10 Beaches in Galveston to Visit

With 32 miles of Gulf Coast views, the beaches in Galveston are a great option to enjoy a different side of Texas. Located outside of Houston, Texas near marshlands, the water and beach is not exactly what you’d find in Florida or the Carribean. With the warm water and miles of coastline to view, it’s still a part of Texas that is popular to visit. Bring the bathing suits and pick out a beach from this list for the best beach experience.

Park along the Seawall to be close to several restaurants and entertainment or drive a little further to find a quiet and peaceful beach scene.

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Be Prepared for the Beach in Galveston

If you plan to visit the beaches in Galveston multiple times from March to October, consider purchasing a Seasonal Beach Park Pass. Pay attention to flag warnings that will alert swimmers the conditions of the water. Pack everything out! Even if the kids have built a sandcastle using shovels and buckets, leave nothing behind on the beach.

Be sure to stay off the dunes. The dunes are important for the ecosystem and protecting the island. Many visitors to Galveston have reported tar ball on the beach. Bring a bottle of mineral oil, and it will help remove any tar off of feet, shoes and more.

Where Is Galveston

Get the List of More Beaches to Visit on Texas Coast

Fun Things Near the Beaches in Galveston

Galveston is a historical beach town with so much more to offer other than coastline views. When you’re needing to switch up your trip, book one of the following excursions.

• Dolphin Sightseeing Tour. Enjoy one of the Galveston dolphin tours that families love to participate in. Witness dolphins leaping close to the boat and enjoy the narration provided by your guide as you sail. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to view an old shipwreck.
• Galveston Fishing Charters. A half a day private charter for your group off the coast of Galveston. They will provide the equipment and clean all your fish.
• Haunted Walking Ghost Tour. Book a time to experience Galveston ghost tours to uncover the island’s secrets. Learn about paranormal activities, and haunted history spanning 150 years. Discover the island as you hear about local haunted houses on this intriguing ghost tour.
• Fly Above the Island in an Open Cockpit Airplane. Offering bird’s-eye views of the city’s attractions, you’ll see the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, the Galveston Historic Seaport, and various Texas battleships. Perfect for a gift and excursion for couples, as only two riders are allowed.
• Tour Inside the Historic Moody Mansion. Step inside and explore one of the most famous and historic mansions in Galveston. Enjoy a self-guided tour of this grand historical mansion, built in 1895. It’s perfect for history enthusiasts or anyone who appreciates historical architecture.
• Private Sailing Cruise. Secure a personalized tour of Galveston on this Private Sailing Charter Experience. Discover Galveston by water, seeing sights such as the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum. Ideal for families or small groups of up to six people.
• Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. Rollercoasters, younger kid rides, immersive theaters and more await all who spend the day at Pleasure Pier.

Galveston Island State Park

One of the quietest beaches in Galveston, in my opinion is at the Texas state park. Park rangers put in maximum effort to keep the state park clean and preserve the land. Visitors who are enjoying the park can rent umbrellas, chairs and more. Don’t miss your chance to visit Galveston Island State Park.

What to Know and Highlights

Make future reservations! The state park limits the number of visitors that can enter the park, which is great because it’ll never feel too crowded. Take advantage of special events happening in the state park. After going for a swim, visitors can use the nearby changing rooms and outdoor showers.

Visitors to this special Texas state park can enjoy so much more than a peaceful beach experience. Spanning over 2,000 acres, go for a hike or bike on 4 miles of trails through coastal plains. Bring or rent a kayak and explore the quiet marshes of the bay area. Look for different species of birds or even an alligator in the pond. Since you’re in a state park, you will not need a fishing license to fish from the shore.

The state park is dog friendly, but you must clean up after your dog.

Entry Fee

The entrance fee is $5 per adult per day over the age of 12. If you have a Texas State Parks Pass, you and your guests (up to 14 people) will not be charged when entering the park.

Camping

Camping is a fantastic way to enjoy the state park to its fullest. If you are camping with your RV, you have 2 different location options: beachside and bayside. These campsites come with electricity, a picnic table, fire ring, water, 50-amp hookup and nearby restrooms.

