Parking & Shuttles from 2024

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 2024 Texas SandFest parking: There will be NO designated parking lot for RVs.

Park and 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 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Free Parking)
• Port Aransas Community Park (700 Clark Parkway)—All three days of the event from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (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. A free golf cart shuttle will also be available to transport guests to the North entrance and back. The last golf cart shuttle is at 7:30 p.m. No overnight parking will be allowed in any remote parking lot.

Golf Cart Shuttle from Gracie’s Way Parking Lot

There is a free parking lot on Gracie’s Way (off of Beach Road 1-A) with a free Golf Cart Shuttle from Gracie’s Way to the South entrance of SandFest (Fri, Sat & Sun, 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.). You can then walk to the South entrance of SandFest. The Gracie's Way parking lot is where all tour/school bus parking will be located. RV parking is also allowed at Gracie's Way, but please note that the lot is grassy and parking is at your own risk. No overnight parking will be allowed.

​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 schedules and more information.

​SandFest Parking Lots on the Beach

There are two parking lots on the beach next to SandFest—one at the North entrance at Beach Marker 9 (exits at Avenue G/Marker 0), and one at the South entrance at Beach Marker 19 (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.​

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. There will be an elderly and disabled drop-off point around Marker 12.

VIP Parking

The VIP parking lot will be located on the beach at Beach Marker 11.5. Exit for the lot will be at 10.5.

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.

RV Beach Parking

The City of Port Aransas determines what areas outside of the event can be used for RV parking. RV parking will not be allowed outside the bollards, but RV parking is permitted on the beach North of Avenue G and South of Access Road 1-A. All RV parking on the beach must be done perpendicular to the shoreline, not parallel.

​Beach Parking Permits

The City of Port Aransas requires a yearly $12 permit to park on the beach. Permits can be purchased at the following locations.

• During Texas SandFest, beach parking permits can be purchased near each of the entrances to the North and South main parking lots from about 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Permits can also be purchased at:

• 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

Learn more about parking permits below.