East Beach
Discover East Beach
East Beach is the party beach of Galveston Island. Famous for its great entertainment, it also offers a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, sunbathing, beach-combing, volleyball courts, soccer fields, and jet ski rentals. There are also several picnic areas, playgrounds, and food vendors available. Showers, restrooms, concessions, and a children’s playground make this a great beach for your vacation destination.
R.A. Apffel Park, aka East Beach, is a popular beach bustling with activities. There is parking on the beach, but during peak times there can be a bit of a walk from your car to the water. This is the place to visit for everything in and out of the water.
Location Highlights
- 1505 Seaside Dr, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
- 56 miles from Houston, TX
Amenities
- Public Restrooms Nearby
- Public Showers Available
- Pet Friendly - Dog Friendly
- Public Parking nearby
- Beach chair Rentals and umbrellas available for rent
- Lifeguards Seasonally On Duty
- Easy beach access
- Beach Wheelchairs Available At No Charge
- Changing Rooms
- Picnic tables
Ratings
Activities
East Beach has a pavilion and entertainment stage that hosts live music concerts, festivals, and other events throughout the year. Alcohol is permitted on the beach but you must follow all laws while drinking alcohol on the beach. Every summer East Beach hosts the AIA Sandcastle Competition. The event itself is free and open to the public, but parking is $15 and cash only. This year the competition was held on Saturday, August 12, 2023. Plan ahead for next year’s sandcastle competition! Rent jet skis or boogie boards, fish, watch some volleyball matches, or just relax in a beach chair under the shade of a nice umbrella. Whatever your choice, East Beach is the place to do it.
Where Can You Eat Near East Beach
East Beach is located on the far east end of Galveston Island, well past most restaurants, but that’s not to say there isn’t anything to eat. The closest restaurant to East Beach is Porch Cafe. They have a wonderful menu and beautiful outdoor seating is available on their porch, overlooking Beachtown and the Gulf. As you go farther west you will see even more options. Right near University Blvd, also known as 6th St, and Seawall Blvd, are several great places to eat. Russo’s New York serves up great pizzas and subs. Chili’s Tex-Mex is near East Beach and has great food, with happy hour Monday thru Friday from 3pm-6pm and all day Saturday and Sunday. Mario’s Seawall Italian & Pizzeria is a great indoor dining experience, with so much charm, old-world tradition, and great food. Gordita’s Mexico is another great choice for Mexican food, and they have a large patio for drinks or dining, overlooking the gulf and beaches.
Cold Drinks and Live Music
No matter what time of day, there’s always time for a nice cold, refreshing drink, especially on a porch overlooking the beach. Great thing there are several choices for drinks near East Beach. Lucky Lounge, Safari Beach Company, and Bubba’s Beach Bar are all just off 9th and Seawall, about a 10-minute drive away.
Pet Friendly Beach
East Beach welcomes you and your pet. There’s no need to leave your four legged friend behind when you come to this pet friendly beach. This dog beach is a perfect place to spend the day. Please keep your pet on a leash at all times and respect those around you. Make sure you properly dispose of your pet’s waste to keep the beach clean and enjoyable for everyone. We can help you can find a pet-friendly hotel to make sure no family member is left behind. If you want to stay overnight or longer, we can also help you search for hotels near East Beach.
Parking Fee
Parking fees range from $12 to $15 per vehicle depending on the day or event. They may or may not accept cards so make sure you have cash on hand just in case. You can purchase a Seasonal Beach Parking Pass for $50 which gets you into East Beach, Stewart Beach, Dellanera RV Park, and West End Pocket Parks. If you are visiting a lot, and we hope you are, then the Ultimate Beach Parking Pass is something to consider. For $95 you get unlimited parking along Seawall Blvd plus entry to the beach parks mentioned above. Ask them about Active Military Discounts.
Hours of operation
- Mon 9AM-6PM
- Tues 9AM-6PM
- Wed 9AM-6PM
- Thur 9AM-6PM
- Fri 8AM-7PM
- Sat 8AM-7PM
- Sun 8AM-7PM
Lifeguards on Duty - Seasonally
Easy to become trapped while driving in deep sand.
Open fires are NOT permitted. BBQ pits are allowed and must be tended to at all times.
Pets are allowed and must be leashed all the time. Remember to clean up after your pet.
For Current Beach Conditions
Current Island Forecast
