Ok let's get the yucky part out of the way 3 stars for the…read moredebris and garbage everywhere - that's being generous. There are garbage cans, but overflowing and the curious birds have clearly gone dumpster diving. Broken travel gazebos are at nearly all cans - we counted 20!! I would think a pretty community like this would have garbage service more often. The beach is narrow, but goes for miles! Whats cool is it's dog/family friendly. The surf was a little rough but the wind had picked up. Still could play/swim in water.It's a decent beach for shell hunting, hanging out, having a BBQ with friends and people watching. . It was very diverse yet had a community feel to it. People were very friendly, most everyone waved when we drove by! I forgot to Mention you CAN drive and park on this beach! A permit is required and can be purchased at a local store. We stopped, walked the beach, struck up A conversation with some awesome Texans who were dog lovers. Someone had created some dunes to ride on and There were a few people with ATV's having a blast! This beach gets 5 stars for people watching and friendliness. Also almost everyone had some sort of flag on their vehicle - whether ATV/ROV or a car ( which I find it really weird someone takes their BMW to the beach, but hey whatever). It was much nicer than west end Galveston beach and not insanely packed like east end Galveston. TIP: there are two routes to access beach. 1. The Galveston Ferry - which can take up to 2 hours waiting in lines - but only a 15 min ride to peninsula 2. You can drive around to access on east end - after waiting 2 solid hours to access ferry - we realized we could have gone the 'long way' and been there quicker, plus had sites to see en-route.

We love the convenience of being able to park on the beach! Bathrooms are nearby and easily…read moreaccessible. But watch your step! We've been going to this beach, multiple times a year, for the last 10+ years. On our recent visit July 2026, my entire crew were stung by jellyfish! We even saw a few in the water, less than 10 ft from the shore line, after we were stung. I've never seen them here before. Words to the wise...pack vinegar in your beach bag. Flush with seawater, not fresh water.

Are they bringing back the pocket beaches? There used to be three. Not sure if it would work in…read moretoday's world. So many fond memories of the pocket beaches from mid 80s to early 90s. Mostly #3, but quite a few good times at #2. #1 usually had too many shoebies. We stayed at the Holiday Inn, which was terrible. The Tipsy Turtle is adjacent and was closed. Nice walkover wooden bridge. Showers and restrooms. We had a good time here. Try it. Have fun. Be prepared.

I like coming to this pocket park. I use to bring my daughters here when they were still in school…read moreand had a day off. The park has showers and restrooms which is a huge plus. They have a restaurant here now as well; Tipsy Turtle Seaside Bar & Grill. The patio for Tipsy Turtle is nice and quite large. You can order food and drinkie- drinks and take them onto the beach.

I usually go on hikes with the Houston Women's Hiking group Clear Lake edition, but when I want to…read morego on a good adrenaline hike on a Saturday I come here. Jack Brooks is the only park in the area that I know that has high slopes with deep dips and some flat terrain that is similar to something you'll find in Hill Country, Central Texas. I get here very early in the morning to beat the MTB (mountain bikers) since the trail was essentially designed for them. However, it's also perfect for hikers too. Trekking poles are recommended when doing this trail that crosses over ponds, wooden planks curved in to create a high endurance speed track, and different props throughout. A suggestion is to wear good hiking shoes non-slip with good grip support. Ones that don't slip and slide around when you're walking. I would even wear toe covers to protect your toenails from shoe impact if not, you might have hikers toes (hematoma in the nail bed) otherwise. I don't recommend physical disabled, limited ROM, or anyone ridiculously out of shape to experience this trail. It isn't easy and it is very challenging; it's best if you have somewhat physical fitness under your belt since you'll need that abdomen and legs strength to pull yourself up and down between all the dips. If not, you'll be very much out of breath and unhappy. It isn't wheelchair or any assistive devices friendly as you may experience falls if you're unstable on your feet. The signage on the trail is themed based on your experience when attempting each path such as they have some that say: Hell II, Autobahn, and Hell I. When I come with the hiking group and alone, I hike up to 5.5 miles. And if you get lost, I tend to rely on AllTrails app to guide me. It can be very helpful when it working. The whole trail is heavily shaded, but since it's located in Santa Fe/Hitchcock, TX which is closer to Galveston (Gulf of Mexico) then the temps are typically muggy hot humid leaving me in a sweat bath. I suggest bringing some electrolytes and a hydration pack because whew, you can get dehydrated or overheated just by hiking this trail. The mosquitoes can be bad, so spray yourself first. There's wildflowers, spider webs blocking paths, and flying bugs. Nonetheless, this park trail system is by far the most fun I've experienced. I love it! I was a tad bit leary of hiking solo since it's in Santa Fe, TX has a history of KKK rallies dating back to the 1980s and the presence of hateful looks from the locals are still present today (my mum experienced it at Haak Winery and my sister experienced it at the Walmart). That's why I like to go early or with a group of ladies (all races) because I don't want no flack from anyone when I'm simply trying to have fun burning calories. To get to the trail, at the stop sign once you enter the park, take a left turn then go to the big parking lot. Park then walk at the starting point according to AllTrails. I posted in photos the whole trail system screenshot from the AllTrails app. Come, have fun, and leave no trace!

