b'P a d r eI s l a n dChoosing the right beach for your fun in the sun candrive, but definitely with higher ground clearance, be the biggest decision you make for your island va- and taking all the supplies youll need for the day.cation in the Coastal Bend. J.P Luby Surf Park, justA day at the beach on Padre and Mustang Islands is northofPackeryChannelbetweenZahnRd.anda largely unique experience, as our islands offer the Newport Pass Rd., is where youll find the party peo- most beach access for vehicles. Parking is allowed, ple, college/young adult crowd. On the south side ofpermit required in most areas, within 50 feet of the Packery Channel, along the Michael J. Ellis Seawallwaters edge, and smart beachgoers will arrive ear-and south to the Padre Balli Park and Bob Hall Pierly and prepared. A shade canopy is a good idea, as area, families with young kids find the most hospita- are a bonfire and barbecue pit. Work with the wind, ble beach setting. Farther south on Padre Island you will find the least regulated (and maintained) area ofand not against it. Glass containers and driving in the beach, which extends 12 miles south to the north- thedunesareprohibitedandallroadrulesapply ern edge of the Padre Island National Seashore. Ifto beach driving, including seatbelt and DWI laws. you are taking a large group that prefers greater pri- A vehicle-free, pedestrian beach has recently been vacy, this may the beach zone for you, but we adviseestablished on the southern end of the Padre Island travelingintrucks/SUVs,preferablywith4-wheelSeawall, near Whitecap Beach.124THE COASTAL BEND GUIDE TheCoastalBend.com'