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Galveston Beaches

One of the many reasons people visit Galveston year-round is our beautiful, sandy, wide-open beaches. Relaxing in the sand with family and friends is the ultimate vacation. Galveston Beaches offer so many different options with dozens of beaches all around. If you are looking for family friendly fun, a pet friendly beach, parking on the beach, the party beach, volleyball, or anything else that goes along with sun and sand, Galveston has the right beach for you. Stewart Beach and Porretto Beach are on the east end of the island and offer chair and umbrella rentals, jet ski rentals, bar service, and showers nearby.

“Let the waves hit your feet, and the sand be your seat.”

Beaches to explore

East-end Beach Area

East Beach is considered the party beach of Galveston Island. Famous for its great entertainment, it also offers a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, volleyball courts, soccer fields, jet ski rentals, and parking on the beach. Every summer East Beach hosts the AIA Sandcastle Competition

East-end Beach Area

Stewart Beach is on the East end of Galveston Island and is one of the most popular beaches in Galveston. It offers great amenities for everyone including restrooms, showers, wheelchair accessibility, concessions, parking on the beach, and best of all, beautiful sand.

East-end Beach Area

Porretto Beach is on the East end of Galveston Island and offers a little of everything. It is a privately owned beach and in close proximity to everything Galveston has to offer. There is plenty of parking on the sand and very close to where you will lay your towel, but it’s blocked off from the actual beach so you can feel safe with your kids playing in the sand.  

Seawall Beach Area

Stretching over 10 miles long and 17 feet high, the Galveston seawall is home to some wonderful beaches, exquisite sand, and beautiful island views. In addition to its beaches and amusement parks, discover the rich history of Galveston Island and its culture. Visitors can explore historic sites such as the Bishop’s Palace, the Moody Mansion, and the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier.

Seawall Beach Area

Babe’s Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Galveston. The beach is named after A.R. “Babe” Schwartz, a former Texas legislator and Galveston County Judge who was instrumental in the establishment of the Texas Open Beaches Act, ensuring the public has free and unrestricted rights to access Texas beaches.

West-end Beach Area

Down on the West end of Galveston Island, there are several places to dig your toes in the sand and lounge on the beach. Pirates Beach was developed in the mid-70s and today has over 700 plus single-family homes. Beach access parking is limited and may require a permit.

West-end Beach Area

Jamaica Beach is a beautiful coastal town located on the western end of Galveston Island. It was officially recognized in 1975 and today is considered one of the safest places to live on the island. You can get to Jamaica Beach via Termini-San Luis Pass Rd and turn onto Buccaneer Dr. From there, park and enjoy the sand in your toes.

West-end Beach Area

Galveston Island State Park is a popular outdoor recreation area located on the west end of Galveston Island. The park spans over 2,000 acres and includes several miles of beachfront, as well as marshlands, dunes, and coastal prairies. The night skies are filled with stars and perfect for stargazing with binoculars, telescopes, or the naked eye.

continue exploring

more Beaches on the West

West-end Beach Area

Beach Pocket Park #1, Sea Gull Shores Beach, is a hidden treasure worth discovering during your visit to Galveston Island. Just past the Galveston Seawall, its secluded location, natural beauty, and peaceful atmosphere, make it the perfect beach destination for anyone wanting to escape the crowds and enjoy a relaxing day on the beach.

West-end Beach Area

Sunny Beach in Galveston is a perfect destination for those looking for a relaxing and fun-filled beach vacation. Sunny Beach is a picturesque beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, frisbee, and dog walking. It’s just a mile or so past the seawall off 8 Mile Rd. It is a particularly secluded beach spot for a great beach day. It’s almost like having your own private beach.

West-end Beach Area

Beach Pocket 2, Sand Castle Beach, is ideal for visitors looking for a more secluded beach experience. Paved Parking, Indoor Showers and Restrooms, and a Restaurant Nearby all make this a great spot for your Galveston Island beach vacation spot.

West-end Beach Area

You can get to West Beach via Public Beach Access #10 just off Termini-San Luis Pass Rd. From there you can park on the sand and walk down the beach to access your spot. You can also get to West Beach via Pabst Rd and Bermuda Beach.

West-end Beach Area

Bermuda Beach is located on the western end of the Island, down Termini-San Luis Pass Rd turning onto Pabst Rd. It is a smaller beach with one row of parking available right on the beach. Quieter location, but the space can be taken up rather quickly.

West-end Beach Area

Beach Pocket Park #3, Sea Shell Beach, is a popular destination for shell collectors and beachgoers alike. Located on the west end of the island, Sea shell Beach is known for its wide variety of seashells and other marine life that bring the shores to life.

West-end Beach Area

Palm Beach is a nice little secluded beach on the West End of Galveston Island. There is a historical marker noting that the area’s first introduction to world history was in the 16th century from the Spanish soldier Cabeza de Vaca.

West-end Beach Area

A very quiet area with limited access points to the beach, but if you can snag a parking spot then you have only to haul your precious cargo over the boardwalk and right onto your very own, almost private beachfront.

West-end Beach Area

Far down on the West end of Galveston, Terramar Beach offers a quiet and relaxing retreat for visitors and residents alike, with access to both public and private beach areas and a variety of amenities to enjoy.

West-end Beach Area

Just before the San Luis Bridge Toll Plaza is Public Beach Access 41 where you can access the beautiful shoreline. The beach offers over three miles of soft sand, clear blue water, and stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Beach Information

Galveston BEACH FAQs

  •   Porretto Beach Sells Alcohol and You Can Have It Delivered To Your Rental Beach Chair
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  •   Stewart Beach is a Family Friendly Beach
  •   Galveston Beach Does No Allow Alcohol and has Restrooms Nearby and is Considered a Family Friendly Beach
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  • Grills are allowed but must be monitored all times
  • Do not leave your grill unattended
  •   Glass is not permitted anywhere on any beach.
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  •   It’ll cost you at least a sand dollar to get out
  •   Call Your Local Tow Company For Assistance
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  •   No, Beach Wheelchairs are Free and Offered on a First-Come-First-Served Basis
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  •   No, Reservations Are Not Accepted. Beach Wheelchairs are Free and Offered on a First-Come-First-Served Basis. They Cannot Be Reserved
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  •   Porretto Beach Allows You To leave and Return The Same Day Without Paying Again
  •   You Will Have to Pay Again on Stewart Beach If You Leave and Return
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  •   $50 Annual Parking Pass
  •   $95 Ultimate Beach Parking Pass 
  •   $45 Seawall Parking Pass
  •   For Questions Call Galveston Island Park Board 409-797-5000
  •   Purchase Your Beach Parking Pass Here
  •   Porretto Beach Offers Free Beach Parking For Locals. Just Show a Valid Diver License on ID
  •   There is Also Free Parking Located on the North Side of Seawall Blvd Between:
  •   12th and 19th St
  •   33rd and 39th St
  •   53rd and 61st St
  •   85th and 91st St
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  •   Free Parking is Located on the North Side of Seawall Blvd Between:
  •   12th and 19th St
  •   33rd and 39th St
  •   53rd and 61st St
  •   85th and 91st St
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  •   Open Fires Are Not Permitted on the Beach
  •   Charcoal and Butane Grills Are Permitted But Must Never Be Left Unattended
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