Fun biking/hiking park. Good hills and ramps for experts and flatter trails for the beginner…read more Very woodsy. Bring mosquito spray. Water tends to pool in the flat areas after a good rain. Summer time brings orb spiders on the trails. I have seen small snakes and rabbits in the spring on the trails. I have heard there are wild hogs and have seen the prints and areas where they are digging for grubs and such but have never seen one. There are areas for frisby golf and other open areas for other sports and picnicking. Covered areas are available and restrooms are clean and well maintained. The whole park is well maintained.

Pirates Beach is my favorite beach on Galveston Island. It's private and doesn't allow vehicles,…read morewhich makes the beach more family friendly and safe.

Great place to rent a beach house. We use Sand and Sea…read moreproperties to rent beach houses. They have several in pirates' beach to choice from. Pirates' beach has no driving on the beach; so it makes it almost private. They subdivision is so peaceful and serene. We will continue to rent here until we buy a place of our own.

This is one of my favorite beaches to visit while in Galveston. It's just about a minute or two…read morewalk from the seawall. It's a lovely and well-maintained private beach with available umbrella and chair rentails should you decide you need or want one. Always a lovely experience.

I was staying at a hotel across from Porretto Beach on the off season. Granted, was the mid-high…read more80s in late November. I never really get down to east side of Galveston. But so glad I did! My hotel was right across the street from the beach. It took just a couple minutes to walk from the Seawall to the actual ocean. When I say that we were the only ones there, I absolutely mean it. I think it was the best experience I've ever had coming to Galveston. No loud music, no loud families just calm and quiet. The only people that were around were fishing on the jetty. I was able to catch some rays, play in the sand, dip in the water, and walk the beach without a living soul to bother me. Ha! I am not sure what it's like in the summer, but if you have a chance to go to this end of the beach during the off-season, it is absolutely heaven!! Heads up - no restrooms....at least during the off season. Not sure about the rest.

My family and I visited Sunny Beach on a Sunday and we loved it. Being beach enthusiasts we have…read morevisited plenty of beaches and this ranks as one of our tops! They have free parking, and it was an easy walk to the beach. The beach itself wasn't crowded and the only thing to consider would be the restrooms. They have a few portable restrooms at the entrance of the beach that seemed to be maintained fairly well. We had a great time and we will be back.

Relaxed atmosphere. Very clean. Children and pet friendly. Parking right on the beach which is…read morenice..!

life's a beach, then they name one after you... A.R. "Babe"…read moreSchwartz's commitment to the gulf coast beaches and the folks who use them is the stuff of legend locally. While serving in the state legislature from 1955 - 1980 Mr Schwartz helped create the Texas Open Beaches Act, which guarantees free public access to beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. Galveston city officials named a 15-block stretch of beach west of 61st Street in 'Babe' Schwartz's honor on May 25, 2016. Adjoining the beach is the 61st Street Fishing Pier, a family friendly operation catering to the fishy set that should be reviewed separately. Striking views of the Gulf are included as part of the access fee with complimentary sunrises and sunsets daily.

Drove an hour thinking there were gonna be babes. Misleading. Change the name. No babes :(read more

This is a small fenced in park that sits at the corner of 27th St. and Sealy Avenue in Galveston…read more The Oleander is Galveston's official flower and needless to say on this small patch of property you'll find it covered in oleanders. This park is supposedly open to the public, however, there are no hours posted and the fence is usually chained closed. More information and pictures below for more insight.

Lovely garden! The busy Oleander Festival was a delightful mix of music, plants and artisan…read morehandcrafted beach-themed items for sale. The awesome Galveston Ukulele Band ramped up the fun factor with classic music from the 70's. Thanks to those who maintain this garden gem year-round.