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- R.A. Apffel (East Beach)
R.A. Apffel (East Beach)
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East Beach Overview
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Volleyball Tournament
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Overlooking the East End Lagoon Nature Preserve
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Soccer Tournament
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Guests Enjoying the Pavilion
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, restrooms, showers, chair and umbrella rentals, sand volleyball courts, concessions, and other amenities. Unlike most of Galveston’s beaches, alcohol is permitted at East Beach.
April 1 - April 30, 2026:
- Monday - Thursday: Closed
- Friday - Sunday 9AM - 5PM
Admission: $15.00 per vehicle
- Monday - Sunday during amenity operating hours
- Cash or Credit
- One-time entry with each admission; No re-entry
- Unlimited Entry for only $50 with a year-long Seasonal Beach Parking Pass which can be purchased at East Beach or Stewart Beach.
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.
- Pavilion
- Sand Volleyball Courts
- Showers
- Restrooms
- Chair & Umbrella Rentals
- Lifeguards
- Alcohol Available & Permitted
- Bird Sanctuary Located in Park
- Beach Wheelchairs (rent with a valid driver's license)
- Beach Supplies
- Food & Drinks
- One-time entry per vehicle with each paid entry
- Do not disturb wildlife, birds, turtle nests, or the designated conservation area
- Pets on leashes are permitted but please clean up after them
- Tents and tarps are permitted
- Camping is not allowed
- Glass is prohibited
- Open fires are prohibited except in BBQ pits
- Hot coals should be cooled and then buried or dumped in the trash cans
- Please stay off the dunes
- Hard-bottomed craft (surfboards, kayaks, etc.) are allowed year-round in the south jetty area
- Fishing is permitted from the south jetty and east of the park
- 4-wheelers, ATVs, and dirt bikes are prohibited
Stationed on the eastern-most end of the island, it’s expansive sands and picturesque views provide the perfect backdrop for any event.
How to Reserve:
- Review the East Beach Venue Packet
- Visit our catalog for availability
- Submit an Inquiry Form
Version OptionsR.A. Apffel (East Beach)HeadlineCurrent Concessionaires:Book Your Special Event Making the Beach Experience Accessible to All!
Concessions
East Beach Cantina
The Cantina offers laid-back beachside dining with stunning Gulf views. Grab a bite and sip a cocktail upstairs for the panoramic patio experience. Enjoy chair and umbrella rentals—with food and drinks delivered right to your spot on the sand. It’s the perfect place to relax, refuel, and soak up the island vibe.
- Hours of Operation:
- Saturday - Sunday: 10AM - 5PM
- Cantina Menu
Kona Ice
Choose as many flavors as you want! From Tiger’s Blood to Monster Mango, create the shaved ice flavor combinations of your dreams right on the beach.
Beach Accessibility
To obtain a beach wheelchair:
- Visit East Beach during Pavilion hours of operation.
- Ask the Cantina 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.
Leave No Trace
To protect wildlife and to keep our beaches clean, the "Leave No Trace" ordinance is strictly enforced from Spring Break until Labor Day.
- The Leave No Trace ordinance (N. 19-017 Sec. 8-27) prohibits leaving items such as canopies and miscellaneous beach gear unattended between the hours of sunset and sunrise.
Up2U Galveston
At the core of this campaign is a yellow mesh litter bag with the empowering Up2U message, which can hold approximately 1/3 yard of litter and serves as a tool for trash removal, prevention, and outreach.
Beach Toy Borrow Box
The Beach Toy Borrow Boxes were brought to the island as we noticed families were leaving their beach toys on the sand with the kind intention of thinking that other families would use them. However, this rarely happens; instead, they end up as trash. The beach toy borrow boxes create a location where families can play with the toys for free, and then return them to the box or take them home.
April 2026
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
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There are no published events in current month.
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R.A. Apffel Park (East Beach)
Physical Address
1923 Apffel Rd
Galveston, TX 77550
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Justin Painter
Manager of Beach ParksPhone: 409-797-5112
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Sheryl Wyatt
Phone: 409-797-5112
The Park remains open for your enjoyment. Please follow Beach Patrol's Safety Tips while at the beach and be aware of the Flag Warning System, used to advise beach patrons of the current water conditions and any applicable environmental warnings.