Houston Activities: Beach Edition
Although summer is coming to a close, it’s not over yet! Nothing says summer time quite like the beach, and there’s so many to choose from in and around the Houston area! Here’s a list of Premier Patient Housing’s favorite beach spots and activities.
East Beach
If you’re looking for a beach party, East Beach is your ultimate destination! Located at the far eastern tip of Galveston Island, East Beach is famous for its great festivals and live concerts held throughout the summer months. 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. However, no glass or open fire pits are allowed on the beach. Parking at East Beach varies on weekday or weekend visits as well as time of year. If you’re looking to go on a weekend, be prepared to spend $15 for prime parking while weekday parking is $12, If you don’t mind a walk, parking is free further up the beach.
Stewart Beach
Looking for ultimate family fun? Look no further than Stewart Beach, Galveston’s premier family beach. Located where historic Broadway Avenue meets the Seawall, Stewart Beach offers plenty of amenities for a day at the beach as well as regular supervision of highly trained lifeguards. The park is home to a pavilion, concessions, restrooms, showers, chair and umbrella rentals, beach volleyball courts, children’s playground and more.
The possibilities are endless and you can swim, fish and play the day away at Stewart Beach. Feel free to bring your furry family members as well, as long as you keep them on leash at all times! Alcohol and open fire pits are not permitted at Stewart Beach. Just like East Beach, parking costs depend on the day of the week and the time of year but typically is $15 for weekends and $12 for weekday parking.
Galveston Island State Park
Come to the island to stroll the beach or splash in the waves. Or come to the island to fish or look for coastal birds. No matter what brings you here, you’ll find a refuge at Galveston Island State Park. Just an hour from Houston, but an island apart! With both beach and bay sides, Galveston Island State Park offers activities for every coast lover.
You can swim, fish, picnic, bird watch, hike, mountain bike, paddle, camp, geocache, study nature or just relax! Visit the nature center to learn more about the park and its programs. Although the beach-side area of the park is closed for renovations until 2022, the bay side of the park is open for visitors and guests! Feel free to stay overnight by renting one of their many bayside campsites or lodges. Although Galveston Island State Park offers several amenities, they do not rent canoes or kayaks; you must bring your own.
Due to the capacity limits of the park, it is highly recommended that you make your reservation in advance. You can make a reservation either online here or by phone by calling (512)- 389- 8900. Park fees are $12/day per adult while children 12 and under are free.
Crystal Beach
Want to get away for more than just a day trip? Crystal Beach is the perfect location to get away for a few days while still being close to home. Crystal Beach is a small beach community on the Bolivar Peninsula along the Gulf Coast. Separated from Galveston Island by a three-mile channel, the free 18-minute ferry ride is a fabulous opportunity to watch ships pass by, and you’ll likely see a pod of resident dolphins swimming in your wake! Crystal Beach and nearby Gilchrist are a particular draw for guests looking for a beach escape surrounded by the rugged beauty of the natural landscape while still having access to urban attractions across the channel.
Guests pick Crystal Beach primarily for its access to the beautiful surroundings of Bolivar which includes 27 miles of pristine beach on which you can cruise in your car, or on your bike. The mild climate and gentle waters make it a great place to take the kids for boogie boarding, fishing, and crabbing. Looking for a rental on Crystal Beach? Look here!
Surfside Beach
If the beach is your happy place then Surfside Beach has got to be in your vacation plans this summer. Miles of golden sand teeming with seashells and marine life make Surfside Beach the perfect retreat for recreational athletes, sun and nature lovers alike. With beach house rentals, motels, offshore fishing charters, restaurants and souvenir shops close at hand, Surfside Beach is a great spot for every type of beach goer. Annual passes are available for purchase on site for $12, making Surfside a year round budget friendly option for sun in the sun. All vehicles driving or parking on Surfside Beach must display an annual pass in the front left of the windshield.
Like most beaches, Surfside does not allow glass containers to be brought onto beach premises and camping is not permitted. However, campfires are allowed on the beach as long as they are kept to a three foot square size.
No matter where you spend your last days of summer, Premier Patient Housing hopes you have a safe, happy and healthy time with family and loved ones. If you checked out one of our suggestions above, feel free to let us know how you liked it!