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 · 60% rain · 86°F water

Full NWS forecast for Today

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10am, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 10am and 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Tonight

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 84. South wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Weather

  • 88°F air — ideal beach weather
  • 60% rain — rain likely at some point

Water

  • 86°F water — warm — full-day swim weather

Safety

  • Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
  • UV 12 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
skip
10 Swim
32 Sunbathe
4 Walk
11 Fish
25 Photo

Best for sunbathing today

Water level 0.7 ft above predicted

Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.

NOAA station 8771341 · Observed 2.38 ft · Predicted 1.72 ft

Air Temp
88°F
Clear
Wind
5 to 10 mph
S
Rain
60%
Today
UV Peak
12 Extreme
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~17m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
87°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water Temp
86°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
8:30 PM
-0.9 ft · in 5.2h
Wave Height
2.3 ft
SE swell
Barometer
30.11 inHg
1020 hPa
Water Quality
Clean
5 cfu/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 6mo ago
Sunrise
7:27 AM
Sunset
9:20 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Time Type Height
4:51 AM High 2.1 ft
8:30 PM Low -0.9 ft

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

Today Jul 12
88°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

60%
22
Mon Jul 13
87°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

60%
23
Tue Jul 14
86°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

72%
18
Wed Jul 15
87°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

39%
33
Thu Jul 16
88°

Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

17%
45
Fri Jul 17
88°

Mostly Sunny

6%
82
Sat Jul 18
88°

Mostly Sunny

3%
82
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 12 — very high
  • optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 86°F
  • critical Extra water / electrolytes 88°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
11:10 PM - 1:10 AM
Minor
4:50 AM - 5:50 AM
Major
11:50 AM - 1:50 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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