Popular South Texas beaches restricted, closed for Fourth of July

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Officials hope reducing access to popular beaches in Southeast Texas over the Fourth of July weekend will disperse weekend crowds and prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Well-known holiday hotspots like Port Aransas, Padre Island, South Padre Island and Galveston all have put restrictions in place over the weekend.

Padre Island National Seashore will be temporarily closed for the weekend beginning at 8 p.m. Thursday through 6 a.m. Tuesday, according to the National Park Service Facebook page for the area. That includes camping and overnight parking at Bird Island Basin Boat ramp.

Visit Port Aransas posted a Fourth of July FAQ that said people will still be able to access beaches on foot, but they’re closed to vehicles and parking will be very limited. There will also be a curfew starting Thursday night between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Cameron County also temporarily closed county beach access areas to South Padre Island in an emergency order Monday. It lasts through July 13.

In Galveston, between Friday at 5 a.m. and Monday at midnight, beaches will be closed to traffic, according to a Facebook post from the City of Galveston. The mayor signed an executive order Wednesday after checking with the Texas General Land Office, and violations could result in up to a $500 fine.