East Beach (Galveston)

1923 Apffel Rd, Galveston, TX 77550

Galveston Island's east-end public beach, also called Apffel Park — and one of the few Texas beaches where alcohol is permitted on the sand (glass prohibited). Wide, sloping beach, the Galveston Seawall to the west, the ship channel to the east. Hosts Sand Castle Days, ColorRun, and other waterfront events.

Skip the beach today.

Thunderstorms · 87°F water

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 4pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Heat index values as high as 106. Southeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tonight

A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 83. Heat index values as high as 103. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Weather

  • 91°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
  • 32% rain — pop-up showers possible

Water

  • 87°F water — warm — full-day swim weather

Safety

  • Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
skip
21 Swim
47 Sunbathe
21 Walk
20 Fish
29 Photo

Best for sunbathing today

Air Temp
91°F
Clear
Wind
10 mph
SE
Rain
32%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 12 PM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
88°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water Temp
87°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
9:23 PM
0.2 ft · in 2.1h
Barometer
30.12 inHg
Steady · buoy 42035
Sunrise
7:00 AM
Sunset
7:32 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Time Type Height
4:29 AM High 1.8 ft
9:37 AM Low 1.4 ft
2:10 PM High 1.7 ft
9:23 PM Low 0.2 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 8771341, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

Today Sep 9
91°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

32%
29
Thu Sep 10
88°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

45%
29
Fri Sep 11
88°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

57%
23
Sat Sep 12
88°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

55%
20
Sun Sep 13
88°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

38%
30
Mon Sep 14
88°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

33%
32
Tue Sep 15
88°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

25%
41
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
  • optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 87°F
  • optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 32% rain chance
  • critical Extra water / electrolytes 91°F - heat risk

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.

Major
10:50 PM - 12:50 AM
Minor
5:00 AM - 6:00 AM
Major
11:10 AM - 1:10 PM
Minor
6:20 PM - 7:20 PM

Parking

$15/vehicle flat (2026); annual pass $50.

Dogs

Dogs allowed leashed year-round (max 6-ft leash, clean up required).

Entry Fee

$15/vehicle (flat); annual pass $50.

Address

1923 Apffel Rd, Galveston, TX 77550

lifeguardsrestroomsshowerspavilionconcessionvolleyball courts
Is it safe to swim at East Beach (Galveston) today?

East Beach (Galveston) shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

Is East Beach (Galveston) dog-friendly?

Dogs allowed leashed year-round (max 6-ft leash, clean up required).

Is there an entry fee at East Beach (Galveston)?

$15/vehicle (flat); annual pass $50.

Are there lifeguards at East Beach (Galveston)?

Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol East Beach (Galveston) during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.

What amenities are at East Beach (Galveston)?

Amenities at East Beach (Galveston) include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, pavilion, concession, volleyball courts.

When is the water warmest at East Beach (Galveston)?

The Gulf of Mexico is bathwater-warm by mid-summer — 84-88°F is typical from July through September on the FL Gulf, TX coast, and AL/MS coast. Swimming comfortable from April through October on most of the Gulf.

Where is East Beach (Galveston) located?

East Beach (Galveston) is in Galveston County, TX, at 1923 Apffel Rd, Galveston, TX 77550.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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