Parks, Birding, & Nature

The City of Galveston owns 685 acres of land at the east end of the Island at Boddeker Drive and Apffel Park. The City’s vision is to transform this resource into a world-class, sustainable, natural recreational park and nature preserve with trails and a manned interpretive center. Former Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas requested that GINTC assist in raising the money necessary to develop the master plan and be part of the ad hoc planning committee. GINTC raised more than $200,000 and the master plan contract was awarded in late 2009.

Click here to see the East End Lagoon Nature Park & Preserve Master Plan.

The Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council is a non-profit, community-based volunteer organization that sponsors, supports and develops nature-based educational and recreational activities. They also help promote the value of natural habitats and resources in the Galveston area. 

Check out their calendar for current events and activities! 

Galveston Island State Park, in Galveston County, is on the west end of Galveston Island. It is a 2,000-acre site. The park offers camping, bird watching, nature study, hiking, mountain biking, fishing and unsupervised beach swimming. 

Looking for a great birding trip? The Galveston Ornithological Society is a group of friends of all ages in Galveston County who share a love for learning about birds. There are meetings, classes and birding trips like the Water Bird Workshop or Shorebird Seminar. The leader of the trips is Jim Stevenson who is a professional bird guide and ornithology professor. 

Call or email for upcoming trip information or to schedule a personal guided tour of the Island's birding hot spots! 

Jim Stevenson

Public, all-concrete skate park with a large bowl, vertical up to 12 feet, and a large cradle.

Free and fabulous! Guided tours of the research facility are offered to the public by advanced appointment only and on a limited basis (2 Thursdays per month). You will see up to 450 live sea turtles housed in 30 saltwater tanks. There is no glass or fence between you and the turtles. Operated through the National Marine Fisheries Service. Call 409-766-3500 to schedule your tour today! 

A city park that gave the surrounding neighborhood its name. The neighborhood of Kempner Park contains 2 of the oldest houses on the island, both built in the late 1830's. Situated in the park is the German pavilion known as Garten Verein 

The 35-acre nature preserve is a popular destination for birders. Entrance on Eckert Drive off Stewart Road near 11 Mile Road 

Bring your favorite canine companion to this fully fenced green area with benches, water stations, and a small dog section. 

Pocket Park 1 is located at 11102 San Luis Pass Road on Galveston’s West End. The park is minutes from 61st Street and island attractions Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn Waterpark and includes a children's playground. Beachfront parking is available.

Open seasonally (calendar). Admission is payable by CASH only. 

Pocket Park 2 is located at 11745 San Luis Pass Road on Galveston’s West End. The park includes an educational wetlands preserves, beach access points and public parking. Amenities include outdoor rinse-off showers as well as umbrella and chair rentals.

Open seasonally (calendar). Admission is payable by CASH only. 

Seawolf Park is managed by the Galveston Island Park Board of Trustees and offers a three-story pavilion with a view of Galveston harbor, picnic sites, a playground area and a lighted fishing pier. The Park is also home to the American Undersea Warfare Center, which is supported and operated by the Cavalla Historical Foundation. Named after the Seawolf submarine lost in WWII, the Park displays the sub, a very rare destroyer escort, and other military items. 

Mon - Sun: 9am - 5pm (seasonally) 

Named one of the "10 Best Beaches for Families" by Family Vacation Critic in 2013 Galveston's East End premier family beach park, Stewart Beach sponsors family-oriented events, such as volleyball tournaments and other special events throughout the summer season. The park features umbrella and chair rentals, volleyball courts, an outdoor pavilion with an elevator, snack bar, souvenir shop, restrooms and showers. 

Hours are seasonal and subject to change due to weather conditions. 

TMMSN is a non-profit, volunteer based organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and releases stranded dolphins and other marine life that have washed ashore the Texas Coast. 

If you see a stranded marine mammal, the TMMSN asks that you: 

- Call 1-800-9-MAMMAL. 
- DO NOT return the animal to the sea. 
- Keep the animal cool and wet, while avoiding the blowhole. 
- Keep people and pets away 
- Remain with the animal until help arrives.