Wondering about the best way to get around?

Use the guide below to navigate the festival and find the most convenient parking for your needs.

 

​🅿️ Off-Site Parking & Shuttle Options

 

🚌 Park & Ride (FREE Shuttle)

The Regional Transportation Authority (CCRTA), in conjunction with the City of Port A, provides this free shuttle. 

ℹ️ General Information:

• Operating Hours: 

  • Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

  • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

• Pickup and Drop-off Locations:

  • Roberts Point Park: Located near the ferry landing. (Free Parking)

  • Port Aransas Community Park: 700 Clark Parkway. (Free Parking)

  • South Entrance of the Event (Marker 17.5)

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🛺 Gracie's Way

For a quicker, "island-style" transfer directly to the South Entrance, utilize the Gracie's Way lot.​

ℹ️ General Information:

• Operating Hours: 

  • Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

  • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

• Pickup and Drop-off Locations:

  • Gracie's Way (near the intersection of 11th St and Access 1A)

    • Gracies Way Pinned Location​​

  • South Entrance of the Event (Marker 17.5)​

• Cost:

  • Both parking and golf cart shuttle service are free

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📍 On the Beach Parking Areas

 

🏖️ General SandFest Parking Lot

ℹ️ General Information:

• Located at the North end of the event grounds.

  • Entrance: Beach Marker 9

  • Exit: Marker 0 at Avenue G

⚠️ Rules:

• A valid city Beach Parking Permit is required.

• No RVs, trailers, or oversized vehicles.

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♿ Accessible SandFest Parking

ℹ️ General Information:

• Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Located at the North entrance. Look for the "Accessible Parking" Feather Flag.

  • Entrance: Marker 12.5

  • Exit: Marker 11.5.

⚠️ Rules:

• Must display a valid state-issued accessible placard or accessible plate, or Disabled Veterans plate 

  • A parking attendant will be at the entrance to verify a valid state-issued accessible placard/plate

• A valid city Beach Parking Permit is required.​

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🌟 VIP Parking

ℹ️ General Information:​

• Located at the South entrance of the event. Look for the "VIP Parking" Feather Flag.

  • Entrance: Marker 19.

  • Exit: Marker 17.5 at Access Road 1A.

• A parking attendant will be at the entrance to verify a valid VIP Placard

⚠️ Rules:

• An official SandFest VIP placard must be displayed on the dashboard

• A city Beach Parking Permit is also required.

• No RVs, trailers, or oversized vehicles.

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📜 Beach Parking Permits

Beach parking permits ($12) are valid for the calendar year and must be visibly displayed on all motorized vehicles (including golf carts) parked on the beach.

Where to Purchase:

• The Texan or Stripes Convenience Stores

• Lowes Market (formerly IGA) – 418 S. Alister St.

• Tourism Bureau & Chamber Welcome Center – 403 W. Cotter Ave.

Important Parking Notes:

• Golf Carts: Only official SandFest carts are allowed inside the gates. Personal/rental carts must park in the designated beach lots.

• Enforcement: All beach lots are regularly patrolled by city parking enforcement.

• Free Parking: Extremely limited free spots are available between the South Jetty and Horace Caldwell Pier. These fill up very early; purchasing a permit is highly recommended.