112 
 
THE COASTAL BEND MAGAZINE
TheCoastalBend.com
P a d r e  I s l a n d
Choosing the right beach for your fun in the sun can 
be the biggest decision you make for your island va-
cation in the Coastal Bend. J.P Luby Surf Park, just 
north of Packery Channel between Zahn Rd. and 
Newport Pass Rd., is where you’ll find the party peo-
ple, college/young adult crowd. On the south side of 
Packery Channel, along the Michael J. Ellis Seawall 
and south to the Padre Balli Park and Bob Hall Pier 
area, families with young kids find the most hospita-
ble beach setting. Farther south on Padre Island you 
will find the least regulated (and maintained) area of 
the beach, which extends 12 miles south to the north-
ern edge of the Padre Island National Seashore. If 
you are taking a large group that prefers greater pri-
vacy, this may the beach zone for you, but we advise 
traveling in trucks/SUV’s, preferably with 4-wheel 
drive, but definitely with higher ground clearance, 
and taking all the supplies you’ll need for the day.
A day at the beach on Padre and Mustang Islands is 
a largely unique experience, as our islands offer the 
most beach access for vehicles. Parking is allowed, 
permit required in most areas, within 50 feet of the 
water’s edge, and smart beachgoers will arrive ear-
ly and prepared. A shade canopy is a good idea, as 
are a bonfire and barbecue pit. Work with the wind, 
and not against it. Glass containers and driving in 
the dunes are prohibited and all road rules apply 
to beach driving, including seatbelt and DWI laws. 
A vehicle-free, pedestrian beach has recently been 
established on the southern end of the Padre Island 
Seawall, near Whitecap Beach.

View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.