Port Aransas Beach Guide
Miles of Gulf beach along Mustang Island. You can drive on most of it, walk on at public access points, swim, surf, boogie board, kite surf, sailboard, fish from the surf, build sandcastles, or just sit under your pop up with a cooler and people watch. Some access points near town have open showers to wash the beach off. Here's what to know.
Beach Access
Tap the map to view full size.
Tap the map to view full size.
Several beach access roads lead to the Gulf beach. Starting furthest north:
- •E. Cotter. Runs from the ferry landing, spanning the Marina District, past UTMSI, then to the beach — letting out at the Jetty.
- •Beach St. Runs from Alister (the main drag) past many popular restaurants and I.B. Magee County Park, ending at Horace Caldwell Pier.
- •G Street. The most popular entry point from mid town.
- •Sandcastle Dr. A hidden access point off 11th St.
- •Beach Access Rd 1A. From Hwy 361 (the Texan mini mart has hot food and snacks galore) and the end of 11th St. Also very popular.
- •Beach Access Rd 1. Runs from Hwy 361 through Palmilla Golf to Tony Amos Beach, where the ARK releases rehabilitated sea turtles from time to time.
- •Beach Access Rd 1B. New for 2026, just south of Cinnamon Shore North.
Access roads further south tend to be less crowded. Mustang Island State Park has its own beach access with facilities.
Beach Driving
- •The Beach Road is an official road — all traffic laws apply, and the 15 mph speed limit is strictly enforced.
- •A beach parking pass is required to stop and park — buy one at a local convenience store.
- •Stay on packed sand near the waterline to avoid getting stuck.
- •4WD isn't required in most conditions but helps in soft sand. Without rain in the summer, the sand gets soft and people get stuck daily — 361 Off Road Rescue is a volunteer group that helps stuck folks out.
- •Watch for pedestrians, especially kids who may dart out chasing a beach ball at any moment.
Water Conditions
Gulf water is warm from May through October (low 80s°F). Winter water temperatures drop to the mid-50s to low 60s°F. Visibility varies — it's a sandy-bottom Gulf beach, not Caribbean-clear. Rip currents can occur, especially after storms. Check conditions before swimming.
Beach Parks & Facilities
If you want restrooms, rinse stations, and easy parking, head for one of the developed beach parks rather than an open access road.
167-acre Nueces County park with restrooms, rinse stations, RV sites, and the Horace Caldwell Pier.
About 5 miles south of town. Quieter, undeveloped Gulf beach with primitive camping. Also has 48 RV/Trailer sites with 50-amp electric and water service. There's a dump station (not at the sites — it's on the way out of the park).
