Galveston is an island, so (duh!) it's surrounded by the waters of the gulf. The area boasts lots of beaches, each with its own unique personality. Some are great for surfing, some for fishing, some for partying and people watching. A quick cruise through the top 10 will help you decide which best suits the needs of you and your family!

1. East Beach - If you want to visit a hip, where-the-action-is venue, head to East Beach.  You'll find activities like bikini contests, live music, and concerts here on the largest beach in Texas. (For the true Texas experience, you can park right on the beach!) Enjoy a frozen drink at the outside bar, peruse the gift shop, or grab a bite to eat at the snack bar. Compete in a video showdown in the game room or test your skills at beach volleyball. After enjoying the sand, hit the showers and check out the Big Reef Nature Park adjacent to the beach. East Beach is especially enjoyable for singles.
2. Stewart Beach - This is a great beach for kids. They'll love the sand castle-building contests, the volleyball tournaments, and the children's playground. There's a souvenir shop, a snack bar, bath houses, and restrooms, and beach chair and umbrella rentals are available. Stewart Beach is very family oriented, so your kids are sure to make some new friends!
3. Poretto Beach - Located between Stewart Beach and 10th Street, this beach is manned by lifeguards. Visitors can rent beach chairs, umbrellas, and boogie boards right on the beach. There's a $5 parking fee, and alcohol is permitted.
4. Seawall Beach - This is probably the most popular beach in the area, especially for surfers. This long stretch of sand is not the prettiest in Galveston, but the wind and waves make it a haven for board surfing, wind surfing, and kite-flying. Visitors can rent umbrellas, chairs, and jet skis, and there's free parking, and lifeguards are on duty. Fishermen flock here, too, to fish from the jetty for trout and reds.
5. Galveston Island State Park - The park consists of 2,000 acres of dunes, marshes, and wetlands. There are 2 miles of beautiful beach and 4 miles of nature trails with fresh water lakes to entertain visitors. Stroll along the boardwalks or see the panoramic beach views from the observation towers. This is a great place to watch migratory birds that inhabit the wetlands during their annual journeys. The park has indoor and outdoor showers for guests.
6. Palm Beach - Located in Moody Gardens, this is the most amazing beach in Galveston. Tons of sugar-white gulf sands were hauled in from Florida and front the clear freshwater lagoons. Tropical foliage and waterfalls will delight beach-goers, as will a ride into the bay on a paddle wheeler. At Palm Beach, you'll think you're in some exotic island paradise instead of in good ol' Texas!
7. West End - This beach stretches from the west end of Seawall all the way to San Luis Pass. This is an isloated shore, with no lifeguards or restrooms. You can drive your vehicle right to the water's edge, so there's plenty of free parking. Visitors can fish and surf here year round, and there are launch sites for small boats. Note: Do not swim or wade at the pass because of strong currents.
8. Crystal Beach - Hop on the free ferry and enjoy a 15-minute ride to Crystal Beach. You'll probably see plenty of friendly dolphins along the way, and be sure to bring some bread or popcorn to feed the birds from the ferry. Once you arrive, you'll find 7 miles of wide, family-oriented beach with gentle waves. Kids will enjoy the shallow water, and bird watchers will be in heaven! While you're there, visit the Point Bolivar Lighthouse, built in 1872. You can even build a bonfire on the beach so the kids can toast marshmallows and roast hot dogs. This is a laid-back, friendly beach - great for families.
9. Dellanera Park Beach - Located just past the west end of Seawall, this beach has both an RV park and day-use area. There's a pavilion with showers, restrooms, a snack bar, a gift shop, and a laundry. Rent chairs, umbrellas, and beach wheelchairs from rental outfits. Lifeguards are on duty on the weekends and holidays, and alcohol is permitted on the beach. There's a parking fee of $8 at Dellanera Park.
10. Pocket Park Beach #2 - Located on Nine Mile Road, Pocket Park #2 (And don't you LOVE the name "Pocket Park?!) has a pavilion with restrooms, showers, and a concession stand. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent, and beach wheelchairs are available to make the beach accessible to everyone. Lifeguards are on duty periodically, and there's an $8 fee to park.

Whether you're looking for some great fishing, surfing, bird watching, a beach party, or just wanting to get away from it all on an isolated beach, Galveston has it all. Several of the beaches are adjacent to one another, so you might want to try "beach hopping" until you find the perfect beach for you and your friends or family!

This beach blitz was brought to you by Holle Abee.

Whether you are looking for a Seawall cottage, or a luxury condo overlooking the surf, renting a Galveston beach house is the only way to vacation.  You will absolutely thank us later.  (Hopefully with chocolate.)