Galveston's family-friendly beach offers summer weekend activities like sandcastle-building contests, as well as a snack bar, chair rental and the all-important bath house with restrooms. Per-vehicle admission is discounted weekdays and during the off season.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Bishop's Palace

0.78 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…

2. East End Historic District

0.91 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…

3. Bryan Museum

1.3 MILES

Housed in the 1895 Galveston Orphans' Home, this excellent museum displays documents and artifacts from the Bryan family's collection, covering state and…

5. Frost Bank

1.41 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…

7. Galveston Arts Center

1.44 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. Ashton Villa

1.45 MILES

The Galveston Island Visitors Center occupies most of the ground floor of this 1858 Italianate villa, while the remainder is reserved for private events.