Houston is a vibrant and diverse city. Houston is the fourth largest city in the country, and features cultural activities in its 17-block “Theater District” and beyond. The city is home to a symphony, opera and ballet, and visitors can enjoy a wide range of galleries, museums, shops and restaurants. There also are several beaches along the Gulf Coast, less than 100 miles from Houston.
East Beach is located in Galveston, approximately 51 miles southeast of Houston and boasts the nickname of “Houston’s Playground.” Alcoholic beverages are legal on this beach, which is in stark contrast to the rules and regulations of most other beaches. Additionally, the beach frequently hosts live entertainment, outdoor concerts, contests and special events. There are beach chairs and umbrellas available for rent during the peak season.
East Beach
1923 Boddeker Dr.
Galveston, TX 77550
409-762-3278
galveston.com
Galveston Island State Park is located on more than 2,000 acres of land. The park was acquired by the state in 1969 and opened in 1975. The star attraction of Galveston Island State Park is the beach, which is unsupervised and offers activities such as swimming, fishing and viewing beach-related vegetation and wildlife. Additional park activities include camping, hiking, educational tours, bike riding and wildlife observation. The park features abundant wildlife including armadillos, mallard ducks, shore birds, marsh rabbits and a variety of fish. Galveston Island State Park is open every day throughout the year.
Galveston Island State Park
14901 FM 3005
Galveston TX 77554
409-737-1222
tpwd.state.tx.us
The Village of Surfside Beach is located approximately 65 miles south of Houston. The village features miles of Gulf-front beaches including a pedestrian beach and a drive-on beach. Beach rules require that any driver who drives a vehicle onto the beach purchase a yearly beach pass, which must be displayed on the vehicle’s windshield. Camping is not permitted on the beach. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Area activities include fishing, boating, biking, surfing, swimming and shopping.
Village of Surfside Beach
1304 Monument Dr.
Surfside Beach, TX 77541
979-233-1531
surfsidebeachtx.org
Crystal Beach is a resort community located on the Bolivar Peninsula, which is bordered by Galveston Bay on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. Crystal Beach is located approximately 96 miles from Houston, and features 27 miles of beaches with gentle surf and a family-friendly atmosphere. Camping and campfires are allowed on the beach; however, any car or vehicle parked on the beach must have a “Bolivar Beach” parking sticker. Additional area activities include fishing, kayaking, shell searching, boating, golfing, bird watching and swimming. There is free ferry service with runs between Port Bolivar and Galveston.
Crystal Beach
Bolivar Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 1170
1750 Highway 87
Crystal Beach, TX 77650
409-684-5940
bolivarchamber.org
