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The beaches of South Padre Island are the number one attraction for many Island visitors. There are no privately owned beaches in Texas, so everyone is welcome to enjoy every inch of the entire coast line. There are beach access points every few blocks along Gulf Blvd, or you can go to one of the county park beaches where you'll find pavilions with picnic tables, playgrounds, restrooms, and showers. Travel Channel names South Padre Island as one of America's best beaches for family beach travel. South Padre Island is the finest coastal resort in Texas, with beautiful beaches, tall sand dunes, and warm clear clean Gulf waters. The Ladies Kingfish Tournament is divided into two divisions, offshore and bay. Qualifying Offshore fish include: Kingfish, Dolphin, Bonito and Blackfin Tuna. Qualifying Bay fish include: Red Drum, Speckled Trout, Flounder and Snook. Trophies are awarded for Offshore Grand Champion, Bay Grand Champion and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each species.Swami's Beach in Encinitas is a popular surfing beach with fantastic waves located below Seacliff Roadside Park, a region that includes a parking lot, public restrooms, set of scenic, wooden steps perched on a hill high above the Pacific Ocean and sand beach that are part of Swami's. Named for the Self-Realization Fellowship Retreat, Gardens and Hermitage located a few hundred yards north on Highway 101, this beach is a local favorite for surfing. On most mornings and evenings, you can stand on the steps and watch the surfers walk by in a steady stream. Young surfers who mount their bicycles and old surfers who hop into their cars and drive appear to own the finest boards and body suits. They take their surfing seriously and Swami's holds a reputation for providing some of the best waves on the San Diego coastline.

For those who want to enjoy a picnic or walk on the beach, parking is usually limited, especially in the summer months and on weekends. There are a few picnic tables, however, and pay phones. Alcohol is not permitted, dogs are forbidden and no glass containers may be used at Swami's Beach.

Beaches with Public Access
Beach Parking: 5am - 10pm
Beach Use: 4am - 2am
No dogs, alcohol, or glass allowed
Lifeguard Towers Open: 10am - 6pm during the Summer Season (late June to Labor Day)
For more information, 760-633-2740

Surfing Information: Swami's Surfing Association. P.O. Box 230751, Encinitas, CA 92024 www.swamissurfingassociation.org
Holds annual surfing competition to raise money for scholarships and programs, monthly meetings and is a member of the Coalition of Surfing Clubs