View of a boardwalk leading to East Beach Galveston Island Texas.

Mark Taylor Cunningham/Shutterstock


Also called Apffel Park, this vast expanse of hard-packed sand is at the very far northeastern end of the island. On summer weekends, it hosts live concerts and becomes one huge outdoor party (large signs proclaim 'drinking permitted').

There is only beach parking for a mere 7000 cars.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. East End Lagoon

0.74 MILES

The last stretch of untouched coastal prairie on Galveston's East End, this 684-acre tract has been set aside for conservation purposes and is open to…

2. Stewart Beach

2.7 MILES

Galveston's family-friendly beach offers summer weekend activities like sandcastle-building contests, as well as a snack bar, chair rental and the all…

3. East End Historic District

3.41 MILES

Bordering the Strand, the residential East End Historic District has scores of pretty old houses, from simple cottages to Greek Revival mansions, some of…

4. Bishop's Palace

3.42 MILES

This sumptuous Gothic mansion, built in the 1880s for the Gresham family, became home to the Catholic bishop of neighboring Sacred Heart Church in 1923…

7. Galveston Arts Center

3.87 MILES

Right on the Strand, this two-floor gallery showcases contemporary artwork primarily from local artists or artists focused on local themes. It also…

8. Frost Bank

3.9 MILES

This 1874 bank building has undergone several name changes over the years, and the name on the marquee still belongs to the 1923 'United States National…