YOU NEED A PERMIT BEFORE ARRIVING. I did not get this memo and saw signs everywhere that you will get ticketed if no parking permit. I think it's $100 fine. The gas stations along the way apparently have them which is 25 min away or so - I was lucky and someone gave me theirs because they were leaving ( thank you again!). I took my 2 yr old son to escape the heat and it was nice refreshing water, he loved it. There are wild horses so don't be surprised to see some traces of them around the beach and picnic areas. It's all part of the experience :-)