The benefits of being beachside is easy access to the beach with a nearby boardwalk. The benefits of being bayside is that the fee per night is cheaper, and weekly and monthly rates are available in the off season.

If you’d like to tent camp, you have some different options. Campers can choose between primitive, with water and electricity or only water. Campsites with water and electricity will be provided with an elevated wooden platform, picnic table, fire ring, nearby and restrooms.

Camping directly on the beach is not available.

Even if you are camping, you will also have to pay the daily entrance fee, unless you have the Texas State Parks Pass.

Where To Stay Nearby

“Just Right” Beach House. Recently updated, dog friendly, short walk to the beach, sleeps 8, large porch, walking distance to Galveston Island State Park and short drive to Jamaica and Pirates Beach.

Beachfront House with Incredible Views. Directly on the beach, sleeps 7, large porch, ideal for a beach trip. Watch the sun rise steps away from the beach or on the porch.

Jamaica Beach

After visiting different beaches in Texas, Jamaica Beach is seen as one of the quieter beaches in Galveston. There are many rental beach houses to reserve that will make the most out of your visit.

What to Know and Highlights

Visitors love that you can drive and park directly on the beach close to wear you set up for the day. When you come to Galveston, Jamaica Beach has a no alcohol policy. Jamaica Beach, and there are no lifeguards. Bonfires and campfires are also not allowed.

Overnight camping is not allowed. If you have a RV, consider making reservations at Jamaica Beach RV Park.

When searching for quiet beaches in Texas, Jamaica Beach is a fantastic place to start. Be on the lookout for dolphins in the distance, as they like to circle the island.

There is a nearby community pool and the admission is $5 per person.

Entry Fee

There is no parking or entrance fee at Jamaica Beach.

Where To Stay Nearby

Large Oceanfront House with Rooftop Deck. Pet friendly, oceanfront, steps from the beach, gym, 2100 sq ft. Watch the sunrise from the wrap around porch or rooftop deck.

Jamaica Waves. Pet friendly, oceanfront, steps from the beach, sleeps 8, access to community pool, large porch.

East Beach

East beach is definitely one of the busiest and most social beaches in Galveston. Popular events take place that many visitors and locals look forward to every year, like the Annual Sandcastle Competition. There’s also an entertainment stage for shows.

What to Know and Highlights

When visiting East Beach, visitors will park on the beach since the sand is so compacted. On East Beach, alcohol consumption is allowed, making it sometimes a big party scene. There are also options to purchase alcohol. Glass is not allowed.

The beach is pet friendly but must be kept on a leash. You must also clean up after them. If you’d like to fish, you must do it south of the jetty and west of the park.

Visitors will have access to the pavilion and boardwalk nearby. The large pavilion is very useful to use when needing to rent chairs and umbrellas, use the bathrooms, showers and picnic areas. There is also a nice playground. While enjoying the beach, take advantage of the beach volleyball set up. On duty lifeguards are available on the East Beach.

Camping is not allowed on the beach.

Entry Fee

Parking directly on the beach is free.

Where To Stay Nearby

Gorgeous House Near the Water. Beautiful house 2 minutes from the beach, 2 balconies, sleeps 8, very spacious.

Luxury Beachfront with Private Pool. Incredible ocean views, heated pool next to outdoor seating under shade, large porch overlooking the ocean, fenced in back yard, sleeps 12 and 3333 sq ft.

Stewart Beach

Stewart Beach is fondly thought of as a family-friendly location on the corner of Broadway and Seawall. There are volleyball courts and playgrounds for kids to also enjoy. If you forgot your chairs and umbrella at home, you could rent them at the pavilion. Make sure you take a picture with the oversize beach chair nearby.

What to Know and Highlights

Lifeguards are on duty at the beach. There is a large pavilion where visitors can use the bathroom, shower, purchase food and picnic areas in the shade. Alcohol consumption is not allowed at Stewart Beach. Visitors are allowed to park directly on the beach.

