When the warm temperatures start ramping up in Galveston and the sun starts beating down, nothing sounds better than a beach trip. If you’re looking for a place with great surf, sand, and sun, check out these tips for the perfect Galveston beach day.
Best Beaches to Visit in Galveston
The first step to any good Galveston beach day is finding the right spot. If you’re looking for a place with great waves, head to East Beach or Pleasure Pier. This spot is popular with surfers and boogie boarders alike. For a more relaxed beach experience, try Stewart Beach. This spot is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
The seawall in Galveston is the longest seawall in America, stretching more than 10 miles along the coast, making it perfect for a long walk, jog, or bike ride.
If you’re traveling with kids, head to Seawolf Park. Open for 24 hours a day, this beach is a family paradise. Large enough to allow kids to run free, but also a great spot to enjoy some fishing.
Does Galveston Have Good Surfing?
Galveston is a great place for surfing, especially if you’re a beginner. The Galveston surf is typically smaller and less intense than in other spots on the Texas coast. East Beach or Pleasure Pier are great spots to catch some morning waves—just be sure to check the beach flags for water conditions. The color of the flag will notify you about any current conditions or hazards in the water.
Visit SUP Gulf Coast for local board rentals and surfing and paddleboarding lessons for the whole family!
What to Pack in Your Beach Bag for Galveston
Of course, you’ll want to pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a towel. But don’t forget some other essentials like water, snacks, and a beach chair or umbrella. If you’re planning to spend the day in the sun, be sure to pack a hat or sunglasses to protect your eyes. And if you’re bringing your phone, don’t forget a waterproof case.
If you’re coming in from out of town and need a place to pick up supplies, stop by one of the many beach stores in Galveston, like Academy Sports and Outdoors or Wings Beachwear. You can find everything from swimsuits to sunscreen to boogie boards. There’s also a Walmart, Target, and Kroger minutes away from the sand so you can plan the perfect picnic for your Galveston beach day.
Water Activities in Galveston
Try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding, take a ride on a banana boat, or go on a dolphin tour. Because of Galveston’s spot in the Gulf of Mexico, there are plenty of spots where you can see a variety of fish, coral, and dolphins while snorkeling or scuba diving.
The most popular spot for dolphin sightings is SeaWolf Park, but you can also try your luck at Stewart Beach or East Beach.
Where To Go Fishing
There are plenty of places to fish along the seawall and in the bay. The best times to fish are usually early in the morning or in the evening. If you’re looking for a good spot to catch some fish, try out these places:
- The Galveston Fishing Pier
- Pleasure Pier
- Jimmy’s On the Pier
If you want to go on a boat but don’t have your own, there are plenty of charter companies that offer fishing trips, dolphin-watching tours, and more.
Where To Go Birdwatching
In addition to its diverse sea life and pristine beaches, Galveston is an ideal place for bird enthusiasts. East End Lagoon is a nature park and preserve with great birdwatching, fishing, photo ops, and hiking.
Restaurants To Hit
When the sun goes down, there’s still plenty to do. Head to The Spot for some of the best ice cream on the island or check out one of Galveston’s many bars and restaurants. Some of our local favorites include:
Shark Shack Beach Bar & Grill
Located in the Historic Strand District, Shark Shack is close to great shopping and strolling. Plus, they are quite popular for their bacon-wrapped shrimp. If that doesn’t get your mouth watering, we don’t know what will!
Jimmy’s on the Pier
Jimmy’s is the place for you if you’re all about the view. Right on the pier, Jimmy’s serves anything under the sun with the sparkling ocean as your backdrop. This is a great spot for sunset views, fishing, and live music.
Katie’s Seafood House
Katie’s Seafood House is known for the freshest catch on the island. The outdoor deck offers great views of Galveston Bay and is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.
Riondo’s Ristorante
If you’re looking for an Italian dinner with a view, Riondo’s is the place to go. This cozy restaurant serves up delicious pasta dishes and seafood while overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
Whatever you decide, you can’t go wrong. The food on Galveston Island is one of the best parts of making the trip. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, fries, or Italian, there is a great restaurant for you.
Galveston Beach Day FAQs
If you’re trying to plan your dream Galveston beach day, but still have some questions on your mind, let us help you answer them.
Are Dogs Allowed on Galveston Beaches?
Yes, you can bring your furry friend to two Galveston beaches: Stewart Beach Park and East Beach! Just keep them on a leash and be sure to clean up after them. Some beaches have “posted hours” where dogs are allowed during certain times of the day, so check with the lifeguards or signs before heading out.
Can You Camp on Galveston Beaches?
While overnight camping is not allowed on almost all of the Galveston beaches, there are several beachside parks where you can set up camp. Galveston Island State Park is the only park where you can camp on the beach. And if camping isn’t your thing, check out our vacation rentals for a comfortable and convenient stay right on the beach.
Can You Drive on the Beach in Galveston?
No, driving on the beach is not permitted at the majority of beaches in Galveston. This helps keep the beaches clean and safe for everyone. However, there are plenty of parking options near each beach.
Can You Bring Alcohol to Galveston Beaches?
Alcohol is only permitted at East Beach and Seawolf Park. However, glass is not allowed at any Galveston beaches. Remember to look up the beach you plan to visit ahead of time for any updated information.
What You Need for a Galveston Beach Day With Kids
Planning a Galveston beach day with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are a few things to make sure you have before heading out:
- Snacks and plenty of water
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and extra towels
- Beach toys like buckets, shovels, and sandcastle molds
- A beach umbrella or tent for shade
And don’t forget the camera! You’ll want to capture all the fun memories of your family’s Galveston beach day.
So next time you’re looking for a fun and relaxing beach trip, consider Galveston Island. With its beautiful beaches, great surf, and delicious food, it’s the perfect place to spend a sunny day with friends and family.
Start Planning Your Trip with Soar Vacation Rental Services
No matter what you’re looking for, Galveston has something for everyone. So when you’re ready to start planning your trip, be sure to check out Soar Vacation Rental Services. We offer a wide variety of Galveston beach houses for rent all along the coast, so you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your beach getaway.
Whether you’re here for a short stay or coming in for a longer trip—Galveston beach days are always a good idea. So grab your favorite beach gear, call up some friends or family, and start planning your next trip to Galveston Island today! Let us help you make memories that will last a lifetime.