Looking for the best sand for a beach day in Galveston, Texas? East Beach might just be your new favorite beach.
Located on the far eastern end of the island, this expansive stretch of sandy shoreline offers more than just breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. Known for its festive atmosphere and family-friendly amenities, East Beach is one of the top beaches in Galveston.
From the moment you arrive at the beach park, you’ll find plenty to do, whether you’re soaking up the rays, building sandcastles, or splashing around in the gentle waves. East Beach has a lot to offer during your Galveston vacation, with seasonal concessions, lifeguards, live music, and even events like an annual sandcastle competition.
The beach vibes don’t have to stop when you pack up the towels and sunscreen at the end of the day — Sand ‘N Sea Properties offers West End vacation rentals just steps from the Gulf with stunning views and refreshing breezes.
Ready to hit the sand? Let’s dive into everything East Beach has to offer!
All About East Beach
Photo Credit: Mark Taylor Cunningham
- Where: 1923 Apffel Rd, Galveston, TX
- Parking: There is a reasonable daily parking fee
- Beverage Rules: This is one of few Galveston beaches that permit alcohol
- Amenities: Open seasonally from March to October
- Pets: Allowed on leashes
When it comes to Galveston beaches, you have a lot of options. After all, the island has 32 miles of shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico. But if you’re looking for a sandy swath with many amenities, it’s hard to beat East Beach.
As the name implies, this spot is located on the far east end of Galveston, with a wide expanse of sand that stretches toward the tip of the island, near the entrance to Galveston Bay.
Seasonal Amenities
Seasonal amenities are open from early March through late October, including restrooms and showers, food and beverage concessions, beach wheelchairs, and chair and umbrella rentals. There are also lifeguards on duty during this time.
Best Time to Visit East Beach
Spring at East Beach
Spring in Galveston is as good as it gets! Temperatures are warming up into the mid-70s and much hotter toward the end of the season. In early spring, water temps around 72 are a bit cold for swimming, but this is still a great time for lounging around and practicing your sand castle building skills.
Summer at East Beach
If spring brings the best of everything in Galveston in moderation, summer is the full on experience in every way. Afternoons heat up to the 80s and 90s, so a dip in the Gulf of Mexico is a great way to warm up!
Beach services and amenities are fully open in summer, and the Galveston Sandcastle Festival signs off summer in September. Be aware that summer is also the rainy season, so you may need to pack up the towels when the occasional afternoon shower pops up!
Fall at East Beach
If you want to avoid the crowds and intense heat of summer, fall is the perfect time to visit Galveston’s beaches. Highs are typically still in the upper 70s and 80s, and the water is still warm enough to swim for the first few weeks of the season.
East Beach amenities close down toward the end of October, but you can still bring your own towels and boogie boards for a day on the sand.
Winter at East Beach
While winter in Galveston is a bit too chilly for swimming and laying around in a swimsuit, this can be a great time to enjoy the views without the crowds. East Beach amenities are closed during winter, but you can still enjoy a casual stroll along the sand or a beautiful sunset over the Gulf.
Things To Do at East Beach
With acres of sand, endless Gulf waves, and on-site amenities like water toy rentals and snacks for sale, spending hours enjoying Galveston’s East Beach is easy. Plus, the annual Galveston Sandcastle Festival and an entertainment stage mean lots of fun and games at this family-friendly beach in Galveston.
1. Relax under the sun
Photo Credit: Ground Picture
East Beach Galveston is the perfect spot to spend an entire day on the sand since all the amenities you need are available steps away! Bring your own towels and chairs, or rent a shady umbrella and lounger for the ultimate comfort.
Restrooms and food are available from the on-site concessions, so you won’t even need to leave for lunch.
2. Swim and splash in the waves
Photo Credit: PeopleImages.com - Yuri A
The long stretch of coastline at East Beach is the perfect spot to splash around and enjoy the Gulf. You can rent boogie boards to ride the waves or just body surf and snorkel.
Surfboards and kayaks are another fun way to enjoy the water here, but they must stay in a designated area away from the swim zone.
3. Build a sandcastle creation
Photo Credit: pogonici
Want to test out your sandcastle skills? East Beach has a wide swath of sand made for playing. The annual Galveston Sandcastle Festival is even held here at the end of summer, and it features elaborate creations and free lessons for attendees.
4. Have a picnic on the sand
Photo Credit: Ground Picture
With on-site concessions, it’s easy to create a picnic on the fly to enjoy on East Beach. Or, head to one of these Galveston grocery stores and grab your sandwiches and snack supplies before hitting the sand.
5. Go Horseback Riding
Photo Credit: Iancu Cristian
Is riding horseback on the sand on your beach bucket list? Galveston Island Horse and Pony Rides offer guided outings along East Beach that follow a trail along a quiet stretch of the shoreline past a lagoon and seabird nesting areas.
You can book 30 or 60 minute sessions during the day or at sunset and even schedule a photoshoot with a local photographer to capture the moment. The stable is located near the entrance to East Beach.
Points of Interest Nearby East Beach
The East End of Galveston offers a beautiful shoreline, historic military remnants, and peaceful nature parks. When you need a break from hanging out on the sand at East Beach, hop on the Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry for a sightseeing ride across the Channel, or check out one of these other nearby parks!
- East End Lagoon Nature Preserve
- Fort San Jacinto Historic Point
- Stewart Beach
Enjoy All of Galveston Island
Whether relaxing in a lounge chair on the sand, playing in the Gulf waves, or riding horseback at sunset, Galveston Island has a lot to offer. From East Beach to the West End, a trip to Galveston offers a perfect mix of fun and relaxation for visitors of all ages.
Although we highly recommend you take the scenic drive down Seawall Blvd to visit East Beach for a day during your stay, the West End is actually the best spot to stay. Here you’ll have more restaurants, better access to Pleasure Pier, and more amenities to ensure a great stay.
Before you pack your sunscreen and grab your beach gear to head on down, don’t forget to book your ideal vacation home in Galveston.
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