Choose the coast, then the entrance
The island’s Gulf shoreline is not one interchangeable beach. City accesses are walk-on routes from Gulf Boulevard. County parks add a managed beach setting. County Beach Accesses #3 and #4 are simpler parking-and-beach options, while the city identifies County Accesses #5 and #6 as vehicle entrances for people who plan to drive on the sand. Their numbers overlap the city series, so say the operator as well as the number when meeting someone.
The city beach access map is the useful starting point for a walk-on stop. For a larger county destination, compare Isla Blanca Park at the south end and Andy Bowie Park near the island’s developed north end. The county’s June 2026 Andy Bowie improvement update describes refreshed restrooms and bathhouse facilities, pavilions, parking work, and a south-end pedestrian walkway with rinse stations; confirm that the facilities you need are open before making the trip.
A few useful ways to narrow it down
| If your day looks like this | Start here |
|---|---|
| A walk from a nearby hotel or condo | City beach accesses and the access map |
| A park day with the sand as one part of the outing | Isla Blanca Park or Andy Bowie Park |
| A drive-on beach day | Edwin K. Atwood Park or County Access #6, after reading the driving guide |
| A quieter, less serviced stretch | Wild North Beach |
| A bayside view or birding pause rather than Gulf swimming | Laguna Madre bayside |
| A separate mainland beach outing | Boca Chica Beach |
Do not plan around an old access assumption
County beaches can close when tides or land conditions make them unsafe to use. Cameron County temporarily closed County Accesses #4, #5/E.K. Atwood, and #6 for high tides and undriveable conditions in March 2026, then reopened them the next day in its official notice. Treat that notice as an example of why to check current county announcements, not as a statement that any entrance is open today.
Before leaving, look at beach conditions, choose a backup entrance, and follow signs at the place you use. If the plan includes a dog, a wheelchair, a stroller, or a vehicle, settle those needs before choosing a parking lot.
