# Texas Beaches Are Public Highways

> Texas public beaches are legal highways where you can drive, with 200+ miles of drivable sand.
- Title: Texas Beaches Are Public Highways · Jalopnik | Shortify
- Summary: Texas public beaches are legal highways where you can drive, with 200+ miles of drivable sand. Texas law allows driving on 200+ miles of public beaches, with…
- Keywords: texas, public beaches, drivable beaches, open beaches act, state highways, access fees, cars, culture, Beaches, Public, Highways, Jalopnik
- Source: Jalopnik — https://jalopnik.com/2292129/texas-public-beaches-are-highways
- Author: Ted Ladue
- Published: 2026-10-24T23:50:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: texas, public beaches, drivable beaches, open beaches act, state highways, access fees, cars, culture
## Texas Beaches Are Public Highways
Texas law allows driving on 200+ miles of public beaches, with access fees and seasonal restrictions.
## Legal Foundation for Beach Driving
The Open Beaches Act of 1959 made beaches public domain from low tide to vegetation line.
## State Constitution Expansion
Texans voted 76.9% in 2009 to add beach access to the state constitution.
## Beach Driving Rules
All beaches are state highways with traffic laws, including seatbelts, and flip flops are allowed.
## Access Fees and Free Beaches
Most beaches charge $15 daily, but some like Boca Chica and West End beaches offer free access.
## Longest Undeveloped Beach Drive
Padre Island National Seashore offers 66 miles of beach driving with no services.
## Key takeaway

Texas law allows driving on 200+ miles of public beaches, with access fees and seasonal restrictions.