Dogs are allowed on the beach but must be kept of a leash. Owners must clean up after pets. Overnight camping is not allowed.

Entry Fee

Daily parking is $15 per day.

Where To Stay Nearby

Condo With Amenities. Balcony views of the ocean, access to pool, hot tub, and game room, bunk bed available, sleeps 7.

Condo With Views and Pool. Beach views with balcony, pool, hot tub, boardwalk to the beach, 516 sq ft.

Sunny Beach

Sunny beach is a great location if you are looking to be close to more than just beach activities. With it being close to the Moody Gardens, it’s a great location to rent a beach house and enjoy the water and fun local activities.

What to Know and Highlights

Sunny Beach is a great option when considering spending time at one of the beaches in Galveston. Lifeguards are not on duty at Sunny Beach. This beach is pet friendly, but they must stay on leash and owners must pick up after their pets. Visitors can drive their car on the beach near their set up for the day.

Overnight camping on the beach is not allowed. If you would like to bring your RV and stay near Sunny Beach, Stella Mare RV Resort is a great choice.

Entry Fee

Park on the beach for free.

Where To Stay Nearby

Beach house on Sunny Beach. Pet friendly, oceanfront, large windows overlooking the ocean, large porch, sleeps 10.

House on the Beach. Pet friendly, on the beach, covered deck facing the water, 838 sq ft.

Babe’s Beach

Located on the Galveston Seawall, Babe’s Beach is another great family friendly beach that’s perfect to visit when in the area. You’ll have views of the Historic Pleasure Pier on Babe’s Beach, but it’ll be a decent walk to reach. If you’re hoping to do some fishing, try your luck at the nearby 61st Street Fishing Pier.

What to Know and Highlights

Lifeguards are available during the peak seasons. Babe’s Beach is pet friendly, but pets must be on a leash, and owners must pick up after them. Alcohol consumption is prohibited on Babe’s Beach.

Restrooms are conveniently located along the Seawall sidewalk above the beach. These steel container facilities, similar to porta potties, can be found at 19th, 29th, 39th, 45th, and 61st Street. Consider parking nearby one of the restrooms.

Overnight camping on the beach is not allowed.

Entry Fee

Parking along the Seawall is $2 per hour. To get free parking, look for an opening spot between 53rd and 61st, and also between 85th and 91st.

Where To Stay Nearby

Cute Beach House with 2 Porches. Dog friendly, on the beach with amazing views, 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.

New Beautiful House on Sunny Beach. 2 balconies facing Sunny Beach, newly renovated, 5 bedrooms, and 5 bathrooms.

Pirates Beach

Located on the western part of the island, Pirates’ Beach is one of quieter and cleaner beaches in Galveston. Even though it’s a fantastic beach to visit, it’s difficult to find places to park. Pirates Beach is part of private community where you’ll find a neighborhood of beach houses.

What to Know and Highlights

Residents and visitors in the nearby beach houses primarily enjoy Pirates Beach. The nearby Country Club reserves specific sections of the beach for its members. Be conscious of signs telling visitors where and where not to park. You can park on the beach, but there is not a lot of availability. There is a small parking lot for guests to use, but it will fill up fast, especially during peak season.

Pirates Beach is wonderful if your focus is on enjoying the water. There are no public restrooms or lifeguards on duty. Other entertainment will be a drive away.

Overnight camping on the beach is prohibited.

Entry Fee

There is no entrance fee when visiting Pirates Beach.

Where To Stay Nearby

Beautiful Beach House with Views. Ocean views from deck and top balcony, quick walk to the beach, 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms.

Beautiful House with Amazing Reviews. Ocean views, 2 large porches, quick walk to the beach, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

San Luis Beach

The furthest beach on this list from the attractions and restaurants, San Luis Beach is located southwest of Galveston. At times it absolutely has the potential to give off private beach vibes, and there is a major reason for that!

