Galveston is known for its crowded, outdated, and not very clean beaches; nevertheless, they have their advantages and there are many people who like the local atmosphere and keep coming back for years.
Galveston Seawall Beaches are scattered up and down the island; they all have plenty of parking but vary in size, facilities, businesses, and the number of visitors, so keep driving until you find the one you like best.
There are many options. If you drive further west, you’re likely to find a secluded little corner even in the summer months. If you want restrooms and more comfort, overall, you can choose a beach with an entrance fee, for instance, Stewart Beach.
One of the greatest things about Galveston Beaches is that they have lifeguard stations every few hundred feet, and lifeguards are quite a rare thing on the Texas coast! Another plus is that Galveston is only 45 minutes from Houston – an adequate choice for a beach holiday outside the big city. In addition to that, it’s a really historic town where you can learn about battles, pirates, ghosts, disasters, the local economy, etc.
Access and Parking
Before you choose a spot, it’s a good idea to drive through further and see more beaches – there are quite many of them. Ample and easy parking is available along the entire boulevard and the new city rules require to pay for it if you’re not local.
People
Galveston Seawall Beaches are famous for their lively and diverse vibes since their everyday visitors come from all possible cultures and subcultures – from fishermen and cowboys to skaters and hippies from all over the world. Get ready for big crowds during the festival time and in high season. In summer, it’s better to arrive earlier in the morning when there aren’t too many visitors.
Facilities, Eateries, and Accommodation
In many places, it may be a problem to find a well-maintained restroom or a rinse shower, but the good news is that there is a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, bars, snack bars, and coffee shops within walking distance. You’ll be able to choose what you like – from steaks and Mexican food to elaborated vegetarian salads and hipster sandwiches.
Activities and Swimming Conditions
The place is good for strolling, shelling, skating, jogging, or riding a bike, enjoying the views and the sea air, but don’t expect fine white sand and crystal clear water. The water is brown, with a peculiar smell, and often featuring a lot of seaweed. Before you decide to go in, you should also check for bacteria warnings, which are not a rare thing.
The city launched a beach volunteer clean-up program, but sometimes the beaches do get dirty, with litter along the seawall and dog feces throughout the area. In some places, it is not recommended to take off your shoes.
Driving Time
- 55 minutes from Houston, TX
- 1 hour 55 minutes from Beaumont, TX
- 2 hours 40 minutes from Victoria, TX
Hotels and rentals
If you're considering staying for one or even a few nights, there are plenty of options available near the beach. Chose your preferred accomodation type and your favourite room provider:
- Nearby rentals from VRBO.
- Nearby rooms and properties from Booking.com.
Beaches nearby
Additionally, there's a number of beaches near Galveston Seawall Beaches which you can visit:
- Dellanera RV Park Beach (3 miles)
- Sunny Beach (4 miles)
- Porretto Beach (4 miles)
- West End Pocket Parks Beach (4 miles)
- Stewart Beach (5 miles)