East Beach (R.A. Apffel Park)
A wide sandy beach at the northeast tip of the island, where alcohol is allowed and vehicles can drive onto the sand. It often hosts concerts and festivals and is a favorite gathering spot for young people.
East Beach is at R.A. Apffel Park at the easternmost tip of Galveston Island. Its wide sand makes it one of the few public beaches in Texas where drinking is allowed (glass bottles are not). On summer weekends it often hosts concerts and sand sculpture festivals. Visitors can watch large ships entering and leaving the port and see the south jetty. There are lifeguards, showers, and parking, with per-vehicle parking fees during peak season. It is livelier and noisier than Stewart Beach, so families with young children may prefer the latter.
Opening hours
Summer 09:00–18:00; lifeguards on duty
Nearby sights
- Stewart Beach
- Galveston–Port Bolivar Ferry
- Galveston Seawall & Seawall Boulevard
- Seawolf Park
- East End Historic District
- Bishop's Palace
- Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum
- Texas Seaport Museum & Tall Ship Elissa