Surfside beach laws

Beach Rules

  • Vehicular traffic is permitted on the beach east of Highway 332 (drive-on beach).  The pedestrian beach (west of Starfish) is always closed to vehicular traffic (including golf carts).  That’s why it’s called the “pedestrian” beach.
  • All vehicles driven on the beach (including golf carts) must have an annual beach pass and have it showing on the front left windshield.
  • The speed limit on the beach is 15 MPH.
  • The drive-on beach allows two-way parking at the water’s edge and at the dunes.  On major holidays and weekends or during very high tide, the Chief of Police may determine that one-way traffic and/or temporary beach closure is necessary.
  • All-terrain vehicles are not allowed on the beach.  Any vehicles that are not street-licensed are not legal.  Licensed and insured golf carts are permitted on the drive-on beach only.  Drivers of golf carts must possess a driver’s license.
  • City, state, and federal laws protect the dunes.  Dunes are strictly off-limits to both pedestrians and vehicles.  This is also for your safety, as snakes tend to live in the dunes.
  • Horses are not allowed on the beach from May 15 through September 15.  Horses are allowed on the beach during weekends from April 1 through May 15 and September 15 through October 31.  Horses are allowed on the beach every day from November 1 through March 31.
  • Camping is not permitted on the beach within the Village of Surfside Beach boundaries.  Camping is permitted on the county beach located east of the city limits at Beach Access Entrance 1, located 3.0 miles east of Highway 332 on County Road 257 (Bluewater Highway).
  • Campfires are permitted on the beach only if they are under control and no bigger than 3’ x 3’.  Christmas trees and sand fences are for erosion control.  DO NOT BURN THEM.
  • No fireworks of any kind are allowed on the beach or within the city limits.
  • Glass containers are not allowed on the beach.
  • Keep sound systems at a volume that does not bother your neighbors.
  • The State of Texas’s alcoholic beverage law prohibits public consumption of alcoholic beverages from 2:00 am Sunday until noon on Sunday as well as under the age of 21 consumption or possession.
  • Keep dogs you take to the beach on their leashes.PLEASE DO NOT LITTER.  Please use the trash receptacles provided at the beach or, better yet, take your trash with you.