The Texas Parks and Wildlife department has specific rules for animal visits to state-maintained beaches, including keeping dogs on leashes of 6 feet or less and putting them in carriers when not leashed. Look for pet-friendly beaches in Corpus Christi, Galveston Island, Freeport, Port Aransas and South Padre Island.
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi's Cole Park includes a beach that permits pets on leashes. You're likely to see windsurfers on Cole Beach, as well as a lot of children playing on the various slides and mazes. Surrounding Cole is a 43-acre park with picnic tables and an amphitheater. Cole Park can be found off Ocean Drive in Corpus Christi.
Galveston Island
In observance of state regulations, Galveston Island State Park requires dogs be leashed on the beach and in the adjoining campsites. The park charges a $5 fee for everyone over 13 as of 2010, but no additional fees are charged for pets. You'll see a variety of shore and wading birds at Galveston Island's beach, but you should keep your pet from disturbing them. Many species of wildlife are protected in Texas.
Freeport
Situated about 65 miles south of Houston, the city of Freeport maintains Bryan Beach, where dogs are allowed to join their owners for romps in the sand. This beach is 3.5 miles long, and owners must control their animals' behavior at all times, as well as clean up after them. You can also camp on this beach, with or without pets, for no fee.
Port Aransas
Mustang Island State Park, which lies to the east of Corpus Christi on the Gulf Coast in the Port Aransas area, offers a 5-mile-long, pet-friendly beach. Dogs must be on a leash of 6 feet or less on the beach, and they cannot enter public swimming areas or any park buildings. Dogs are allowed in the campsites.
South Padre Island
Known as a vacation destination for college students, South Padre National Seashore also offers several pet-friendly beach venues. Situated at the southern tip of the island, Isla Blanca Park in particular features a mile of beach that permits leashed dogs. Owners must clean up all pet waste immediately. The park also offers RV and camping sites.
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