What to Know and Highlights

At San Luis Beach, due to repeated drownings, swimming and fishing is not allowed. Also known as Public Beach Access #41, this is a great option if you’re looking for isolation and to enjoy the sounds of the waves. Enjoy taking walks on the beach, collect seashells, flying kites, watching amazing sunrises and looking for dolphins.

For those who wish to fish, San Luis Pass is close by, and fishing is excellent. Make sure you have your Texas fishing license with you.

With over 3 miles of sand and sun, it’s a great location to visit especially in the months when the water is too cold to swim in anyways. The beach is pet friendly, but you must clean up after them. Restrooms are available for use.

Visitors are not allowed to camp on the beach.

Entry Fee

It is free to visit the beach. Free parking is available, and visitors can access the beach by using the boardwalk.

Where To Stay Nearby

See Dolphins on the Deck of the House. Pet Friendly, house with large deck facing the Gulf, quick drive to San Luis Pass, 1020 sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

House on the Harbor. Perfect for fishing, pet friendly, beach views, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, quick drive to San Luis Beach.

Sea Isle Beach

Also known as Beach Access # 27, Sea Isle Beach is a fantastic option to choose from the other beaches in Galveston. On the western side of the island, these beaches give visitors the chance to escape crowds and relax next to the water.

What to Know and Highlights

Sea Isle and the other dozen Beach Access Points gives beach goers the opportunity to spread out. Bring a canopy and some chairs and settle in for a perfect day at the beach. You’ll find a parking lot next to a boardwalk that will lead you to the beach. Parking on the beach is not available.

The area is full of beach houses and not many other forms of entertainment than the beach. However, a short drive away is the Dos Vacas Muertas Bird Sanctuary. Camping overnight on Sea Isle Beach is not allowed. Pets are welcome to enjoy the beach. Please keep all dogs on leash and you must clean up after them.

Entry Fee

Free parking and beach access.

Where To Stay Nearby

Quiet House Steps from Beach. Pet friendly, views of the ocean, steps from the quiet beach, large porch, 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom.

Sunrise Beach House. Pet friendly, fantastic views of quiet beach and sunset, quick walk to the beach, short drive to San Luis Beach.

Crystal Beach

Located in Galveston County, Crystal Beach is located on the Bolivar Peninsula north of Galveston Island. The Bolivar Peninsula has a stretch of 27 miles of coastline and is the only beach in Galveston area where you can directly camp on the beach.

What to Know and Highlights

To reach this small town, you must take the Boliver Ferry from Galveston. Before going on the ferry, stock on essentials at the stores and grocery stores. The ferry is free to use, and it is a fantastic way to spot dolphins. You can park your car or walk on it.

While you’re on the island, look out for the Point Bolivar Lighthouse built in 1872. There’s also Fort Travis Seaside Park, that was a fort during the Texas Revolution in 1836, that you can visit for free.

Entry Fee

Purchase a beach parking pass for $10 and drive directly on the beach. The parking pass is good for an entire year. You can purchase this pass at any local convenience store.

Camping

You can camp on the beach overnight for free! Campfires are also allowed. Tent and RV camping on the beach is considered primitive camping. If you are needing to use the restroom or showers, visitors can go to the Bolivar Beach Pavilion. There are also scattered porta potties.

Where To Stay Nearby

Spacious House on the Beach. Pet friendly and steps from the sand, stay at this beautiful beach house with 2 floors of porches overlooking the ocean. With raving reviews, it is the perfect house to get away and has 1500 sq ft.

Beach House with Gorgeous Views. Right on the beach, this home provides amazing views of the sunrise and sunset. The house is pet friendly and has a large porch to enjoy the sound of the waves from the hammock. It has 2004 sq ft, 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.

Packing List for Beaches in Galveston

If you happen to forget your chairs or umbrella, look for vendors that will rent them to you. Several of the beaches in Galveston will happily accommodate tourists in the area.

• Water in reuseable bottle
• Snacks and small meal
• Sunscreen
• Hat & Sunglasses
• Mineral Oil
• Towel
• Swimsuit
• Change of Clothes
• Beach games
• Beach chairs
• Umbrella or Canopy for shade