Texas is the biggest state in all of the USA and it is known for its blistering hot summers, so it’s no surprise really that lots of people go to the beaches in Texas to really enjoy the heat.
One of the most popular places in Texas for summer beach visits is the coastal resort city of Galveston. It is located in Southeast Texas on Galveston Island and Pelican Island.
It is a port as well as a city, and because of its location, it usually becomes home to the inland city dwellers when they want to unwind with a bit of sun, sand, and sea.
Galveston is also home to many beautiful beaches, so there is plenty of choices when it comes to deciding which one you want to spend the day at.
In this article, we will be talking about some of the best beaches within Galveston, which will hopefully help you work out which one you want to go to!
East Beach
East Beach is the largest beach in all of Texas. It gets very busy in the summer, but because it’s so big, you won’t have an issue with finding a sizeable spot to relax.
In the 19th Century, the nearby port and harbor became properly developed and East Beach was an area that was leftover and no longer in use for boats, so it eventually became one of the best beaches in the area.
It is the only beach in Galveston where alcohol is openly allowed and sold on site, so it’s a popular destination for the party scene.
East Beach is also home to regular concerts and festivals, so there’s usually a lot going on there.
You can find showers, changing rooms, a cafe, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits at East Beach, so if you’re looking for activities, this is the perfect beach for you.
Surfside Jetty County Park
If you want to catch some waves while also relaxing at the beach, then Surfside Jetty County Park is an ideal location for you.
It is a very popular surfing beach but is also great for anyone who just wants to enjoy the sun.
There are plenty of picnic tables scattered around the beach, and parking is easily accessible and free.
It’s family-friendly too, with access to a playground, so your kids will have hours of fun while you can relax on the sand.
It is a great location for bird watching too. You can expect to see lots of different types of birds flying and swimming around the area.
It’s also a favorite location for people who enjoy fishing. Surfside Jetty County Park is diverse in its selection of activities, so the whole family can enjoy a full day there.
Crystal Beach
Crystal Beach is a favorite of the locals, with lots of people choosing this beach to stay on overnight.
Motorhomes, golf carts, and cars are free to travel along the shoreline, so if you have children with you, just be mindful of the vehicles that are around.
Crystal Beach is a very long beach though, so you shouldn’t have any issues in finding a spot that is suitable and away from the vehicles.
Though you may need to be mindful of where your children are playing, this beach is still child friendly.
There are lots of shallow stretches of water along the beach that are perfect for your children to play in without you having to worry about them getting too deep in the water. Crystal Beach is also pet friendly too.
There are lots of hotels and beach houses along Crystal Beach, but because you have the freedom to pitch up a tent or drive your car onto the beach, you can quite easily spend a night or two here without having to spend too much money.
Babe’s Beach
Lots of people regard Babe’s Beach as the overall best beach in Galveston, which is no surprise really.
It has a strong lifeguard presence and there’s no shortage of activities you can do, and besides all of that, the views are stunning.
Babe’s Beach’s seawall is regarded as historic and it has historic markers scattered all along the seawall.
It is a great place for surfers and fishermen to spend all day immersed in their activities.
It is a family-friendly beach, so if you are planning a beach day with your children, Babe’s Beach is an ideal choice of beach for you.
Babe’s Beach gets its name from the former member of the Texas Senate, A.R “Babe” Shwartz. He has an ongoing interest in Galveston and its beaches and in his youth, he was also a lifeguard.
Beach Town Development
This beach is one of the more luxurious beaches in Galveston. It is mostly a private beach, so you won’t ever have to worry about it being overcrowded.
There are lots of rental homes all along the beachfront and lots of activities to keep you and your families entertained.
If you have access to one of the rental homes, you will have all the comforts of home, such as WiFi, professional kitchens, and linens, so you can enjoy the beach and then take a casual stroll back without having to worry about traveling far to get home.
Local activities include bicycle rental and a lovely ice cream shop.
Most of the beach is private, so unless you have a rental house, you won’t be able to access a lot of the beach, but Public Access Beach 1A is one of the public beaches in the area where you are free to hang out at.
Galveston Island State Park
If you love nature but you also want to spend the day at the beach, Galveston Island State Park is the perfect location for you!
It is filled with outdoor activities you can do, such as hiking, canoeing, and bike trails and they all lead to the wonderful sandy beachfront that stretches from the North to South Coast of Galveston.
There are lots of designated campsites in the area too, so if you want to spend a few nights at the State Park, that option is available to you.
They also offer many picnic tables and campfire rings. If you’re more of an indoor person though, there are some options for setting up your RV or renting a cabin.
Galveston Island State Park is the perfect place to get away from the city for a few days and enjoy both the land and the sea.
Stewart Beach
The main focus and selling point of this beach is that it’s ideal for families.
There are plenty of active lifeguards all along the beach and the waters are calm and shallow, so you don’t have to worry about your children getting in any danger.
There are also some activities available specifically for the children, such as a playground and the unique experience of sand castle building lessons!
For the adults, there are plenty of things to do around the beach. There are sand volleyball courts, a snack bar, and a shop that sells anything you may need for your day trip to the beach.
Stewart Beach also has changing areas and showers, so you can wash the sand off before you leave.
It is important to note that no alcohol is allowed on this beach, so if you’re looking for a beach where you can unwind and have a bit of a party, Stewart Beach isn’t the right choice for you!
Seawolf Park
Though this beach is more rocky than sandy, it is a great beach for fishing enthusiasts. You have the option to rent any fishing gear you need or bring any of your own.
Seawolf Park is home to one of the best and most popular fishing spots on the whole island. You have the option of fishing on the shore and on the pier.
There is also a museum in Seawolf Park that specializes in the history of military vessels, the US Navy, and Galveston’s role as a military port.
If you go to Seawolf Park on the weekend, you will be able to see lots of retired military vessels, including a classic submarine. Anyone who is a military enthusiast will have lots of fun in this park.
There is also a playground for children, so you can bring the whole family out on a day trip and there are plenty of picnic facilities around the park, making an outdoor lunch possible and extremely relaxing.
Conclusion
Galveston offers a huge variety of beaches, so you’ll never be stuck on where to go. There are beaches that cater to everyone’s needs as well, so no one has to miss out on a beach day.
Whether you’re a surfer, a fisherman, or just a large family with lots of kids, everyone can enjoy the beautiful beaches scattered around Galveston.
If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing day out in the sun, go check out out any of these beaches listed and make some lovely memories with the people you love!
- Stops And Tips For Driving From Dallas To San Antonio - March 20, 2023
- Planning Your Texas Roadtrip: The Best Stops On Dallas To Houston Drive - March 20, 2023
- 19 Best Places To See Bluebonnets In Texas - March 15, 2023
