R.A. Apffel Beach Park, widely known as East Beach, is a large public beach located at the far eastern tip of Galveston Island, Texas. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips. This guide was updated in April 2026 to reflect the current $15 vehicle entry fee and seasonal operating hours.
Quick facts about East Beach
| Feature | Details |
| Opening hours | Seasonal; typically 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Ticket prices | $15 per vehicle |
| Address | 1923 Boddeker Rd, Galveston, TX 77550 |
| Nearest public transport or parking | On-site car park |
| Typical time needed to visit | 2 to 4 hours |
East Beach opening hours
East Beach operates on a seasonal schedule, with the park generally open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM during the peak spring and summer months. During the autumn and winter seasons, weekday operations typically cease, and the beach amenities and gates are only open on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Pedestrians can access the sand 24 hours a day, but the vehicle gates and on-site amenities remain locked outside of these official operating times.
5 great experiences around Galveston to book now
- 👻 Hear spooky tales from Galveston’s past on an evening ghost tour.
- 🚴 Join an e-bike tour to discover Galveston Island’s wilder side.
- 🌴 Enjoy Moody Gardens, with skip-the-line admission to the Aquarium and Rainforest Pyramids.
- 🐬 Cruise the harbour, spotting dolphins in their natural habitat.
- 🏛️ Visit Galveston’s historic mansions on an architecture tour.
East Beach ticket prices
Admission is charged per vehicle rather than per person, with a standard rate of $15 per car for a single entry. Re-entry is not permitted on the same ticket, but frequent visitors can purchase a $50 seasonal parking pass that covers the entire period from March to October.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in April 2026. East Beach is not included in any city pass schemes, such as the Galveston Island Pass or Houston CityPASS, which provide bundled entry to other local attractions like Moody Gardens, The Bryan Museum, and the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum.
Why book the Baywatch Dolphin Tour?
- 🐬 Up-Close Wildlife Encounters: Enjoy a narrated 45-minute cruise through Galveston Harbor, specifically designed to bring you face-to-face with playful Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins in their natural habitat.
- 🛡️ Eco-Friendly & Marine Safe: Feel good about your ride on specialized vessels that use jet drive propulsion with no propellers, ensuring the safety of the dolphins and other local marine life.
- 🐾 Pet-Friendly Experience: Bring the whole family along—leashed pets are welcomed on board and even ride for free, making it a unique outdoor adventure for animal lovers.
- ⚓ Historical Harbor Insights: Learn about the rich maritime history of the Texas coast as experienced captains share fascinating stories and facts about the busy working harbor.
- 🌤️ All-Weather Comfort: Relax on stable, covered boats that offer 360-degree views, with heated and enclosed options available during the winter months for a comfortable trip year-round.
How to get to East Beach
East Beach is located at 1923 Boddeker Road. Driving is the most practical way to reach the attraction, as public transport options do not run directly to the park entrance.
Vehicles approach via Seawall Boulevard, turning right onto Boddeker Road and continuing until the road ends at the park gates. Taxis and ride-hailing services operate across Galveston and can drop passengers directly at the main pavilion.
Parking at East Beach
An on-site car park is situated immediately past the toll booths, providing direct access to the pavilion and the sand. The $15 vehicle admission fee serves as the parking charge for the duration of your stay.
Limited free parking is not generally available, but vehicles displaying an international symbol of access (disabled parking placard or number plate) are exempt from all parking fees.
How long to spend at East Beach
Visitors typically spend between two and four hours at the site. This allows sufficient time to park, hire equipment if required, and use the beach and pavilion facilities.
Those planning to use the barbecue pits, play volleyball, or participate in on-site events often extend their stay to a full day.
Accessibility at East Beach
The main pavilion and boardwalk offer flat, step-free access and smooth flooring, making the core facilities accessible. Accessible restrooms and showers are located within the main building.
Beach wheelchairs with large pneumatic tyres are available for visitors to borrow free of charge. These must be requested from park staff and require a valid driver’s license to be held as a deposit until the chair is returned.
Inside / what to see at East Beach
East Beach features a wide, sandy shoreline that provides views of the Gulf of Mexico and ships navigating the Galveston Bay Shipping Channel. It is the largest beach in Texas, offering ample space for large crowds and events.
The core of the park is built around a large central pavilion and boardwalk. This area houses an entertainment stage, food and beverage concessions, public restrooms, and shower facilities.
Unlike most other public beaches in Galveston, alcohol is legally permitted at East Beach. Beverages can be brought in by visitors or purchased directly from the on-site vendors.
Active recreation areas are located near the pavilion, including sand volleyball courts and designated spaces for beach games. Chair and umbrella hire stands are set up along the sand during the peak season.
A designated bird sanctuary borders the site, where visitors can observe local coastal birdlife while remaining clear of the protected dunes.
Practical visitor tips
| Topic | Tip |
| Timing | Arrive before 10:00 AM on summer weekends to secure a parking space and avoid queues at the entrance booths. |
| Crowds | The beach is known for its lively atmosphere, festivals, and concerts, making it much busier and louder than other local beaches. |
| Layout | The beach is very wide; prepare for a longer walk across the sand from the car park to the water line. |
| Entry process | Admission requires payment at a drive-through toll booth; both cash and credit cards are accepted. |
| On-site logistics | Glass containers of any kind are strictly prohibited on the beach, and all items must be removed by sunset. |
Frequently asked questions about East Beach
| Question | Answer |
| Is East Beach suitable for children? | Yes, children are welcome, but the atmosphere is generally louder and more party-focused than other family-oriented beaches. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for East Beach? | No, vehicle admission is paid on arrival at the entry gates. |
| Is East Beach open on Sundays? | Yes, the beach and its amenities are open on Sundays throughout the year. |
| Are bags allowed at East Beach? | Yes, visitors can bring beach bags and coolers, provided they do not contain glass bottles or containers. |
Things to do near East Beach
- East End Lagoon Nature Preserve
- Stewart Beach
- Galveston Seawall
- Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum
- The Strand Historic District
More Texas travel articles
Other Texas travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Plan a visit to the Ocean Star Museum and Galveston Railroad Museum in Galveston.
- Plan your visit to the Children’s Museum Houston and Houston Museum of Natural Science.
- Visit the grand Broadway homes of Galveston – Moody Mansion and Bishop’s Palace.
- What to know before visiting the Caverns of Sonora in west Texas.
- Tick off the stars of the Dallas Arts District, including the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center and the Crow Museum of Asian Art.
