10 Best Beaches in Galveston

Babe’s Beach is arguably the best beach in Galveston, but not simply for its beach activities. The historic seawall backs most of the beach and has historic markers along the path that reminds us about the importance of Galveston and the area's significance in the founding of Texas.

The beach and seawall are excellent for a morning jog. Across from the street from the beach is one of the city's most popular areas, filled with restaurants, bars, gift shops, and even a few tattoo parlours.

Stewart Beach is a family-oriented stretch of coastline on Galveston’s south coast. With shallow and calm waters as well as on-duty lifeguards, you can feel safe to let loose and go for a swim.

On the beach, you'll find several volleyball nets where you're welcome to join a friendly game. For children – and the artistically inclined – there are regular sandcastle competitions. For the onlookers, the beach offers rental chairs and umbrellas. After a day at the beach, wash away the salt and sand at the onsite shower facilities.

Crystal Beach is a long calm beach where cars, golf carts, and motorhomes are free to travel the shoreline. You’ll meet many of the locals and visitors out to spend a night under the stars.

There are plenty of hotels and beach houses with sea views in front of Crystal Beach, but you could even decide to bring a tent, pitch up, and fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing on the sand. Just make sure to pitch your tent above the high-tide water line. The beach is pet-friendly and the packed sand makes it a great area for a morning run.

East Beach is well known as the go-to beach for the party crowd in Galveston. It’s the only beach on the island that alcohol is openly allowed and sold. There are multiple volleyball courts and horseshoe pits.

East Beach is located near the downtown area of the island, making it a convenient way to get some sun without travelling too far. The wildlife is also quite active here and if you’re a birdwatcher, it will surely give you several species to add to your birding journal.  

Seawolf Park is a well-maintained beachfront point on Galveston's Pelican Island. The beach itself is more of a rocky seashore, but it is home to one of the most popular fishing holes on the island. You can bring your own gear or rent equipment from the local shops. Fishing can be done from the shoreline or from the outstretched pier.

There’s a park for children to play at, and if you come on the weekends, be sure to check out the retired military vessels, including a classic submarine. The historians at the museum will be happy to shed light on the long history of the US Navy and Galveston's involvement as a military port.

Pocket Park 1 is a quiet and friendly beach that allows parking on the sand and is away from the main crowd. Visitors are welcome to bring a pop-up awning, unfold some chairs, and throw some Texas-style BBQ on the grill.

The beach is located near the popular Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn water park. Its 7.5-mile length of shoreline gives plenty of room for sporting activities such as horseshoe tossing, frisbee, and kickball. The beach has onsite restroom facilities, but you’ll need to make a short trip into the city if you’re looking for a restaurant.

Pocket Park 2 is a simple and peaceful beach mostly away from the party crowd in Galveston. Even so, the soft sands and seashell hunting makes it a great beach for kids to enjoy a day under the Texas sun. The beach is on the west end of the island which is oriented towards the locals, and the Southern hospitality is easily recognised when sparking conversation with fellow beachgoers.

There are shower and restroom facilities at the end of the beach as well as the Tipsy Turtle Seaside Bar & Grill nearby which has food, drinks, and changing rooms for you to easily get in and out of your swimwear.

Galveston Island State Park is a nature lover's dream which stretches from Galveston’s north coast to its south coast. Covering several acres of Galveston's most luscious landscapes, the park features walking trails, bike trails, and of course, a soft sandy beachfront.

You can camp at the designated sites where you’ll find picnic tables and campfire rings available for all to use. If you enjoy the amenities of the indoors, they also have a few rentable cabins a walking distance to the beach. Bring a kayak, your RV, and a fun group of friends, and leave with memories that will last a lifetime.

Surfside Jetty County Park is a great spot for surfers who want to hit the waves and spend a few hours relaxing by the water. Pack a lunch and take a seat at one of the many picnic tables on the sand. Watch the oil tankers and other ships cruise in and out of the port or grab your board and catch the surf on the windy side of the jetty.

The jetty extends far into the ocean and is a popular place to take selfies for your social media. There are clean restroom facilities near the small children's park, and enough wind to fly a kite down the coastline.

Beach Town Development is the most luxurious beachfront for spending a holiday on the east coast of Galveston. A top-quality homestyle stay only steps from the ocean, it's a great alternative to a high-end hotel.

The area boasts a mostly private beach where you can rent bicycles and visit the local ice cream shop. The rental homes are equipped with professional kitchens, Wi-Fi, linens, and the home comforts you need to completely relax without hassle.  Some homes have up to 6 bedrooms, making this a popular option for large groups and families.