East Beach

The Best Beach Setup for Easy, All Day East Beach Days
Water depth: generally shallow near shore
Crowd level: high
Shade: limited
Pet friendly: no
Drive-on access: yes

Galveston Beaches

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East Beach

Wide Open Sand, Easy Access, and a Full Service Beach Day

East Beach sits at the far east end of Galveston Island inside R.A. Apffel Park. It is known for wide open shoreline space, a more natural setting near protected habitat, and amenities that make it easier to stay comfortable all day. You can keep it simple with shade and sand time, or make it a full day with rentals, beachside food and drinks, and family friendly facilities close by.
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Visitor Guide

Plan Your Perfect Day at East Beach

📍 Location

East Beach is located at R.A. Apffel Park on the east end of Galveston Island. It sits near conservation areas and the East End Lagoon area, giving it a more nature forward feel than the central Seawall beaches.

East Beach is a drive in beach park with paid entry. You pay per vehicle for daily access, and seasonal passes are typically available during the main beach season. Once you enter, you can park and set up with less hauling compared to walk in beach access points.

  • Accessible shoreline entry: East Beach is designed with easier access in mind. Mobi mats and ramps help visitors reach the shoreline, and beach wheelchairs are available, making this a strong option for strollers and mobility needs.
  • Showers and restrooms: On site restrooms and showers make a big difference for families, especially for longer beach days.
  • Chair and umbrella rentals: If you want to pack light, chair and umbrella rentals are available so you can build a comfortable base camp without bringing everything from home.
  • Food and drinks on the beach: East Beach offers beachside food and drinks, including the option to order while you are on the sand. This is a major convenience for families who want to stay settled.
  • Lifeguards: Lifeguards are part of the on site services during peak season, which adds peace of mind on busy swim days.
  • Nature and birdwatching: Because of its location near protected habitat, East Beach is also a great place for visitors who like a quieter, nature focused shoreline with bird and wildlife viewing.

Keep your setup respectful and easy for everyone. No glass, clean up all trash, and follow posted signs. Protect wildlife and conservation areas, stay off dunes, and keep pets leashed where permitted. Open flames are restricted, and tents may be limited to designated areas depending on season and conditions.

This is still the Gulf, so conditions can change quickly. Check the flags and surf conditions, stay aware of currents, and keep kids close when water is active. On rough surf days, East Beach is perfect for shallow splashing, sand play, and a comfortable umbrella setup.

East Beach is busiest in late spring through summer, especially weekends and event days. If you want more space, go early in the morning, choose a weekday, or visit during shoulder season when the beach still feels beautiful but less crowded.

East Beach is ideal for a full day plan. Pair your beach setup with a walk along the natural areas nearby, take breaks for food and drinks, and enjoy the open space that makes the beach feel less busy even when the island is active. It is also known for hosting large events thanks to its wide footprint.

If you’d like to stay close to East Beach and make the most of the island’s far east end, BeachBox offers vacation homes nearby that give you an easy home base just minutes from the sand. It’s a comfortable way to enjoy longer beach days without the extra driving.

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Is This Beach Right for You?

Beach experiences can vary widely. This overview highlights what to expect so you can decide if it’s a good match for you.

Tap the cards to read more.

Shoreline Length
Wide open and spacious
East Beach is known for big, open sand and a less crowded feel compared to more central Seawall stretches.
Drive-On Access
Drive in convenience
Paid vehicle entry makes arriving simple, with less hauling and easier setup once you are inside the park.
Water Conditions
Go with the day
Swim and wade when conditions are calm. When surf is rough, keep it shallow and focus on sand time.
Amenities
Everything you need for a longer stay
Restrooms, showers, rentals, and beachside food and drinks help families stay comfortable without constant back and forth trips.
Atmosphere
Nature forward with room to breathe
It feels relaxed and open on regular days, while still being able to handle big weekends and events.
Best For
Families who want space plus services
East Beach is ideal when you want a wide shoreline, on site amenities, and an easier beach setup that supports a full day.

Location

East Beach on the Map

Explore where East Beach is located on the far eastern end of Galveston Island and view nearby beach access points, walk-on entrances, parking areas, and surrounding coastal landmarks near the entrance to the island along the Gulf of Mexico.

