Enjoy the beaches, safely

The sandy beach makes a great place to push your favorite truck. We Port Aransans want visitors to enjoy our beaches as much as possible, but certain rules have been set up to ensure that our shores remain a safe and reasonably orderly place.

• A beach parking permit is required for areas between marker 0 and marker 62 with the exception of free parking areas (between the south jetty and Horace Caldwell Pier and between markers 52 and 58). Permits are available at any convenience store, at the Family Center IGA, at city hall or from the vendor located on the beach. A $12 permit allows parking for a calendar year (Jan. 1 to Dec. 31).

• Beach parking permits are not required in I.B. Magee Beach Park, which lies between Horace Caldwell Pier and the south jetty; but a park camping permit is required in that area if you’re going to stay overnight. No water, electric or sewer hookups are available on the beach.

• Free tent and RV camping is permitted on the city-run beach (areas outside I.B. Magee Beach Park), but not to exceed three nights in any three-week period.

• Small bonfires are allowed, but no larger than 3x3 feet. City ordinances forbid burning of construction pallets or any other material that may contain nails.

• For everyone’s safety, no glass containers are allowed on the beach.

• The beach is a public street; all traffic regulations apply. The speed limit is 15 miles an hour. Driving within 50 feet of the water’s edge is not allowed.

• For the protection of our dune system, driving in the dunes is prohibited.

• Port Aransas has a law requiring dogs to be kept on a leash, and this law also applies to beaches. City ordinance also requires that owners clean up after their pets.

• For the benefit of our tourists, there will be no solicitation on the beach.

Money from beach parking permits goes to beach maintenance (not only cleaning the beaches, but providing safety parking areas, maintaining a drivable roadway, trash barrels and restroom facilities, shower facilities and drinking water), beach safety (lifeguards and emergency medical services) and beach patrol .