Open Beaches

Image In Texas, public access to Gulf Coast beaches is not just the law, it is a constitutional right. Walking along the beach in Texas has been a privilege since Texas was a Republic, and the Texas Land Commissioner protects this public right for all Texans by enforcing the Texas Open Beaches Act. Texas Coasts Searchable web application showing available public access points on the Texas beaches and the amenities at those points. Texas Beach Accessibility Guide Guidance for local governments adopting and implementing beach accessibility measures for persons with disabilities. Guia De Accesibilidad Para Las Playas De Texas Guidance for local governments adopting and implementing beach accessibility measures for persons with disabilities. (Spanish Translation) Dune Protection and Improvement Manual for the Texas Gulf Coast Guidelines for dune protection and improvement along the Texas Gulf Coast. Dunas Costenas Manual De Proteccion y Mejora De Dunas Para La Costa Del Golfo De Texas Guidelines for dune protection and improvement along the Texas Gulf Coast. (Spanish Translation) Beachfront Construction Certificates and Dune Protection Permits FAQ Guidelines for construction certificates and dune protection permits on the Texas gulf coast. Dune Construction and Restoration Guidelines for dune construction and restoration on the Texas Gulf coast. Dune Restoration Technical Bulletin - Organic Brushy Materials and Hay Bales Guidelines for the use of various organic brushy materials and hay bales for dune restoration. No Walking or Driving on Dunes Guidelines about laws prohibiting walking and driving on dunes. Mitigation Sequence Guidelines to consider if adverse impacts to dunes and dune vegetation may take place during construction Mitigation SOP Technical document outlining procedures for mitigation for adverse impacts to critical dunes and dune vegetation. Local Beach Access Plans Cities and counties along the coast are required to adopt laws to protect the public's beach access rights and outline local coastal construction requirements. These local laws are adopted as a beach access and dune protection plan. The Land Office reviews local beach access plans and certifies that they meet the minimum state standards set forth in the Open Beaches Act, Dune Protection Act, and the General Land Office Beach/Dune Rules.Local Beach Access Plans and Erosion Response Plans establish requirements for beach access points, construction standards and beach user fees. Brazoria County (148 pages) December 2022 Cameron County (153 pages) September 2022 Chambers County (49 pages) August 1993 City of Corpus Christi (243 pages) June 2012 City of Freeport (174 pages) October 2012 City of Galveston (213 pages) August 2026 City of Jamaica Beach (79 pages) July 2012 City of Port Aransas (111 pages) August 2012 City of Port Arthur (47 pages) April 1994 City of South Padre Island (116 pages) February 2016 City of Starbase (29 pages) December 2025 Galveston County (153 pages) August 2012 Jefferson County (47 pages) March 1994 Matagorda County (114 pages) January 2013 Nueces County (97 pages) June 2012 Town of Quintana (48 pages) August 2012 Village of Surfside Beach (140 pages) February 2024 Contact Us If you have a question about the Coastal program, find the right contact in our GLO Agency Directory. GLO AGENCY DIRECTORY