East Beach Overview

Special Events and concerts are held here throughout the summer, and alcohol is permitted and available for purchase. The expansive, scenic beach is also suitable for outdoor activities, such as beachcombing, volleyball, and horseback riding. Its stage and outdoor pavilion are perfect for private parties and corporate events. The beach is located at the far eastern tip of the island.

Location

R.A. Apffel Park (East Beach)
1923 Boddeker Drive, Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 797-5111
Facebook: East Beach

East Beach Events

Head to East Beach for some fun in the sun. The beach hosts concerts and several annual events, including the annual American Institute of Architects (AIA) Sandcastle Competition, in which over 50 teams sculpt designs in the sand and compete for the Golden Bucket Award. Designs are judged based on originality of concept, artistic execution, technical difficulty, carving technique, and utilization of the site.

Hours of Operation

(Hours are subject to change without advance notice)

March 13 - May 27, 2021

• Monday - Thursday: 9AM to 5PM
• Friday - Sunday: 9AM to 6PM

May 28 - September 6, 2021

• Monday - Thursday: 9AM to 6PM
• Friday - Sunday: 8AM to 7PM

September 7 - October 10, 2021

• Monday - Thursday: 9AM to 5PM
• Friday - Sunday: 9AM to 6PM

Admission & Parking Passes

(Cash or credit card)

• Monday - Thursday: $12/vehicle
• Friday, Saturday & Sunday: $15/vehicle
• $50 Seasonal Beach Park Pass (window decal) for entry to the following beach parks for the entire season (March to October): East Beach, Stewart Beach, Dellanara RV Park, and West End Pocket Parks.
• $95 for an Ultimate Pass (window decal) for an entire year of seawall parking plus entry to the beach parks for the entire season
• Click here for more information on parking passes

Amenities

• Beach wheelchairs available (free with valid driver’s license)
• Showers and restrooms
• Chair & umbrella rental
• Food and drinks
• Alcoholic beverages permitted/sold
• Beach supplies
• Pavilion
• Entertainment stage
• Boardwalk
• Lifeguards
• Bird sanctuary

Beach Rules

• One-time entry per vehicle with each paid entry
• Do not disturb wildlife, birds, turtle nests, or the designated conservation area
• Pets on leashes are permitted but please clean up after them
• Tents and tarps are permitted in designated areas
• Camping is not allowed
• Glass is prohibited
• Open fires are prohibited except in BBQ pits
• Please stay off the dunes
• Launching boats is permitted in the designated area west of the park
• Hard-bottomed craft (surfboards, kayaks, etc.) are prohibited May 15 through Labor Day except west of the park
• Fishing is permitted from the south jetty and west of the park
• 4-wheelers, ATVs, and dirt bikes are prohibited