Stewart Beach | Galveston

Stewart Beach is a popular family-friendly beach park located on the eastern end of Galveston Island in Texas, at the intersection of Broadway Avenue and Seawall Boulevard. Known for its clean facilities and organized layout, Stewart Beach is operated by the Galveston Park Board and has consistently been rated as one of the best family beaches in the U.S. It offers a full-service coastal experience tailored to both casual beachgoers and families with children.

General Overview

Location: 201 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550

Management: Galveston Park Board of Trustees

Type: Public, family-oriented beach park

Best For: Families, day trips, recreational beach activities

Operating Schedule (2025 Season)

Stewart Beach is open seasonally, generally from early March through early November. Hours vary depending on the month:

March 8 – May 22

Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday–Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

May 23 – August 15

Monday–Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Friday–Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

August 16 – November 2

Monday–Thursday: Closed

Friday–Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Holiday Hours (Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day): 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Admission and Parking

Daily Vehicle Entry Fee: $15 (single-entry only; no re-entry once you leave)

Seasonal Beach Parking Pass: $50 (unlimited access to Stewart Beach and other Galveston beach parks during the season)

Free Entry: Vehicles with disabled license plates or placards and veterans/military honor plates

No pedestrian fee to access the beach on foot

Amenities

Stewart Beach offers a wide array of services and conveniences:

Lifeguards: On duty during all operational hours for safety

Restrooms and Showers: Multiple clean and maintained facilities

Changing Stations: Available near the bathhouse

Playground: Covered playground for children with slides and climbing structures

Beach Rentals: Umbrellas, chairs, boogie boards, and shade tents available for rent

Volleyball Courts: Free to use; first-come, first-served

Concessions: Stands selling snacks, cold drinks, and beach accessories

Pavilion: Available for events and group rentals

Accessibility

Beach Wheelchairs: Provided at no cost, on a first-come, first-served basis

Must present a valid driver’s license at the main entrance gate to borrow

Accessible Restrooms and Walkways: Available throughout the park

Rules and Regulations

To ensure safety and preserve the beach environment, Stewart Beach enforces the following rules:

Alcohol is prohibited

No glass containers

No open fires or propane tanks (charcoal BBQs allowed in designated areas)

No camping or overnight stays

No drones or RC devices

Music must be kept at a reasonable volume

Pets allowed but must remain on a leash and owners must clean up after them

Tents and tarps must be set up behind designated markers

Visitors must stay off sand dunes to protect coastal ecology

Activities

Stewart Beach is known for its calm waves and spacious shoreline, making it ideal for:

Swimming and wading

Beachcombing and shell collecting

Picnicking

Beach games like frisbee, paddleball, and volleyball

Kite flying (within designated zones)

Family-friendly events (hosted seasonally, including sandcastle contests and movie nights)

Safety and Emergency Services

Staff includes trained lifeguards and first aid personnel

Beach patrol and Galveston police regularly monitor the area

Clearly marked signs for rip currents, safety zones, and restricted areas

Events and Rentals

The Stewart Beach Pavilion is often used for:

Weddings and private parties

Corporate events

Family reunions

Group picnics

Reservations can be made in advance through the Galveston Park Board.

Tips for Visitors

Arrive early on weekends and holidays, as the parking lot fills quickly

Bring sunscreen and plenty of water—shade is limited unless rented

Cash and cards are accepted at most concession areas, but some vendors may be cash-only

Check for red flags indicating hazardous surf conditions

Weather can change quickly on the coast; always check the local forecast

Stewart Beach balances safety, accessibility, and comfort, making it one of the most reliable destinations for a beach day on the Gulf Coast.