From the party-like atmosphere at J.P. Luby Park to the solitude at Padre Island National Seashore, Coastal Bend beaches offer something for everyone.
Activities on Nueces County beaches include surfing, fishing, sailboarding, jet-skiiing, barbecues, volleyball, sandcastle construction and plain old sun worship.
Many local beaches are easily accessible by car, but an easily obtainable permit is required to park in some areas.
On beaches operated by the Nueces County Parks and Recreation Department, permits cost $5 for 30 days or $10 for a year, plus tax. The permits are sold at area convenience stores, county offices, beach vendors and Nueces County Parks and Recreation Department employees on the beach.
Fifteen to 20 lifeguards staff about 10 miles of Nueces County beaches on weekdays, with 26 on hand during weekends. Lifeguard stands are staffed from Memorial Day through Labor Day. All beaches operated by Nueces County are open 24 hours a day.
While J.P. Luby Park is frequented by a largely younger crowd, Whitecap Beach, on the other side of the Padre Island seawall is becoming increasingly popular with families.
A no-traffic zone has been established at Whitecap Beach, allowing children to play without the danger of passing cars.A good family beach also can be found in at Port Aranasas County Park in Port Aransas, on the northern tip of Mustang Island.
For solitude, a good bet is Padre Island National Seashore, which offers a 60-mile shoreline -- the largest undeveloped barrier island in the continental United States. Most of it is accessible only by four-wheel-drive vehicle.
The charge to enter the seashore is $4 per vehicle. The fee is good for seven days. An annual pass costs $10.Driving is prohibited on a four-mile stretch of beach at the seashore, providing a less hectic atmosphere.
Also on the seashore, Malaquite Beach offers restrooms, showers and a concession stand. Camping is allowed in most areas of the seashore.
At Mustang Island State Park, campers can use recreation vehicles or tents pitched by the shore.The park's entrance fee is $5. Beach camping is $7 a night, and campsites with water and electricity are $12 a night.
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