East Beach: Galveston’s Best Vacation Beach Destination

Galveston Island is full of different beaches. Each one was specifically designed with a theme in mind or a group it caters to. Stewart Beach has a family theme, Seawall’s beaches are minimalist, and Galveston State Park Beach offers overnight amenities. When it comes to the best vacation beach, though, East Beach is the place to be. This beach offers everything you would want for a vacation beach day!

Park Overview

East Beach is the largest beach in Texas and is located on the far eastern side of Galveston Island. If you drive east along Seawall Blvd until it ends and take a right on Boddeker Road, you will run right into East Beach. The park is the only park in Galveston that you can purchase alcohol and drink it right on the beach. There are strict open container laws in Texas, so make sure that you abide by all the local rules prior to partaking in any alcoholic activities.

Beach Concerts and Events

Due to East Beach being so large, many concerts and special events are hosted here. Besides concerts, the beach is the host of the annual American Institute of Architects Sandcastle Competition. This yearly event gathers together the best minds in architecture to create the most elaborate structures built using the East Beach sand.

Amenities

East Beach is full of different amenities that are at your disposal once on the beach. The beach has a pavilion area, children’s playground, entertainment stage, boardwalk, showers, restrooms, lifeguards, bird sanctuary, food and drink vendors, and various little shops. East Beach does not allow you to bring in your own chairs or umbrellas, but they are available for rent once you arrive.

Cost and Details

The beach does charge for entry, but the cost is per vehicle. The pricing varies throughout the year, but the cost per vehicles normally ranges from $10 to $15 unless there is a special event. The East Beach parking lot holds about 7,000 cars, but this does fill up in the more popular times of the year, so make sure to grab a spot early. Normal hours from March to October are 9am to 5pm weekdays, open till 6pm on the weekends. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the hours are 9am to 6pm weekdays, and 8am to 7pm on the weekend.

Photo by FCN80 on https://www.flickr.com/photos/fcn80/119573292