Reviews

What People Are Saying

“We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!!! The beach was cleaned, maybe too clean because there were no sea shells bigger than my pinky nail, but it was fun for a few hours. Nice white sand walking to the water then the Gulf hits it.”
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Trish Palmer

Visitor

Taken from Google Maps

“Clean, and uncrowded. There was a lot of parking available at the beach but also saw many public access parking lots on the way to the beach.”
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Shivani Saboo

Visitor

Taken from Google Maps

“My favorite beach in Galveston! There’s food trucks, Kona Ice, and nice bathrooms with a small snack bar! There’s tons of free parking and even more paid parking.”
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Ruth Brittingham

Visitor

Taken from Google Maps

“A very peaceful and beautiful beach front for a visit to Galveston!”
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Sarah

Visitor

Taken from Google Maps

“Got to see the spring Monarch migration in from the Gulf – each one seems miraculous. A clean and quiet place to watch the surf.”
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Carmen Mosley-Sims

Visitor

Taken from Google Maps

“I love this beach its worth every penny you pay to park and walk an its clean and beautiful.”
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Shana Simonson Black

Visitor

Taken from Google Maps

Where to Rent Beach Gear in Galveston?

Make your beach getaway effortless! Rent all the beach gear and accessories you need, and we’ll handle the rest with free delivery and pickup right at your vacation rental.

Your items will be ready before you arrive and collected when your stay ends. Choose from daily, multi-day, or weekly rentals, and enjoy more beach time with zero hassle.

Learn More

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Current Weather Conditions at East Beach

Check real time conditions before you go, including temperature, wind, and UV index. It is the quickest way to decide whether it is a swim day or a shade and sand day.
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East Beach
4:11 pm, Feb 11, 2026
temperature icon 67°F
Humidity: 97 %
Pressure: 1019 mb
Wind: 6 mph
Wind Gust: 0 mph
Clouds: 100%
Visibility: 4 mi
Sunrise: 7:01 am
Sunset: 6:05 pm
  • Temperature
  • Precipitation
  • Rain Chance
  • Wind
  • Humidity
  • Pressure
6:00 pm
temperature icon
69°/73°°F 0.29 mm 29% 3 mph 92% 1019 mb 0 mm/h
9:00 pm
temperature icon
68°/69°°F 0 mm 0% 5 mph 89% 1020 mb 0 mm/h
12:00 am
temperature icon
65°/65°°F 0 mm 0% 4 mph 92% 1021 mb 0 mm/h
3:00 am
temperature icon
61°/61°°F 0 mm 0% 8 mph 91% 1020 mb 0 mm/h
6:00 am
temperature icon
59°/59°°F 0 mm 0% 6 mph 84% 1021 mb 0 mm/h
9:00 am
temperature icon
59°/59°°F 0 mm 0% 5 mph 88% 1021 mb 0 mm/h
12:00 pm
temperature icon
60°/60°°F 0 mm 0% 1 mph 88% 1021 mb 0 mm/h
3:00 pm
temperature icon
62°/62°°F 0 mm 0% 6 mph 82% 1019 mb 0 mm/h

Take a Look

The East Beach Photo Gallery

Explore the East Beach Photo Gallery to get a feel for the wide shoreline, natural surroundings, and the setup options that make this beach stand out.
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Where to Stay Near East Beach

Our BeachBox vacation rentals near East Beach make it easy to stay close to the sand without giving up comfort. Explore our curated collection of Galveston homes designed for effortless coastal stays, with spacious layouts, full kitchens, and inviting living areas for relaxing after the beach.
View Properties

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest no stress setup for first timers?
Arrive early, pay entry, and keep it simple with one shade setup, chairs, and a cooler. If you want to pack lighter, use chair and umbrella rentals on site.
Yes. East Beach offers beachside food and drinks, which makes it easier to stay settled, especially with kids.
BeachBox offers a range of nearby rental properties that make it easy to stay close to the shore. Whether you want a cozy beach cottage or a larger home for family and friends, you can find comfortable accommodations just minutes from East Beach so you can spend more time enjoying the sand and less time driving back and forth.
Yes. Mobi mats, ramps, and beach wheelchairs make shoreline access easier than many other beach areas.
It is located at the far east end of the island near protected habitat, with wide open space, accessibility features, and on site food, drinks, and rentals that support a true full day beach plan.

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Stewart Beach
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