Have you noticed that in recent years beach regulations are becoming more and more restrictive?
Sometimes it’s about cutting down on noise or overcrowding, other times it’s to protect the marine environment.
Either way, starting this year, there are a few things you can no longer bring to many beaches. Let’s find out what they are.
No Glass Containers on Texas Beaches
Many Texas beaches are completely banning glass containers and the reason is quite simple: broken glass is a major hazard if you are barefoot and there have been several incidents over the years because of it.
So if you wanna go to the beach in Texas, you have to bring your favorite drinks only in cans or plastic bottles.
Oh, and another thing no one mentions is that broken glass in the sand is a pain to clean up. I know because I used to work cleaning the beach when I was in school.
No Smoking and Cigarettes
Another thing many beaches are banning is cigarettes. In particular, Spain is taking its beach cleanliness seriously.
For example, at L’Albir Beach in Alicante, smoking is completely banned, and that includes cigarettes and vapes.
Why? Cigarette butts are the number one litter problem on beaches, and they’re super harmful to marine life. If you light up, you could face a fine up to €2,000. Better to save your euros for sangria or tapas by the promenade instead.
No Alcohol on Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach has always been a party hotspot, but if you’re headed there in March (peak spring break season), you should leave the booze at home.
The city has enforced a strict no-alcohol-on-the-beach rule for the whole month.
They’re cracking down to avoid the chaos that comes with drunk crowds and rowdy parties. Outside of March, things are a bit more relaxed, but during spring break, it’s all about keeping it family-friendly and chill.
No More 4WD Vehicles in Australia
Driving straight onto the sand for a beach BBQ or some fishing used to be part of the Aussie coastal dream, especially on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula.
But times are changing. Environmental damage, dune erosion, and trash left behind have led local authorities to crack down. Many beach access points for 4WDs and trail bikes are either restricted or being phased out.
The new plan is to park at designated spots and walk in. It’s a small price to pay to help protect these stunning coastal spots for the long haul.
No More Claiming Beach Huts with Plastic Wrap
This one’s bizarre but true. In Wollongong, a beachside city south of Sydney, locals were getting a little too creative trying to reserve public beach huts by wrapping them up in plastic (you can see it in the picture above because it’s hard to explain in words).
The mayor wasn’t having it. Now there’s a full-on ban to stop people from hogging these community spaces. The rule is simple: first come, first serve, and this new prohibition sign has been put up on the beach.
No Soap or Shampoo in Spanish Beach Showers
I think this was already quite common but more and more beaches are adopting this ban in 2025.
Basically on some beaches it’s now illegal to use soap or shampoo to shower or wash your feet.
Erything you rinse off goes straight into the sea, and the chemicals can do serious harm to fish, corals, and the whole coastal ecosystem.
Some beaches have specific rinse-off areas, so just keep an eye out for signs or ask someone if you’re not sure.
No Metal Shovels in Florida
Digging holes at the beach is usually part of the fun, until someone falls into a crater in the dark.
That’s is why some beaches (including Panama City Beach in Florida) are putting a stop to giant pits and the use of metal shovels.
Any hole deeper than two feet is prohibited, and you’ll need to stick with plastic tools if you want to build sandcastles.
It’s all about preventing accidents and making sure sea turtles (and humans) don’t end up in unexpected sinkholes.
No Off-Leash Dogs in Australia
Australia’s Sunshine Coast is changing the rules and off-leash areas are being reduced, and stricter leash laws are popping up at more beaches and parks.
It’s all part of a plan to protect the local wildlife and keep everyone (furry or not) safe and happy.
You can still bring your pup for a beach day, just make sure the leash stays on unless you’re in a designated dog zone.
In addition, remember you must also follow these surprising beach rules that not everyone knows.
No Swim Gear in New Jersey
Let’s wrap up this list with a beach where you really shouldn’t bring your swimming gear. Why, you ask, if it’s a beach?
Well because swimming’s officially off-limits for all of 2025 in Beachwood Beach on the Jersey Shore this summer.
The water’s got some serious bacteria problems that just won’t go away. Local officials are playing it safe to protect public health, so while the views are still pretty, this beach is now more for walks and sunsets than splashing around.
No worries, if you’re in the mood for a swim, you can always head to one of the 10 beaches voted the most beautiful of 2025.
