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For those who know about the Texas SandFest, they can’t wait for April every year in Port Aransas. If this is your first time going to SandFest… there are a few things you’ll want to know ahead of time to make your trip a lot easier.
Because the Texas SandFest is a great event, but this is NOT your average beach day. It’s fun, busy, a little chaotic — and way better when you go in prepared. It’s busier, more spread out, and takes a little more planning than most people expect.
Here are the things I wish more people knew before they go to SandFest in Port Aransas.
Before you get here…
I made you a ridiculously helpful guide for maximizing the fun of SandFest with your family, check it out here: Texas SandFest: The Ultimate Family Guide (What to Know Before You Go). This guide will help you show up feeling like you know what you’re doing—even if it’s your first time. It’s exactly how to do it right with kids—what to expect, what to bring, and how to avoid the common mistakes that festival-goers often make.
1. It gets BUSY (like really busy)
This is one of the most popular events in Port Aransas, and the crowds reflect that. It’s not unmanageable, but it’s something to expect so you’re not caught off guard.
You’ll notice it most:
- late morning through mid-afternoon
- near the main sculpture areas
- around food vendors
The least-crowded time to enjoy SandFest is before lunchtime on Sunday.
SandFest draws crowds of 10,000+ people to the beach and parking is always a challenge. By arriving early, you’ll get the best on-the-beach parking in the SandFest lot, and see all of the sand sculptures up close (take great photos with a beach-proof camera) before the crowds arrive to the festival.
The afternoons get even busier and car traffic will back up onto the access roads, so plan to arrive early and use the free shuttles.
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Port Aransas Ferry Wait Time (Live Updates + Best Times to Go)
2. Getting there can take time
If you’re driving in, your trip will likely include the ferry. During SandFest weekend, ferry wait times can increase significantly, especially during peak hours.
Many beach-goers choose to park off-site and walk to the event. You may find a rental close to the beach or beach access road that will enable you to walk to the beach.
Arriving earlier in the day is one of the easiest ways to avoid delays. Before you leave, check the Port Aransas Ferry Wait Time (Live Updates + Best Times to Go).
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Where to Stay for SandFest in Port Aransas (and Why You Should Book Early)
3. Parking is not as easy as you think
Parking on the beach is common during SandFest, but it comes with a few requirements. There will be parking lots on the beach, as well as some off-site parking lots nearby. SandFest draws thousands of people to the beach, so be prepared for lines for the parking areas regardless of the location.
If you choose to park in the beach lots, know that you WILL need to have a beach parking permit in advance. They’re sold at most convenience stores nearby, so they’re easy to find.
Read this before you go: Port Aransas Beach Parking Permit (Cost, Where to Buy & Tips ).
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4. Reserve your rental early.
Make your rental home/condo/hotel reservations and your beach golf cart rental reservations as early as possible (like months in advance, if possible). They will sell out for that weekend..
Stay for the weekend in Port Aransas and see the sand-sculpting process, talk to the sculptors and enjoy the festival food and entertainment. Every day, the sculptors are battling against nature to craft their creative sculptures, so each day they may look slightly different.
Do not wait until the day SandFest begins, because you’ll be out of luck and have to walk much farther than you think in your new flip flops.
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Where to Stay in Port Aransas (From Someone Who Spends a Lot of Time Here)
5. Go earlier than you think
If you’re deciding what time to venture to the beach for SandFest, earlier is almost always better. The gates open at 9:00 am and it’s the best time to arrive. By mid-morning, you’ll find that crowds will be descending upon the beach for the day’s festivities.
By going early, you’ll get:
- easier parking
- smaller crowds
- better views of the sculptures
By midday, everything becomes more crowded and slower to navigate. A lot of people try to rush through SandFest, but what’s the hurry? It’s better when you slow down. It’s worth taking your time, and you find that you want to walk through the sand sculptures again.
Sit for a bit, listen to music, walk the full stretch of the fenced beach event, and take breaks. That’s when it starts to feel like a great beach day instead of a crowded event.
GET STARTED PLANNING YOUR TRIP HERE:
Texas SandFest: The Ultimate Family Guide (What to Know Before You Go)
6. You’ll be walking more than you expect
The SandFest event grounds stretches along the beach, and it’s easy to underestimate how far you’ll end up walking during the day. As simple as this tip sounds, walking for a few MILES on the beach (and back to find your car or beach cart) in the mid-day sun means a lot of steps in hot sand. Be sure your footwear can get you there, and back.
Between:
- walking the sculpture areas
- visiting vendors
- finding food
- going back to your car or rental
It adds up quickly. Comfortable shoes will make a big difference. My favorite sand-worthy shoes are here. And don’t forget your classic beach hat and sporty sunglasses.
RELATED: Tips for Taking Your Dog to the Beach
7. You’ll need protection from the sun
Every year, I see festival-goers in town at the end of the weekend with painful sunburn lines that likely came from spending the day in the sun at SandFest. Since shade tents are not allowed inside the fenced event on the beach, you’ll want to plan ahead and bring:
- Sweat-proof sunscreen (+ my favorite face stick sunscreen)
- Wide-brim hat
- SPF shirt
- Lightweight handheld umbrella (+ this compact battery-powered fan)
There’s very little to no shade (except the music tent) and likely nowhere on the beach to buy sunscreen once you’re there. Be sun-smart and protect your skin with sunscreen (and carry extra travel-size sunscreen to reapply during the day).
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How to make SandFest much easier
If you want a smoother experience at SandFest, these are the kinds of things that save you from multiple trips back and forth to the car or condo. A few items go a long way:
- folding beach chairs for sitting during live music or breaks
- a backpack cooler with drinks and snacks
- a beach wagon if you’re carrying multiple items
- sweat-proof sunscreen
- handheld battery-powered fan
See my full list of beach favorites here: The Ultimate Port Aransas Beach Packing List (+ a free checklist!).
FAQ about the Texas SandFest
- Is SandFest in Port Aransas free?
SandFest is not a free event. Tickets can be purchased online via the Texas SandFest website. Save yourself the long wait time on the sand, and purchase your ticket (wristband) in advance. - Where do I park for SandFest?
Parking is available on the beach is designated parking lot areas, associated with well as some off-site parking lots within walking distance. - When is the best time to go to SandFest?
The best time to go to SandFest is either Saturday or Sunday morning before 10:00 am, before the large crowds arrive.
Make your plans to attend SandFest
Make your plans now to head to Port Aransas every April for the annual beach festival that leaves everyone in amazement. SandFest is an annual event and the city will be packed with avid beach-goers ready to enjoy the warmer temperatures.
SandFest is one of the most unique things to do in Port Aransas, especially if it’s your first visit. The key is knowing what to expect and preparing just enough to make the day easy.
Plan your arrival, bring a few essentials, and give yourself time to enjoy it. If you do that, it’s a really fun way to experience the beach.
Start planning your visit here:
- Texas SandFest: The Ultimate Family Guide (What to Know Before You Go)
- Where to Stay in Port Aransas (From Someone Who Spends a Lot of Time Here)
- The Ultimate Port Aransas Beach Packing List
- Best Restaurants in Port Aransas (Local Favorites + Dining Guide)
