Did you know there are plenty of amazing beaches across the country where you can just drive right on them to enjoy the sun, surf, and sand? Yup, that means no paying for parking, no hauling all your gear, no having to make multiple trips, it’s all right there.
Sounds pretty nice, right? That’s why you have to check out some of these beaches.
There are a couple of things to keep in mind before you go. First, check to see if you’ll need to buy a permit to get onto the beach, and also if a four wheel drive vehicle is required.
It’s a good idea to let some air out of those tires (many beaches require a certain tire pressure), and don’t forget to keep the rules of the road just like you would when driving down any other street.
Lastly, a few emergency supplies never hurt. Toss a small shovel, towing straps, a spare, and a jack in the trunk and you’ll be good to go just in case anything unexpected might come up. Be prepared!
Let’s cut right to the chase so you can hit up these spots on your next vacation.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore and the Outer Banks
The Outer Banks of North Carolina is one of the biggest hot spots in America for on beach driving. It’s easy to see why, the wide beaches surrounded by dunes are perfect to drive up and set up a campsite for the night, a picnic, or your fishing gear. While enjoying the Outer Banks, don’t forget to check out the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, where beach driving is allowed.
Padre Island National Seashore
NPS photo via nps.org
In Texas, you can enjoy a full 55 miles of drive on beach fun when you visit the Padre Island National Seashore. If you don’t have a four wheel drive vehicle though don’t worry, you won’t be left out, as almost nine miles of drive-able beach are for your standard passenger car. Padre Island is the perfect place to set up for a day of surf casting right on the beach.
Daytona and New Smyrna Beaches
Via Volusia.org
In Daytona, Florida car enthusiasts have been racing for generations, and that’s not just around their famous track, but on the beaches as well. Since cars have been around, they have been driven around the beaches of this area. These beaches with wide packed sand offer great opportunities for fishing, surfing, and paddlesports, to name a few.
Cape Cod National Seashore
Visitors to the Cape Cod National Seashore is allowed during the summer and fall months. There is a driving corridor that goes from Proviencetown to Meadow Beach in Truro, and along this area you are free to set up camp, have bonfires, even tow your boat to the ocean. Can you find a better launch spot for a day on the beach than that?
What are some of your own drive on beach experiences? Let us know where you go in the comments!
