17 Best Beaches in Galveston, TX
Galveston has more than 30 miles of beautiful beaches along the Gulf of Mexico.
Galveston has beaches for every type of sunbather, from family-friendly stretches to lively party grounds.
And what do you think?
Here, we’ll show you the most incredible beaches in Galveston, Texas, so you can start planning a relaxing vacation on the sand.
- Surfside Jetty County Park
This Surfside Beach park spans 15 acres and offers activities for all ages.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Surfside Jetty County Park has many facilities to keep you engaged all day.
In addition to a concrete parking area, a jetty, and a playground, this beach also features easy access.
Expert Tip
Are you looking for a Galveston nighttime activity?
Why not try your luck night fishing from the jetty or Freeport’s ship channel?
The 6-mile paved jetty is yet another excellent place for a walk.
- Seawolf Park
Pelican Island Park is stocked to the gills with exciting rides and shows sure to delight visitors of all ages.
Why We Recommend This Beach
There’s never a dull moment in the park.
The Strand is a popular tourist destination in Galveston, but swimming is not recommended there.
Playgrounds, picnic tables, and a beach where you can cast a line for flounder and other saltwater species are all available.
Expert Tip
To be sure, the Galveston Naval Museum is home to some scarce and valuable artifacts.
Tankers and submarines from World War Two, like the USS Stewart, are represented in the museum’s collection of artifacts.
- East Beach
Many exciting summer events and performances occur at this bustling waterfront venue on the island’s eastern edge.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This manufactured marvel is the only public beach in Galveston where alcoholic beverages may be consumed legally, and it is widely known as the place to be for lively parties.
Thus, it is undoubtedly an excellent option for those searching for a good time.
When you’re feeling peckish, or your supplies are low, you can stop at one of the many foods and drink stands.
In addition, many summertime concerts, festivals, and other events are held at the beach.
Expert Tip
Are we taking the kids on a trip?
Contrary to popular belief, East Beach is also a great place to bring the kids.
The pavilion, playground, and other kid-friendly features make this a top pick for families. Beaches in Galveston
- Stewart Beach
This stretch of beach, located between the Seawall and Broadway Avenue, has everything a fun day out with the kid’s needs.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Those searching for family-friendly beaches in Galveston need to look no further than this waterside spot.
It’s the safest beach on the island for kids, thanks to the lack of strong currents, warm water, and the presence of lifeguards.
In addition, there are many facilities available to make a day at the beach enjoyable for everyone.
There is a freshwater shower building, a changing area, a children’s playground, and rentable chairs and umbrellas.
Expert Tip
Visit the nearby Pleasure Pier to add excitement to your beach trip.
The pier has some of the best family-friendly activities in Galveston, including rides, games, and a roller coaster.
- Galveston Island State Park
This state park, open to the public since 1975 and covers an area of about 2,000 acres, is a veritable playground for those who enjoy being outside.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The state park is one of the best beaches in Galveston, and it’s great for families.
It has a great beach and plenty of opportunities for sports like kayaking, biking, and swimming.
Expert Tip
If you find that a day trip isn’t enough, you can camp overnight at one of the park’s bays or beach locations.
If you’d prefer something with air conditioning, there are lodges to choose from.
- Porretto Beach
This seaside haven on Seawall Boulevard is a great place to unwind and enjoy a breathtaking sunset.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This beach in Galveston, Texas, is not as well-known as Stewart Beach, but it is still worth visiting.
Loretto’s laid-back ambiance and beautiful surroundings resemble Galveston’s most popular beaches.
Indeed, you can expect to see everyone from young children to older adults to cowboys and hippies on this beach.
The beach also hosts several vibrant summertime events, such as sandcastle competitions and the Kuhunakup, throughout the season.
Expert Tip
Close to the beach are numerous vacation rentals and hotels.
We recommend the Best Western Plus Galveston Suites if you prefer to stay in the area.
The hotel’s advantageous location provides easy access to Galveston’s best beaches and attractions, such as Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark.
In addition, it is furnished with a variety of valuable amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.
- Palm Beach
The first and only beach with white sand in Galveston, this oasis was established in 1988 within Moody Gardens.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This artificial beach in Moody Gardens is unlike any other in Galveston.
It’s the best swimming beach in Galveston due to its shallow, freshwater lagoons and fun amenities.
Beach volleyball courts are a bonus.
There is a cost to enter, but the excellent features are well worth it.
Expert Tip
Take a look around at all the other fun features that this artificial beach has to offer.
Some of our favorite attractions are the 650-foot-long lazy river, the Splashpad, the Wave Pool, and the Aquarium Adventure.
- San Luis Pass Beach
This isolated and unspoiled section of San Luis Pass can be found at the westernmost tip of Galveston.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This park does not provide visitors with any 21st-century conveniences.
The beautiful stretches of sand and the surrounding natural wetlands make this beach one of the most attractive.
The beach is undeveloped, so there are plenty of birds to watch and peaceful spots to have a picnic.
Expert Tip
This beach does not have any lifeguards stationed there all the time.
Always keep a close eye on your kids when they’re in the water, especially if you’re on vacation with them.
During the warmer months, lifeguards are also stationed along the shore.
