Pay Beaches
Galveston actually has 6 paid beaches! Most only realize the most popular ones: East Beach and Stewart Beach. For the paid beaches you only pay during the peak season, though the larger ones have different seasonal and operating hours. During the peak season the paid beaches are $8 per car and $16 per RV/oversized vehicle. Below is a list of the paid beaches and more information on them (For info on free beaches click here: Free Beaches)
East Beach
East Beach is located at the farthest eastern tip of the island. It is a popular paid beach and often has live music and bands during the summer months. It has restrooms and snack areas, as well as showers. This beach is often categorized as the more "party" beach because it is the only one where alcohol is allowed on the beach. That is something to keep in mind when bringing kids! The annual sandcastle competition is held every year here. I've never been to East Beach (or any of the paid beaches) during tourist season , but I have frequented the park there in the off season. It just got new equipment!! Here is the link for more information on East Beach: East Beach Info
Hours of Operation:
March 8-May 23 & September 9-October 8: Weekdays 9am-5pm / Weekends 9am-6pm
Memorial Day to Labor Day: Weekdays 9am-6pm / Weekends 8am-7pm
Hours may be seasonal and subject to change)
Stewart Beach
Stewart Beach is located on the east end of the island as well, just not quite as far down as East Beach. This beach seems to be the most popular paid beach as it gets very crowded in the peak summer season. It's very kid friendly and has a nice playground! One of the structures is shaped like a ship. It has all the amenities needed: restrooms, showers, snack areas, and more. There usually is a big inflatable slide there during the summer as well. Here is the link for more information on Stewart Beach: Stewart Beach Info
Hours of Operation:
March 8-May 23 & September 9-October 8: Weekdays 9am-5pm / Weekends 9am-6pm
Memorial Day to Labor Day: Weekdays 9am-6pm / Weekends 8am-7pm
(Hours may be seasonal and subject to change)
Pocket Parks
On the west end of the island, Galveston has 3 pocket parks with public parking and some amenities. They are listed as Pocket Park #1, #2, and #3. I''ve never been to any of the pocket parks, but all are listed as having restrooms and lifeguards. #2 and #3 are listed as having showers. I've heard the pocket parks tend to be less busy than East Beach or Stewart Beach, so they may be a good alternative if you are looking to avoid crowds! Here is the link for more information on the Pocket Parks: Pocket Parks
Hours of Operation:
March through Labor Day: Weekdays 9am-5pm / Weekends 9am-6pm
September: Weekends 9am-6pm October through February: Closed
(Hours may be seasonal and subject to change)
Galveston Island State Park
Galveston Island State Park offers so much more than just a beach, but many go there just for the beach. The entry fee is $5 per person, kids 12 and younger are free. There are restrooms and showers here. It can get busy during peak season (especially the beach front camping areas)! This a family friendly beach especially if you want to do more than just the beach (hiking for example). Here is a link for more information: Galveston Island State Park
Hours of Operation:
Open 7 days a week year round.
Below is a map of Galveston Island Beaches. The paid beaches are designated with a red star. Here is a link to a larger version of the map: Beach Map
Please keep in mind that glass bottles are prohibited at any beaches!
No comments:
Post a Comment