Driving down Padre Island is a real beach-road decision

Kleberg County crosses the Laguna Madre and reaches Padre Island National Seashore. That gives the county a Gulf road made of sand: South Beach. Arriving on pavement and driving down island are two different trips.

Two-wheel-drive vehicles are allowed on North Beach and on South Beach from mile 0 through mile 5. South of mile 5, use four-wheel drive. The park does not tow private vehicles, and a commercial tow from down island can cost several hundred to several thousand dollars.

Check park alerts, weather, and predicted tides before leaving pavement. Bring extra food and water, a full tank, a spare tire, and gear for getting out of sand. Cell service is unreliable. When the vehicle or conditions do not fit the trip, Malaquite Beach has paved parking and beach access without a drive through sand.