- Beachtown Development
Beachtown is a cluster of picturesque waterfront communities on the eastern coast of Galveston Island.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This one-of-a-kind beach is rarely crowded, even in the middle of summer, thanks to its secluded location.
Further, the parking lot is conveniently located near the shore, and the water is generally safe for swimming.
Additionally, this area has an excellent ice cream parlor, breathtaking scenery, and beautiful Victorian-style houses.
Expert Tip
The Towncenter is where most of the action takes place, with its private pool and bike rentals.
There are also many vacation rentals in the area, providing convenient proximity to destinations like Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn.
Recommended Hotel Near Beachtown Development: Here at the DoubleTree by Hilton Galveston Beach, we know how to make your stay memorable.
- Terramar Beach
About 20 miles southwest of downtown Galveston, this recreational community can be found along the coast.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Are we looking for a vacation with much time to relax on the beach?
Then it would help if you visited this area of Galveston Island.
It’s one of the best beaches close to Galveston City because of the cleanliness of its shores and the peace it offers.
Expert Tip
Pack drinks, food, and snorkeling or swimming gear for this beach.
Although the area is filled with vacation rentals, Terramar Beach has no local vendors.
- Beach Pocket Park 2
This fine sandy stretch, located at San Luis Pass Road, is one of Galveston’s best-kept secrets.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Pocket Park 2 is a hidden gem near all the action in Galveston.
In addition to its sandy shores and calm waters, the beach offers a wide variety of summertime conveniences like showers and bathrooms.
Expert Tip
After a day of swimming and tanning, the Tipsy Turtle and Grill is the perfect place to unwind.
The waterfront bar has a sun deck where you can sit and enjoy your drink while taking in the stunning scenery of the beach.
- Crystal Beach
This famous beach in Texas is located along State Highway 87 for a total of 7 miles and is a great place to spend the day with the kids.
Why We Recommend This Beach
It’s a blessing that Galveston has Crystal Beach, especially for families.
The beach is ideal for children who love to splash because of its clean shoreline and shallow waters.
The kicker is that…
There are many opportunities to see dolphins during the ferry ride from Galveston to the beach.
Expert Tip
If you’re interested in watching birds, the beach is a fantastic place to do so.
The beach’s fields and marshes provide a haven for waders and shorebirds on their annual migration.
- Pirates’ Beach
Pirates’ Beach, a neighborhood on Galveston Island, is well-known for its beauty and is situated close to Jamaica Beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Pirates’ Beach on Galveston Island is a tranquil spot to take in the Gulf of Mexico’s waves and breezes.
Given that there isn’t much to do here, it’s an excellent option for those searching for a tranquil getaway.
There are many cozy and reasonably priced beachfront rentals to choose from.
Expert Tip
Get up early to witness breathtaking sunrises on this beach.
Even the sunsets at the beach are picture-perfect.
- Seawall Urban Park
This urban park features a 10-mile stretch of shoreline and is home to America’s longest continuous sidewalk.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Galveston’s Seawall Urban Park is the hub of the city’s beach scene.
This park is 10 miles long and offers the chance to engage in traditional beach pursuits, such as swimming and sandcastle-making.
This park is perfect for strolling, jogging, and people-watching.
Did we mention it’s conveniently close to various hotels and eateries along the shore?
Expert Tip
Visit the area between 19th and 12th streets on the north side of Seawall Boulevard to find free parking.
From 53rd to 61st streets, you can find free parking.
- Sylvan Beach Park
This La Porte park overlooks Galveston Bay and provides free parking and admission to visitors.
Why We Recommend This Beach
There’s no doubt that everyone in the family will have a good time at Sylvan Beach Park.
It has a skate park and a playground for the kids.
The park also features a beautiful beach with calm waves and safety personnel to watch over visitors.
Expert Tip
Get out on the pier and try your luck at fishing.
It’s a cheap way to unwind after spending days lounging in the sun at Galveston’s beaches.
- Jamaica Beach
In 1956, locals started flocking to Jamaica Beach on weekends to go fishing.
It’s now a modern city with condos, a resort, and a campground on the beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
While there aren’t any lifeguards on duty, Jamaica Beach is still a family-friendly option for a day at the beach.
It’s also reasonably tidy and exudes an air of relaxed friendliness.
In this beach town, you can eat your fill of delicious seafood at one of the many excellent restaurants.
Expert Tip
Renting a beach house is the best way to enjoy this travel destination.
You won’t miss a breathtaking sunset because you must rush off to dinner or get up early.
And you can take in the ocean’s salty air in all its glory.
- Babe’s Beach
The American Society of Beach and Park Administrators recognized this waterfront revitalization project in 2015 as one of the best beach revitalization projects in the country.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This stretch of shoreline is a must-see for anyone visiting Galveston, Texas.
This well-kept stretch of beach may be relatively new and underappreciated, but it is also peaceful, beautiful, and accessible to people of all ages.
A lifeguard is present, making it a relatively risk-free environment for children to swim.
Meanwhile, surfers, anglers, and other watersports enthusiasts can have a blast playing in the waves.
Expert Tip
Beachcombing is a great way to see a wide range of bird species.
You can also visit the Rainforest Cafe and the Waterpark Inn, which are close to the beach.
