Galveston Beach Vacation: Best Beaches On Galveston Island
The Perfect Texas Vacation Starts At The Beach In Galveston
By Robert Schrader | Published on March 6, 2023
A Galveston beach vacation is about so much more than just beaches. The beaches are amazing, but Galveston Island is a destination to be experienced. People head here from Houston not only for sun and surf but also to enjoy delicious seafood and incredible views. Whether you want to appreciate historic homes, go fishing or ride a rollercoaster, here's what Galveston has to offer.
Explore The Best Beaches On Galveston Island
Finding the best beach in Galveston can require some personal exploration, given that the island is 27.3 miles long! Though if your trip to Texas is before or after your cruise from Galveston, it tends to be more ideal to plan a strategy in advance to allow for plenty of time to relax and explore. Many Texas vacation travelers will stay central on the island making beaches near Galveston Seawall some of the most popular and convenient as you can park near the Pleasure Pier. The top beach to visit before cruising could be also be more specific spots like Porretto Beach and Stewart Beach which can be crowded, though the ease of reaching them can make up for the lack of empty sand.
Galveston tourism can be laid-back, too. Some travelers take the opposite tack, driving away from the Pleasure Pier (which sits along the island's Northeast coast) and heading southwest to calmer shores. Galveston Island State Park is a lush green space that's perfect for family camping adventures as well as being known for some of the quietest beaches in the area. Depending on the time of day, the only sound you hear might be the rustling of the reeds atop the sand dunes.
Heading all the way to the end of Galveston Island takes you to San Luis Pass, which leads you off the island and onto less developed barrier islands. While far-away Galveston beaches like Sea Isle Beach and Half Moon Beach are miles from the action in the center of town, there are enough hotels and other facilities here to enjoy your favorite creature comforts. Even better, the water here is clearer and the sand is whiter and more powdery, making you forget you're only an hour from America's fourth-largest city.
On the northwestern side of the island, abundant views of the Intracoastal Waterway and comparatively lighter crowds make it an attractive part of any Galveston beach vacation. One option is the Schlitterbahn Waterpark. This place is an especially popular destination for families who want to have fun in the water without the waves (not to mention all the theme park snacks).
Dive Into Local Galveston Restaurants
Beaches are usually the centerpiece of any island vacation, but they're just the start. One of the best things to do in Galveston is eat. In fact, many Houston locals head to Galveston for the afternoon or evening just to enjoy the island's fresh-caught seafood. An array of big-name Texas restaurants and hole-in-the-wall mom-and-pop shops serve up delicacies like flaky grouper and snapper and shrimp prepared any way you can imagine. And they taste even better once you're famished from a few hours in the sun.
Conveniently, many of these local restaurants are typically found either on or near the best beaches in Galveston. If you're a foodie, this might be one reason to stick to the bridges around the Pleasure Pier and near Galveston's historic downtown. While 27.3 miles isn't such a long journey, it can seem infinitely longer if you're hungry and have kids in the car. If you're willing to follow your nose, you might be able to walk from parts of Porretto Beach to popular lunch and dinner spots.
Not a fan of seafood? Not to worry. Since Galveston is in Texas, there are plenty of Tex-Mex restaurants on offer near Galveston beaches. Classics like huevos rancheros and chile con queso are always delicious, especially after you've been stewing in saltwater. You can also find various other international cuisines in Galveston, particularly Italian food. Vegetarians and vegans can find cafés and diners selling tasty plant-based options.
Another popular evening activity in Galveston is sitting down with a frosty cocktail. Many beachside restaurants offer full bars, whether or not you're sitting down for a meal. Galveston sunsets are legendary, and nothing seals the deal on an epic day like clinking margarita glasses (or mai tai or piña colada glasses — you get the drill!) with friends and family.
Beyond The Beaches In Galveston
Think there's nothing to do in Galveston besides snacking and sunbathing? Think again. As you cross the causeway from the mainland, you'll notice the marina. It's where you can spot a colorful array of yachts and other vessels, and a launching spot for deep-sea fishing trips. On the other side of the island, you can join in on the sporty side of beach culture, whether it's volleyball or surfing.
The Pleasure Pier itself is worth at least a few hours of your time. The most conspicuous and impressive attraction is the Iron Shark roller coaster, but there are rides tailored to all thrill-seeking levels. Those who are up for reaching hair-raising heights might board the Star Flyer flying swings, while the Frog Hopper is a drop ride built with younger park-goers in mind. The Pirate's Plunge water ride, on the other hand, will get you soaked.
Another way to discover Galveston is through its historic homes. Registered historic sites include the Victorian Bishop's Palace built in 1892, the 1895 Moody Mansion and the 1859 Ashton Villa. You can take a guided tour and get a detailed backstory, or simply wander down storied Broadway Avenue J and admire the architecture. When you're picturing life in the past, consider that much of the island was wiped out in a 1900 hurricane, which even modern meteorologists regard as one of the strongest ever.
In one way or another, all trips end up coming back to the Galveston Island beach. For families with children, this might be a scenic way to relax with the kids after a day full of adventure. For grown-up travelers, a sunset cocktail along the beach can serve as a preview of the nightlife on offer in town, where bars, saloons and dance clubs are plentiful. The island is so much more than a beautiful beach — it's a self-contained super destination, independent of nearby Houston.
Set Sail For The Lone Star State
