NPS photo

Picnic shelters at Malaquite Beach

We hope the tips below will help you to better plan your trip and to know a little bit more about what you should expect when you arrive. Follow the navigation bar to the left and above for information on the park's activities, natural and cultural resources, operations, and much more.

Driving

Beaches are Texas public highways. Only street legal and licensed vehicles may be driven in the park. All Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s), UTV's, Go Carts, Golf Carts, and Dune Buggys are prohibited.

Pedestrians have the right-of-way at all times and do not always watch for approaching vehicles. For more tips on driving down island, click on the link to the right.

Driving in dunes, grasslands or mudflats is prohibited. Drive with caution and strictly observe posted speed limits.

You cannot drive to South Padre Island or the Rio Grande Valley along the beach. The only way to reach these destinations is to return to Corpus Christi and follow state Highway 358 (South Padre Drive) to state Highway 44. Take Highway 44 to Robstown. Then take U.S. Highway 77 south to the Rio Grande Valley.

Regulations

The Superintendent's Compendium contains all of the regulations to the park, which are written for your safety and for the benefit of the natural and cultural resources that the National Park Service protects.

Below are some regulations and tips that address frequently asked questions:

Firearms

Loaded firearms are strictly prohibited. A Concealed Handgun License issued under the authority of the State of Texas, or another state, is not valid at the National Seashore.

Unloaded weapons may be possessed only when such weapons are rendered temporarily inoperable, or are packed, cased or stored in a manner that will prevent their ready use.

Boating

Jet skis, air boats and kite surfing are prohibited. 

For the safety of all visitors, boaters launching from Bird Island Basin must avoid the NO BOATS buoy line, which is located west of the boat ramp near the windsurfing area.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages may be consumed at the park; however, open containers are not allowed in moving vehicles. Be safe. If you drink, don’t drive. Visitors found to be driving under the influence are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Metal Detectors

Possession or use of metal detectors is prohibited in the park, in order to preserve cutural resources that are protected by the National Park Service. If you come upon a cultural artifact, please note the location of the object and notify a park ranger.

Pets

Pets must be on a leash and under physical restraint at all times. Pets are not permitted at the visitor center area, including the designated swim beach.

RV Wastes

Gray and black water must be disposed of only at the dump station at the Malaquite Beach campground. This facility is open to any visitor to the park.

Nudity

Nudity is not permitted anywhere in the park.

Fireworks

Fireworks are prohibited.

Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials periodically wash ashore, ranging from large barrels containing unknown substances to medical waste products. If you come upon hazardous materials, please note the location of the object and alert a park ranger.