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There’s a reason beach scenes flood the calendar section at Barnes and Noble and monopolize desktop wallpapers.
We love beachfront property!
If you’re looking for the best beaches in Galveston, Texas, you’re in luck. This is the ultimate guide to the nicest beaches. Whether you want one that’s secluded, family-friendly, or close to restaurants and bars, this list has something for you.
Babe’s Beach
Though it’s fairly new, Babe’s Beach is a popular tourist attraction. In 2016, it was designated one of America’s top restored beaches by the ASBPA. It’s a clean, well-maintained beach, perfect for almost any beach activity.
Regular lifeguards make this public beach especially family-friendly.
Features:
- Great for Jogging
- Close to Restaurants and Shopping
- Stunning Views
- Great for Surfing
- Great for Birding
- Family-friendly
- Clean
- Free Parking
- Public Access
- Chair and Umbrella Rentals
Address: 6547-6597 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX 77551
Cost of Admission: Free
Stewart Beach
This beach is one of the nicest, safest beaches for the kiddos (and the whole family). With volleyball nets, sandcastle competitions, pavilions, and a playground, you could easily spend an entire day at Stewart Beach.
It’s backed by the historic Seawall Blvd., so if you get bored (and you won’t) there’s plenty of other attractions close by.
Features:
- Close to Restaurants
- Volleyball Nets
- Swimming
- Showers
- Lifeguards
- Playground
- Pavilions
- Chair and Umbrella Rentals
- Snack Bar
- Water Toys Available for Purchase
Address: 201 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX, 77550
Cost of Admission: $12 per vehicle Mon-Fri, $15 per vehicle Sat-Sun
Crystal Beach
Crystal Beach is located on the Bolivar Peninsula, and it’s one of the best beaches near Galveston. The Peninsula boasts 27 miles of calm, shallow beachfront, with plenty of beach house rentals available.
To get there, most people take a free ride on the Galveston-Bolivar Ferry. Along the way, expect to see dolphins and beautiful views of the Gulf Coast.
Features:
- Beach Driving
- Jogging
- Pet-Friendly
- Quiet
- Clean
- Bird Watching
- Public Access
- Close to Restaurants
Address: 806 S Crystal Beach Rd., Port Bolivar, TX 77650
Cost of Admission: $10 annual fee
East Beach
Close to Downtown Galveston, East Beach is party-central. But don’t let that stop you from bringing the kids! There are sandcastle competitions during the summer months, along with a pavilion and playground. There’s plenty to do here for the family.
If you want to drink, feel free. East Beach is good for that. While you’re at it, catch one of their summer concerts or festivals. This beach is close to everything you need to have a good time, including the Big Reef Nature Park.
Features:
- Alcohol Permitted
- Close to Restaurants, Bars, and Shopping
- Volleyball
- Horseshoe Pits
- Horseback Riding
- Bird Watching
- Concerts and Festivals
- Playground
- Concessions
- Pavilion
- Public Restrooms
Address: 1923 Boddeker Drive, Galveston TX 77554
Cost of Admission: $12 per vehicle Mon-Thur, $15 Fri-Sun
Pocket Park 1
If you want a quiet, secluded beach on the West End of Galveston Island, Pocket Park 1 fits the bill. It’s not as well known as its neighboring beach, Pocket Park 2.
Parking is right on the beach, where you can chill and enjoy the scenic view.
Features:
- Quiet
- Scenic Views
- Dog-Friendly
- Swimming
- Bird Watching
- Restrooms
- Photography
Address: 3790 7/12 Mile Rd., FM-3005 at 7 ½ Mile Rd., Galveston TX 77554
Cost of Admission: $12 per vehicle Mon-Fri, $15 per vehicle Sat-Sun
Open: Spring Break, Memorial Day Weekend-Labor Day
Pocket Park 2
Pocket Park 2 is also quiet and secluded, though more visited than Pocket Park 1 Beachfront. This beach is a favorite with the locals, and you can grab a drink and enjoy the view from the Tipsy Turtle and Grill Bar.
This beach is family-friendly, with indoor showers and restrooms, and it’s close to Schlitterbahn Water Park, a popular tourist attraction.
Features:
- Family-friendly
- Swimming
- Close to tourist attractions
- Scenic
- Paved Parking
- Showers
- Restrooms
- Chair and Umbrella Rentals during Summer Months
- Dog-friendly
Address: 11102 FM-3005 at 9 Mile Rd., Galveston TX 77554
Cost of Admission: $12 per vehicle Mon-Fri, $15 per vehicle Sat-Sun
Open: Spring Break, Memorial Day Weekend-Labor Day
Galveston Island State Park
Galveston Island State Park has 2,000 acres of protected beachfront and wetlands. If you’re a nature lover or hiking enthusiast, this park has miles of hiking and paddling trails.
It’s a great getaway but reserve a spot online because the park gets booked up quickly. Unfortunately, the beach part of the park is currently closed until 2022, but the bayside is still open.
