R.A. Apffel BEACH PARK (East Beach)

If you’re looking for a beautiful beach away from the sounds of the Seawall, then East Beach is your ultimate destination!
Located at the far eastern tip of the island, East Beach is famous for its great views of the Gulf, the Galveston Bay Shipping Channel, East End Lagoon Nature Preserve and Big Reef.
The beach park is home to a pavilion, boardwalk and entertainment stage as well as restrooms, showers, chair and umbrella rentals, children's playground, concessions and other amenities.
Unlike most of Galveston’s beaches, alcohol is permitted at East Beach.
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NOTE: Due to large crowds, Park facilities and paid parking will close at 7:30 p.m. on Friday May 26th, Saturday, May 27th, Sunday, May 28th and Monday, May 29th.

Hours of Operation:

Hours of Operation reflects the pavilion and amenities available at the park. 

March 11 – May 29, 2023:

Monday - Thursday: Amenities Closed

Friday - Sunday: 9AM - 6PM

*March 13 - March 16: 9AM – 5PM

*May 29: 9AM – 6PM

May 30 – August 20, 2023:

Monday - Thursday: 9AM - 6PM

Friday - Sunday: 8AM - 7PM

*May 29 (Memorial Day): 8AM - 7PM

*July 3 & 4 (Independence Day): 8AM - 7PM

August 21 – September 4, 2023:

Monday - Thursday: Amenities Closed 

Friday - Sunday: 8AM - 7PM

*September 4 (Labor Day): 8AM – 7PM

September 5 – November 5, 2023:

Monday - Thursday: Amenities Closed 

Friday - Sunday: 9AM - 6PM

Park amenities close on November 6 until the start of the 2024 Season. Hours are subject to change without advance notice. Exceptions to standard dates and times can be made on a case-by-case basis for special events wishing to rent the pavilion or park grounds for a fee.



Special Events:

Rent our pavilion during the winter season for your upcoming events! Contact our Park Coordinator at events@galvestonparkboard.org to reserve your special day today! 
Exceptions to standard dates and times can be made on a case-by-case basis for special events wishing to rent the pavilion or park ground for a fee.  

Admission:

  • Cash or Credit
  • Monday thru Thursday: $12/vehicle
  • Friday thru Sunday and Special Events & Holidays/Observed Holidays: $15/vehicle
  • One time entry with each admission; No re-entry
  • Unlimited Entry for only $50 with a year-long  Seasonal Beach Parking Pass 

Limited Free Parking:

  • Owners of vehicles displaying plates or placards with the International Symbol of Access are exempt from parking fees at all Park Board operated parks. 
  • Vehicles with valid license plates displaying:  
    • Congressional Medal of Honor, Former Prisoner of War
    • Pearl Harbor Survivor
    • Purple Heart Recipient
    • Legion of Valor (Air Force Cross, Distinguished Service Cross, Army Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross or Medal of Honor) 
    • Legion of Merit 
Amenities:
  • Pavilion
  • Entertainment Stage and Boardwalk
  • Showers
  • Restrooms
  • Chair & Umbrella Rentals
  • Lifeguards
  • Alcohol Permitted
  • Bird Sanctuary Located in Park
  • Beach Wheelchairs Available (rental with a valid drivers license)
  • Beach Supplies
  • Food and Drinks
  • Alcohol Available

Making the Beach Experience Accessible to all!

To obtain a beach wheelchair:

  • Visit East Beach or Stewart Beach during the normal operating season. (See Hours of Operation).
  • Ask the gate attendant for a beach wheelchair
  • Provide a driver’s license to be held until return of the chair

Beach wheelchairs are limited in number and offered on a first-come first-served basis, with no reservations or fees required. 

Group pictured together on beach using beach wheelchairs
Park Rules:
  • Glass Prohibited
  • Pets Permitted on Leashes
  • Clean Up After Your Pets
  • Beach Camping Prohibited 12am-5am
  • Open Fires Prohibited (BBQ Pits allowed)
  • No Propane
  • Stay Off Dunes
  • Tents and Tarps Permitted in Designated Areas
  • Launching Boats Permitted at the beach access point at the end of Apffel Road, west of park
  • Hard Bottom Craft (Surfboard, Kayaks, etc.) are Prohibited May 15th thru Labor Day (Permitted West of Park Year Round).
  • Fishing Permitted from South Jetty and West of Park
  • 4-Wheelers, ATV's, and Dirt Bikes are Prohibited
  • The use of Drones or radio mechanically operated devices in the Beach Parks or at the Beaches is strictly prohibited at all times, unless specific written authority is granted by park management in conjunction with the Superintendent of parks where temporary permits may be obtained for a fee of $100 for a 2 hour minimum with the exception of The Park Board of Trustees and The City of Galveston.