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Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Galveston, TX in 2024

Written by: Shana Loven

Last Updated on April 8, 2024 by Dogster Team

Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Galveston, TX in 2024

/ Lifestyle / By

Galveston, Texas is well-known for being a dog-friendly vacation destination. From spring through early fall, tourists and locals alike flock to the city’s 32 miles of gorgeous gulf beaches for a fun-filled day of sun, surf, and sand. Many visitors will be excited to learn that dogs are welcome at all beaches within Galveston as long as they are leashed and you promise to clean up after any canine bathroom breaks that may occur while visiting.

There are many beaches to explore while visiting Galveston, but we wanted to compile a list of our favorite beaches that welcome dogs. Read on to learn more about the beaches on our top 10 dog-friendly beaches in Galveston.

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Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Galveston, TX

1. East Beach (R.A. Apffel)

️ Address: 1923 Boddeker Rd, Galveston, TX 7755
Open Times: Opening hours vary throughout the year. For more info visit website.
Cost: Monday-Thursday: $12 per vehicle; Friday- Sunday: $15 per vehicle
Off-Leash: No
  • Dogs are welcome at this popular beach for families, but you must keep them leashed at all times and clean up after them.
  • Home to popular annual events, including the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Sandcastle Competition, as well as a boardwalk.
  • Showers and restrooms are available at this location.
  • Food and drinks are available, and this beach allows alcoholic beverages.
  • Beach wheelchairs are available and are free with a valid driver’s license.
  • Lifeguards are on duty so your family can swim while your dog enjoys the water on a leash.

2. Stewart Beach Park

️ Address: 201 Seawall Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77550
Open Times: Opening hours vary throughout the year. For more info visit website.
Cost: Monday-Thursday: $12 per vehicle; Friday- Sunday: $15 per vehicle
Off-Leash: No
  • Leashed dogs are allowed at Stewart Beach Park, but you must clean up any messes they make.
  • Lifeguards are on duty, so your family and pooch can lie safely in the water.
  • There are concession stands offering snacks and drinks.
  • Restrooms and showers are available until 30 minutes after the gate to the park closes.
  • Playground equipment, cornhole, volleyball, and giant Jenga are just a few activities offered at this location.

3. Porretto Beach

️ Address: 10th Street at, Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550
Open Times: 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: $15 per vehicle
Off-Leash: No
  • Dogs must be kept leashed while at Porretto Beach and all doggy messes must be cleaned up.
  • Home to the “Big Kahuna Kup” catamaran race.
  • Volleyball, beach gear rentals, jet ski rentals, a bonfire area, and more are offered.
  • Alcohol is permitted on the beach.
  • Food and drink are available.
  • Porta-potties are available starting Memorial Day weekend.

4. Sunny Beach

️ Address: 2704 8 Mile Rd, Galveston, TX 77554
Open Times: 24/7/365
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Dogs are required to be leashed and owners clean up after them.
  • Drive-up beach with free parking.
  • Quiet beach with handicapped access.
  • Non-motorized boat location.

5. Pocket Park 2

️ Address: Beach Pocket Park Number 2 Galveston, TX 77554
Open Times: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • A quiet beach where leashed dogs may play on the beach and in the surf. Owners are responsible for cleaning up messes.
  • Indoor showers and restrooms for beachgoers.
  • Nearby bar and grill: The Tipsy Turtle.
  • Chair and umbrella rentals.
  • Free paved parking lot.
  • Close to Moody Gardens

6. Pocket Park 1

️ Address: 11102 Termini-San Luis Pass Rd, Galveston, TX 77554
Open Times: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free; Memorial Day through Labor Day Monday-Friday: $12 per vehicle; Saturday & Sunday: $15 per vehicle; Holidays & special events: $15 per vehicle
Off-Leash: No
  • Dogs are welcome on this quiet stretch of sand if their owners clean up after them and keep them leashed.
  • Drive right onto the beach and park.
  • Porta-potties available from mid-March through Labor Day.

7. Jamaica Beach

️ Address: 16523 Jamaica Beach Rd, Jamaica Beach, TX 77554
Open Times: 24/7/365
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Your leashed furry friend is welcome at this beach as long as you clean up any messes they make.
  • Lots of free parking.
  • Located near the Galveston Island State Park and the Coastal Heritage Preserve.

8. Sea Isle Beach Park

️ Address: 21906 Kennedy Dr, Galveston, TX 77554
Open Times: 24/7/365
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Dogs are welcome at this beautiful beach if they are kept leashed and their owners clean up after their bathroom breaks.
  • Gravel parking lot with boardwalk access to the beach.
  • The West End Marina and Restaurant is located nearby for a quick bite.
  • Located near the Galveston Island KOA Holiday, which is a dog-friendly camping location with RV sites, cabins, and more.

9. Hershey Beach

️ Address: Termini-San Luis Pass Rd. at Pean St., Galveston, TX
Open Times: 24/7/365
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Leashed dogs may walk on the beach and play in the surf. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after any doggy potty breaks.
  • Limited beach parking is available depending on the tides.
  • Quiet vacation rentals are located nearby.
  • Close to Pocket Park 2 and the restaurant Tipsy Turtle.

10. Grand Beach – Beach Access 1C

️ Address: 228 E Beach Dr, Galveston, TX 77550
Open Times: 24/7/365
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Fur-legged furry friends must be leashed while on the beach and in the water. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after canine bathroom breaks.
  • Located between East Beach and Stewart Beach.
  • Gravel parking lot with ADA access available.
  • Boardwalk access to the beach.
  • Located near the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum.

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Final Thoughts

Dog lovers planning a dog-friendly vacation need look no further than Galveston, Texas. With its 32 miles of pristine beaches, your pup will have the time of their life playing on the sandy beaches and splashing in the surf. Just remember, all dogs must be kept leashed while on public beaches and you’re responsible for cleaning up any doggy accidents. We’re sure both you and your dog will have a blast on your next trip to the sunny shores of Galveston, Texas.

Sources

Featured Image Credit: Bertrand Bouchez, Unsplash

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About the Author

Shana Loven

Shana Loven lives in the Pacific Northwest with her longtime partner and their dog, Bella. She grew up in a large, crazy family with a plethora of pets, ranging from mischievous hamsters to a mob boss of a cat, and several loyal dogs. When she's not using this wealth of experience writing about pets to help out other pet owners, Shana enjoys reading her extensive book collection, crafting miniature scenes, crocheting, and using her former librarian wizardy to conduct research about any topic that interests her.

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