Features:
- Hiking
- Biking
- Camping
- Bird Watching
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Picnic tables
Address: 14901 FM 3005, Galveston TX 77554
Cost of Admission: $5 per adult, children 12 and under free
Surfside Jetty County Park
Surfside is a day-use beachfront park, but the jetty is open for night fishing. It’s also one of the best beaches for shelling and beachcombing.
Just like Galveston TX, it’s a beach with a lot of history. During its heyday during the Texas Republic, it was the most important harbor. It still serves the same purpose, and you and the family can watch ships cruising in and out of the Freeport ship channel.
Though not technically in Galveston, it’s one of the best beaches near Galveston TX.
Features:
- Paved jetty
- Night fishing
- Paved parking
- Restrooms
- Covered picnic areas
- Birding
- Shelling
- Dog-friendly (leash required)
- Volleyball
- Basketball
Address: 101 Parkview Rd., Surfside TX 77541
Cost of Admission: Free
Porretto Beach
This picturesque beach is quiet with amazing views. Because it’s a private beachfront, it’s not as well known and not always as crowded as some of the other more popular beaches.
Shady areas can be rented during the day, and it’s very close to Galveston Historic Pleasure Pier, a popular amusement park right out on the water.
Features:
- Private beach
- Quiet
- Close to restaurants
- Family Friendly
- Concessions
- Beach Gear rentals
- Chair and umbrella rentals
- Volleyball
- Bonfire pits
- Alcohol Permitted
Address: 824 Ave M ½ Galveston TX, 77550
Cost of Admission: $10 per vehicle
Open: Memorial Day Weekend-Labor Day
San Luis Pass Beach
Located on the West End of Galveston, this beach has strong currents and tide patterns so there is no swimming allowed. But it’s great for fishing!
It’s generally pretty isolated with room to even fly a kite. The sand is extremely soft and great for play, but vehicles can get stuck. Nearby is a Wetlands Preserve, and it’s a great place to learn about the local flora and fauna.
Fun fact: San Luis Pass used to be a legit pirate’s cove.
Features:
- Pavilion
- Restrooms
- Playground
- Fish-cleaning stations
- Paved parking
- Boat launch
- Bird watching
- Beach-combing and shelling
Address: 11745 San Luis Pass Rd., Galveston, TX 77554
Cost of Admission: $12 per vehicle Mon-Fri, $15 per vehicle on weekends
Beach Town Development
This beach on the East End is surrounded by a cute village full of Victorian homes, where you’ll find a cafe and ice cream shop.
It’s a remote beachfront with safe swimming areas and pretty views. The parking is close to the shore, with one free public access point at 1A (directions to follow).
Features:
- Remote
- Parking close to shore
- Dog-friendly
- Family friendly
- Food nearby
Address: 630 Beachtown Drive, Galveston, TX 77550 (Point 1A)
Cost of Admission: Free if using access point 1A. All other parking is $13 per vehicle.
Seawall Urban Park
Seawall Urban Park is 10 miles of beachfront property running along Galveston’s famous Seawall Blvd. It also features America’s longest continuous sidewalk, so it’s a great spot for scenic running and biking.
Beaches along the Seawall Urban Park are central to the city of Galveston. There are restaurants, shopping, and popular tourist attractions nearby which makes this one of the best beaches in Galveston.
Features:
- Close to restaurants and shopping
- Central location
- Restrooms along the south side of Seawall Blvd.
- Dog-freindly
- Bbq pits
- Boat launch
- Family-friendly
Address: Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX
Sylvan Beach Park
Sylvan Beach Park is family-friendly, with a playground for the kids, and lifeguards on duty during the day. The waves are also gentle, making this one of the best beaches for swimming.
And for only $4, you can fish right off the pier.
Features:
- Family-friendly
- Playground
- Lifeguards
- Skate park
- Pavilion
- Fishing Pier
- Restrooms
Address:636 N Bayshore Dr., La Porte, TX 77571
Cost of Admission: Free to the public
Jamaica Beach
Jamaica Beach is one of the best beaches close to Galveston, and only a small drive southwest of the city. It is secluded and quiet, a perfect getaway for couples who want to be alone.
The sunrise and sunsets are breathtaking.
Although it’s more secluded, there are some restaurants close by, with plenty of rentable beach houses along the shoreline.
Features:
- Secluded
- Clean
- Photography
- Shelling and Beach Combing
- Dog-friendly
- Public Beach
Address: 16628 San Luis Pass Rd., Galveston, TX 77554
Cost of Admission: Free
What is the Best Beach in Galveston?
It all depends. Each beach has a personality all its own, but there is a beach for you.
Whether you’re towing your family or a dog, Galveston beaches have it all. Maybe you want to get away from the family (and the dog)? Come to Galveston and book a stay.
It won’t disappoint.
Featured Image Credit: By Ramiro Reyna Jr
