This section of the trail is between the Pier and the Hard Rock Hotel and can only be accessed at Seabreeze Blvd. At each beach entry ramp, there is an attendant station where personnel check for the required permit to drive on the beach. The speed limit is 10 MPH, and you must drive with at least one open front window and the vehicle headlights on. Just note that the sand can get soft at times. Usually, signs will be posted for this area informing people that 4WD is needed.
The beach drive is highly affected by the ocean tides, which change every six hours. During high tide, access to the beach through the entrance ramps is restricted because the high tide narrows the amount of beach available to drive on—the access ramp gates close off the beach during high tide and dangerous storms.