Drive Down Island (South Beach), Padre Island National Seashore, Texas

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One of the most popular activities to do when visiting the national seashore is to drive on the beach and travel down island. Venturing beyond the pavement can get you to some of the most remote areas of the park, awarding you the experience of solitude in this natural landscape. Popular areas of the park such as Little Shell Beach, Big Shell Beach, Yarborough Pass, and Mansfield Channel can only be reached by driving along the wild coastline of Padre Island. South Beach includes 60 miles of sandy beach along the Gulf of Mexico. It is accessed from the end of the main park paved road, a half-mile south of the visitor center. When conditions allow, driving is permitted on South Beach. Traveling on the beach beyond the paved road is done so at your own risk. Weather reports and tide charts are available online. Beach mile marker signs are located every five miles. The northern boundary of South Beach is bordered by vehicle bollards at Malaquite Beach, and the southern boundary of South Beach is bordered by the Mansfield Channel. Four-wheel drive vehicles are always recommended between mile 0 to 5 and many be required depending on conditions. Check for posted signs. Markers are spaced five miles apart down the Gulf shoreline from Malaquite's southern boundary to indicate distance. Mileage points between the five-mile markers are usually referred to as "markers" rather than "points". For example, the point thirty-seven miles south of Malaquite is referred to as the "thirty-seven mile marker", even though no marker is present there. The first five miles of South Beach, between beach mile marker 0 to 5, is open to primitive beach camping. Mile 0 to 5 is generally open to two-wheel drive vehicles, although four-wheel drive is always recommended. The last fifty-five miles of South Beach, between beach mile marker 5 to 60, is open to primitive beach camping. Mile 5 to 55 always requires four-wheel drive vehicles. Popular destinations along this stretch of beach include the sections of beach known as Little Shell Beach and Big Shell Beach, as well as Yarborough Pass, a high-clearance four-wheel drive road with access to the Laguna Madre. Before making a trip out to the park to drive on the beach down island, it is important to plan ahead and prepare. Doing the necessary preparation before your trip will ensure you have an enjoyable one. Check to see if there are any active alerts in the park. Look at the weather forecast and predicted tides. Examine your vehicle and supplies to make sure you have everything you need to be self-sufficient in case a problem arises. Be aware of general park safety information. Tell a family member or friend your plan before you enter the park. Cell phone service is unreliable in the park, and you may not be able to check-in with family or friends when you are down island. The beach and driving conditions can change quickly depending on the weather, tides, and location. If you are planning on driving on the beach and traveling down island, come prepared with an appropriate vehicle and vehicle drive type. Texas beaches are public highways and all traffic laws apply, including seat belt regulations. All vehicles operating in the park must have a valid state or government-issued vehicle registration and license plate issued for public highway travel. The Texas OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) license plate does not meet this standard. Unregistered OHVs, including but not limited to ATVs, UTVs, golf carts, dune buggies, sand rails, amphibious vehicles, and any other non-highway vehicles, are prohibited from being operated in the park.

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