Galveston TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Galveston, Texas.
1. Stewart Beach
PREMIER FAMILY BEACH PARK
Stewart Beach is Galveston's premier family beach park located where historic Broadway Avenue meets the Seawall, offering plenty of amenities for a day at the beach with regular supervision by highly trained lifeguards. The park features a pavilion, concessions, restrooms, showers, chair and umbrella rentals, beach volleyball courts, children's playground, and a giant water slide. Named one of the '10 Best Beaches for Families' by Family Vacation Critic in 2013, Stewart Beach provides a family-friendly atmosphere as alcohol is not permitted on the premises.
2. East Beach
LIVELY PARTY BEACH
East Beach is one of Galveston's most popular beaches, known for its festive atmosphere and as the only beach in Galveston where alcohol is permitted. Located at the far eastern tip of the island, East Beach features pavilions, boardwalks, entertainment stages, and hosts regular events including sandcastle competitions during summer months. Visitors can enjoy concessions, restrooms, showers, chair and umbrella rentals, and volleyball courts while taking in spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico.
3. Galveston Island State Park
NATURAL BEACH AND BAY
Galveston Island State Park offers activities for every coast lover with both beach and bay sides providing diverse coastal experiences. Visitors can swim, fish, picnic, bird watch, hike, and mountain bike throughout the preserved natural areas of the park. The park serves as a vital sanctuary for coastal wildlife while offering camping facilities and educational programs about the Gulf Coast ecosystem.
4. Palm Beach at Moody Gardens
WHITE SAND OASIS
Palm Beach at Moody Gardens is Galveston's favorite summer hangout offering visitors a relaxing day on white sand beaches right on the island. This family-friendly waterpark features an 18-foot tower slide, a lazy river, splashpad, and a wave pool for hours of aquatic entertainment. Visitors can sink their toes in imported white sand while lounging under umbrellas, creating a tropical resort experience without leaving Galveston.
5. San Luis Pass Beach
RUSTIC WESTERN SHORELINE
San Luis Pass Beach is a public beach located at the far western tip of Galveston Island, just before the entrance to the Galveston Tollbridge. The beach offers a more natural, less developed shoreline experience compared to other Galveston beaches, making it popular among locals for fishing and beachcombing. Visitors should note that while beautiful, swimming is not recommended due to dangerous currents in the pass between Galveston Island and Follets Island.
6. Seawall Urban Park
HISTORIC BEACHFRONT BOULEVARD
Seawall Urban Park stretches along Galveston's 10-mile seawall, offering the longest continuous sidewalk in America with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. The urban beach park features multiple access points to the beach below, while the boulevard itself is lined with restaurants, shops, hotels, and attractions. Visitors can enjoy walking, jogging, biking, fishing from rock groins, or simply relaxing on the beach while taking in Galveston's historic seawall built after the devastating 1900 hurricane.
7. Bolivar Peninsula Beaches
SECLUDED CRYSTAL SHORES
Bolivar Peninsula Beaches, including the popular Crystal Beach, offer a more secluded and natural Gulf Coast experience just a short ferry ride from Galveston Island. These beaches are known for their crystal shores, excellent shelling opportunities, and the unique experience of driving and camping directly on the beach. Visitors appreciate the less crowded atmosphere while still having access to beach house rentals, seafood restaurants, and convenience stores in the small communities along the peninsula.
8. Jamaica Beach
PEACEFUL RESIDENTIAL SHORELINE
Jamaica Beach is a small, quiet beach community located on the west end of Galveston Island, offering a peaceful alternative to the more crowded tourist beaches. The beach features gentle surf, clean sand, and is primarily fronted by vacation homes, making it feel more private and exclusive. Visitors appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere, with local amenities including a marina, convenience store, and easy access to fishing opportunities.
9. Kemah Boardwalk
WATERFRONT ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Kemah Boardwalk is a premier waterfront entertainment destination located just 20 miles from Galveston along Galveston Bay. The 60-acre complex features themed restaurants, retail shops, and amusement rides including a wooden roller coaster, Ferris wheel, and carousel all overlooking the water. Visitors can enjoy strolling along the boardwalk, watching boats come and go from the marina, or dining with spectacular waterfront views at one of many restaurants.
10. Sylvan Beach Park
HISTORIC BAY BEACH
Sylvan Beach Park is a historic waterfront park on Galveston Bay just north of Galveston Island in the city of La Porte. The park features a 2,000-foot fishing pier, a sandy beach for swimming, picnic areas, and pavilions, making it a popular day trip destination for families. Once home to a grand pavilion and amusement park in the early 20th century, Sylvan Beach Park continues its legacy as a beloved recreational area with modern amenities while maintaining its historic charm.
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