The 5 Least Crowded Beaches Near Galveston, Texas

As the temperatures slowly rise, many people are looking for less crowded beaches to enjoy the sunshine and the seawater with some peace.

Having stayed in Galveston for a few years, I  had the privilege of visiting most of the beaches in the area. 

While all Galveston beaches are open to the public, some are easier to access than others which explains why some beaches are constantly packed while others rarely have visitors. Here I highlight where and when you can enjoy the beach with less commotion.

5 Least Crowded Beaches In Galveston

Galveston beaches are your best bet if you’re looking for a spot to disconnect from reality and unwind on the sand. 

They offer a nice place to relax and meditate with minimal interruptions from other people.

Here are some of the least crowded beaches:

Galveston Island State Park

Located southwest of Galveston lies the hidden gem Galveston Island State Park.

The park is close to 2000 acres in size and provides residents and tourists access to the beach and bay for recreational reasons while protecting its natural and cultural features.

Galveston Island State Park is home to the bay, dynamic beach, and freshwater habitats that mix and merge. Here, you will experience some of the best beach water in a calm and cooling environment.

Galveston Island State Park has at least 1,300 years of intriguing human history preserved on Galveston Island, which is 5,000 years old.

The best part about this island is that day parking isn’t expensive, and the management permits tent camping on the reservation. Additionally, adults over 12 can access the beach after paying a $5 entrance fee.

Avoid going during peak times like holidays or weekends to ensure you have the best experience and possibly have the beach to yourself. The beach is usually almost empty on weekdays, which is perfect if you want some alone time with your loved ones.

Sunny Beach

On the western edge of Galveston hides Sunny Beach, a remote beach area that is quiet during the week but busy on the weekends and holidays.

Sunny beach is a sizable drive-on beach with nearby vacation rentals, eateries, and temporary facilities. The beach allows you to enjoy simple recreations like swimming, fishing, shell collecting, and picnics.

Sunny beach is a safe place to nap because the water is not deep, and the neighborhood is frequently policed. There is no entrance fee to this beach, in contrast to Galveston Island State Park.

There are many rental houses available in the area with stunning beach views. For this reason, accommodation should be the least of your concerns if you visit the area and stay a while.

Sunny beach is quite popular, but since it’s also quite big, you and your loved ones can seclude yourselves by the corner and enjoy quiet scenery,

Jamaica Beach

Off the southeast coast of Galveston Island is Jamaica Beach, a serene, lovely, and well-kept beach with fine brown sand ideal for kids’ sports and castle-building. 

The area is an excellent location for a one-day beach getaway to unwind from the stresses of daily life because it is close to Galveston City and only an hour’s drive from Houston.

The beach is perfect for big families with young children and lone visitors since the ocean here is cleaner and saltier than the nearby beaches.

There are several fantastic restaurants nearby to ensure you stay full during your stay. You will enjoy different cuisines and sample new foods, which is the best way to complement your tip.

Accommodation is also not an issue since you can choose between renting enchanting and lovely beach cottages on Airbnb and other websites next to the water. Or, if you are in a camper van, you can stay at Jamaica Beach RV Resort.

Jamaica beach is perfect for when you want to be away from people. The beach is rarely full, even during holidays.

Galveston Seawall Beaches

The Galveston Seawall is a seawall that runs over 10 miles of Gulf coast line and was built in Galveston, Texas, as a hurricane defense after the 1900 Galveston hurricane to help break waves up before hitting the shore.

The first part of the construction, which started in September 1902, was completed on July 29, 1904.

The Sea wall is home to some of Galveston’s best beaches, eateries, hotels, and other attractions.

Due to the rich history and plenty of sea activities, it is still a well-liked destination for beachgoers, tourists, and foodies. 

On the weekends, Galveston beachgoers flock in large numbers to the beaches that have lined the iconic Seawall Blvd. for a century. To avoid running into crowds, stay away from the beach on weekends or holidays. 

However, during weekdays, you can rest and meditate peacefully.

Stewart Beach

One of Galveston’s beaches that is the most welcoming to families is Stewart Beach. Its proximity to amenities, including food, restrooms, entertainment, and the major waterfront promenade, contributes to its popularity as a beach.

There is plenty of room on the sand where volleyball games start in the summer, and renting a cabana or beach umbrella for the day is simple. For kids, there is a fantastic playground close to the beach.

Lifeguards are deployed throughout the day, guaranteeing you are safe throughout your stay. The beach is one of the least crowded since its entrance fee is higher than other beaches. This ensures that you get solo time to unwind and guarantees your safety.

Stewart beach has plenty of rules that limit noise and cause destruction. These include the prohibition of alcohol and loud music. Nonetheless, you are guaranteed to have the time of your life here.

Key Takeaways

• Visit the beaches during the week to avoid crowds
• Stewart beach has many restrictions
• All beaches are open to the public
• Some beaches have entrance fees while others don’t
• Some beaches have lifeguards while others don’t