you park on the beach, you need one. This applies to cars, trucks, SUVs, golf carts, and RVs.
If your vehicle is driven on the sand, you should have a permit displayed. Beach Parking Permits are currently $12 per year and expected to go up to $20 per year in 2027. It’s actually a really good deal.
They are valid for the current calendar year (as noted on the sticker), as you can see in our Jeep window above. We’ve been accumulating parking stickers, it seems.
If you’re unfamiliar with the beach areas in Port Aransas, take a look at my guide on the Best Beaches in Port Aransas: Local Guide to Beach Access, Driving & Family Spots to help you decide where to setup on the sand for the day.
If you’re driving onto the beach during the annual Texas SandFest, you’ll definitely need a beach parking permit. Know before you go with my guide, SandFest in Port Aransas: What to Know Before You Go | Updated Family Guide.
Where Do You Put the Permit?
Simply position the sticker on your windshield (driver’s side). Be sure it’s clearly visible and shows the current year.
They do check — especially during busy weekends.
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What Happens If You Don’t Have One?
You can get a ticket if you are parked on the beach without a valid permit. Enforcement is certainly more active during:
- Spring break
- Summer
- Weekends
This simply means, it’s not something you want to risk. Get the permit.
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Quick answers:
- Cost: $12/year, soon to be $20/year in 2027
- Required: Yes (in most beach areas)
- Where to buy: Gas stations + local stores, sometimes on the beach during peak season
- Display: Driver-side windshield
While driving on the beach won’t cost you a thing, parking on the beach will require a beach parking permit, which is a simple sticker to be placed in the corner of your car’s windshield. These annual permits are valid for the year and can be purchased for only $12.
Local tip: Don’t wait until you’re already parked on the beach to realize you need a beach parking permit sticker. Pick up one at most any gas station convenience store on the island.
If you’re driving into Port Aransas, your trip will likely start with the ferry (if you’re coming from Aransas Pass) — and timing that right can save you a LOT of time. Check the Port Aransas Ferry wait times and view the live webcams here.
Where you DON’T need a permit to park
There are a few areas where you can park for free at the beach without a parking permit.
Free beach parking is allowed near the jetties, between the South Jetty and Horace Caldwell Pier, and also between Beach Markers 52-58.
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Beach Setup Essentials (don’t skip this)
If you’re parking on the beach, you’re probably staying a while. So be sure you have the ideal beach setup for a great day on the sand. If you’re curious which beach area is right for you, learn more about the different beach areas around Port A and get a few tips for driving on the beach in my guide to the Best Beaches in Port Aransas: Local Guide to Beach Access, Driving & Family Spots.
Here’s the top 4 beach must-haves I use and recommend…
- MY TOP SHADE PICK: Sun Ninja Beach Tent Sun Shelter
- Why I love it: it’s very lightweight, an ideal height for standing underneath and easy to set up. It’s available in a 7’x7′ or 10’x10′ size, and packs up compact for the car.
- MY TOP PICK FOR BEACH CHAIRS: Sportbrella Backpack Beach Chair ( + this Sportbrella Portable Table)
- Why I love it: it’s a well-built beach chair made with durable nylon fabric that I love using, it folds up easily and has a cupholder and storage on the back large enough to hold a towel, drink, sunscreen and more.
- MY TOP BEACH WAGON PICK: Whitsunday Folding Beach Wagon *love this*
- Why I love it: This wagon is deep for carrying all your beach gear, has the wide sand-durable wheels to move easily across the beach, and has a removable table top that can be used for eating lunch at the beach (or games, or making drinks!). If you bring anything to the beach, bring this!
- MY ALL-AROUND TOP PICK:YETI Hopper Portable Soft Cooler ( + this Yeti Rambler Insulated Tumbler)
- Why I love this: it’s shaped like a tote bag, not a typical cooler, which makes it easier to carry over the shoulder or with the longer adjustable strap. I love that it can keep several drinks REALLY COLD and still have room for fruit/veggies or other snacks. It’s a great size!
Want to see more of my top recommendations for the ideal beach setup in Port Aransas? There’s so many good things to help you enjoy the day. Grab my The Ultimate Port Aransas Beach Packing List (+ a free printable checklist).
Coming in via the ferry
If you’re driving into Port Aransas, your trip will likely start with the ferry (if you’re coming from Aransas Pass) — and timing that right can save you a LOT of time. Knowing when to arrive, how long it will take and where to go next is key to starting off your trip in a relaxing beach mode.
Check the Port Aransas Ferry wait times and view the live webcams here.
RELATED: Tips for Taking Your Dog to the Beach in Port Aransas
Where to camp on the beach
RV and tent camping are permitted on the beach in Port Aransas. However, according to the city, there is a 3-night limit during any 3-week period.
One of the best areas to camp in Port Aransas is at I.B. Magee Beach Park. Located on the northern most point of Mustang Island in Port Aransas near the South Jetty, I.B. Magee Beach Park consists of 167 acres and is open all year.
There are campsites with water and electric hookups and a dump station. A fresh water rinse shower located next to the park office. They also have a beach bathhouse with showers and a first-aid station.
If you’re curious which beach area is right for you, learn more about the different beach areas around Port A and get a few tips for driving on the beach in my guide to the Best Beaches in Port Aransas: Local Guide to Beach Access, Driving & Family Spots.
RELATED: Where to Stay in Port Aransas (From Someone Who Spends a Lot of Time Here)
Guidelines for camping at the beach
Check the tide
To camp on the beach, you must position your campsite away from the water’s edge… 50 feet, to be exact. You want to fall asleep to the sound of the waves, not be in the actual waves themselves.
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Check your location
To ensure your safety, especially at night, you should position your campsite about 200 feet away from any beach access road. Allow yourself plenty of space to be seen at night by any late night traffic or safety patrols.
Camping is not allowed within 25 feet of the obvious driving lane on the beach or in any area that would create an unsafe condition. Set up your campsite inside the bollards to ensure you’re out of the lane of traffic at night.
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Clean up when you leave
Be sure to take your trash with you when you pack up. Keeping the beach clean and free of trash is so important. While small fires no larger than 3 ft. x 3 ft. are permitted on the beach, be sure to extinguish your campfire before leaving your camp site.
RELATED: Live Webcams to Enjoy the View in Port Aransas
Still planning what to do in Port A?
Regardless of where along the coast of Mustang Island that you choose to park, the view is sure to be stellar as you watch the waves roll in. Spend your days enjoying the cool water, playing in the sand, and creating family memories to last a lifetime.
- Which beach area is best for my family?
Best Beaches in Port Aransas: Local Guide to Beach Access, Driving & Family Spots (includes tips for driving on the beach) - What should I bring to the beach?
The Ultimate Port Aransas Beach Packing List (+ a free printable checklist) - Where should we eat in Port Aransas?
Best Restaurants in Port Aransas (Local Favorites + Dining Guide) - What should we do in Port Aransas?
3 Days in Port Aransas: A Simple Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
