South Padre Island - all beaches

You can bring your vehicle with you for a fee of $14 at the entrance. The beach is stunning and well-maintained.

This beach is a total zoo, packed to the gills with families galore. But hey, at least the restrooms and outdoor showers are top-notch. Just make sure you bring your wallet, because everything else here costs a pretty penny. If you're lucky enough to snag a BBQ pit early in the day, you'll be grilling alongside the masses. But beware, parking can be a nightmare later on, even though it's technically free after you fork over the $12 park entry fee. On the bright side, this beach is perfect for little ones since the water is shallow. Just make sure to BYO floatie and fill it up for a measly $2 at the rental spot where you can also grab a snack. If you're feeling fancy, you can rent a beach chair and umbrella for a whopping $35. The water may be chilly, but at least there are plenty of shells to hunt for. And the best part? There are way fewer sea creatures washing up here compared to other nearby beaches. It's a hit with LatinX families who come to soak up some sun and surf. Just be sure to have your papers in order and watch your speed on the drive back, as Border Patrol is everywhere.