Gulf beaches come in all flavors

Whether you want a quiet dip on a lonely and lovely stretch of sand or umbrellas over your head and in your drink, the Gulf Coast has a beach for you.

Beaches within a few hours’ drive of McAllen include the popular sands on South Padre Island, tranquil Boca Chica and Playa Bagdad, a favorite of locals south of the border in Matamoros.

South Padre is all about its beaches. At the south-most end, Isla Blanca Park has the most public beachfront amenities, and tends to be the most crowded in the summertime, said Melissa Zamora, communications director at the Island’s visitors bureau. That’s where surfers tend to congregate, particularly when the waves along the shipping channel are whipped by passing storms.

With its covered picnic area, snack hut, outdoor restaurant, public showers and $4 entrance fee, the park also draws swimmers and fishers.

Further north on city-owned beaches, you can sip a cerveza in the sand (cans only — no glass is allowed on the beach) or drive along the dunes, depending on which public access you use. Recreation rentals cater to almost every water sport item or lounging need.

For adventurers looking for a Mexican beach beloved by locals, Playa Bagdad draws them in droves from nearby Matamoros. Vendors are scattered everywhere on sunny days, and like South Padre, the shore is served by shops, restaurants and hotels.

But for those who prefer a more pristine — and desolate — getaway, Boca Chica beach lies at the mouth of the Rio Grande.

Popular with Winter Texans and nature enthusiasts, Boca Chica boasts plentiful fishing and a variety of birds too shy to alight on South Padre.

The state-owned beach permits camping, fishing and picnicking along with swimming and surfing. But visitors need to load up on supplies before heading out — no souvenir shops or snack vendors in sight, and no public bathrooms, either.

Sara Perkins covers Starr County and general assignments for The Monitor. You can reach her at (956) 683-4472. For this and more local stories, visit www.themonitor.com.