Wondering where the best spots are to park and how to get around in the crowds? Check out the information below that will give you the scoop on the lay of the land. 

Important change in 2025 Texas SandFest parking: There will be NO designated parking lots for RV's. 

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Park & Ride Locations​

During SandFest, the Regional Transportation Authority will provide FREE bus shuttle transportation from the following locations to the beach at the end of Access Road 1-A:

• Roberts Point Park (near the ferry landing) - All three days of the event from 9 AM to 8 PM (Free Parking)

• Port Aransas Community Park (700 Clark Parkway) - All three days of the event from 9 AM to 8 PM (Free Parking)

The shuttle will drop off SandFest attendees at the end of Beach Access Road 1-A, which is just a couple hundred feet to the South Entrance of the festival at Marker 17. 

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Golf Cart Shuttle to and from Gracie's Way Parking Log

There is a free parking area on Gracie's Way (just off of Beach Road 1-A) with a free Golf Cart Shuttle from Gracie's Way to the end of the Beach Access Road 1-A, which is just a few hundred feet walk from the South entrance of SandFest. (Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 9:00AM - 7:30PM)

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City Shuttle

SandFest visitors can get around town and to the beach on the city shuttle. The nearest drop off is on the Beach Road at Beach Access Road 1-A. Download the City of Port Aransas Shuttle Route Map for shuttle shuttle schedules and more information. 

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SandFest Parking Lots on the Beach 

There are two parking lots on the beach next to SandFest - one at the North end of the event near Beach Marker 9, this is the largest parking lot (exits at Avenue G/ Marker 0), and one at the South end of the event at Beach Marker 19, this is a small parking lot and fills up very quickly (exits at 17.5). There will be no RV, trailer or oversized vehicle parking inside SandFest parking lots. Parking is free, however, a city Beach Parking Permit is required. 

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Accessible SandFest Parking

Accessible parking for cars with a valid (not expired) state-issued accessible car placard or license plate is available on the beach in the North SandFest parking lot, near Beach Marker 12.5. The exit will be at Marker 11.5. Space is limited. Accessible parking is on a first-come-first-served basis and space cannot be guaranteed.  

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VIP Parking 

The VIP parking lot will be located on the beach at Beach Market 11.5. Exit for the lot will be at 10.5. An official SandFest VIP placard must be attached to your rear-view mirror or placed on dashboard. VIP placards are only valid for the day printed on them. A city Beach Parking Permit is required. 

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Golf Carts

Only official SandFest golf carts are allowed inside the SandFest gates. You may park your personal or rental golf cart in the parking lots on the beach. 

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Beach Parking Permits

Port Aransas is well-known for its wide, drivable beaches. Perhaps less known, though, are the rules for parking your vehicle on those beaches. Here's what you need to know.

Beach parking permits in Port Aransas are stickers that cost $12 and must be visibly placed on any motorized vehicle parked on Port Aransas beaches, from cars to golf carts.

 

Permits can be purchased at the following locations: 

• During SandFest, location TBD 

• The Port Aransas Tourism Bureau & Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center at 403 W. Cotter Ave

• IGA Family Center at 418 S. Alister St

• Stripes convenience stores 

 

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When to use a beach parking permit: A purchased permit is valid from January 1st through December 31st of its respective calendar year. ​

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Where to park with a permit: The sticker allows the vehicle to park on the beach anywhere between mile markers 0 through 62. This is from near Horace Caldwell Pier all the way through Port Aransas Beach and to the Kleberg County line (south of Bob Hall Pier), making the permit valid in both Port Aransas and Corpus Christi. 

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Where to park on the beach for free: In the Port Aransas city limits, there are limited free parking spots available between the South Jetty and Horace Caldwell Pier and between mile markers 52 and 58. These spots fill up quickly, though, so it's highly recommended to purchase a parking permit before you head out to the beach. 

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*Location accepts cash-only payments for beach parking permits. 

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