It's $15 to park here. On the closer area, there are porter potty's, showers and food trucks. The ticket guy told us at first we were not allowed to drive on the beach without a permit or handicap license. But it turns out you can on the further side. You have to cross the narrow wooden bridge to get to that side. Any car can go from jeeps to Teslas to small sedans. It's a nice place to bring snacks and tailgate. I hear usually the water is pretty dirty but it seemed okay this time. read more

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I'm here during the shoulder season before the real summer craziness starts, which is why the beach is desolate in the afternoon. When springtime ends and summer begins, this is one of the more popular places to go as it is at the end of Broadway and near the Galveston Jetty. Flat, smooth and hard-packed, there's good reason why people want to be at this beach. There is paid parking nearby and you will want to read any postings to ensure you don't get a ticket. A number of inexpensive and moderately-priced hotels are nearby. [Review 882 of 2024 - 637 in Texas - 21911 overall] read more

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Very dog friendly beach- just make sure to pick up after your pet. Then having doggy bag stations would be great! But cute little beach. Restrooms and store as well in trailer. read more

Stewart Beach - Dog - Beaches Near Me - Galveston, Texas

This beach is conveniently located near a lot of restaurants and shops! I've visited this beach many times for picnics, get togethers, etc, and I've seen so many families and groups, including pets! The beach is relatively clean too. I really enjoy watching the sunset and sunrises at this beach. There's also some restrooms and shaded areas to sit too. Would recommend if you are visiting the island! read more

Stewart Beach - Sunset - Beaches Near Me - Galveston, Texas

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My son loved it and conquered his fear of water! Will be coming back asap. Very tranquil place. Ice wish there were more food options.

To start off: I'm a Californian, or at least I was for the first 32 years of my life. We recently relocated to the Austin area, and finally made it out to the "third coast." I've been so excited to see what the gulf water felt like in comparison to the frigid Pacific! Lemme tell you, it didn't disappoint. =D Stewart Beach has plenty of parking; this came as surprise to me, since I'm used to over-crowded beaches where you have to circle the lot multiple times hoping someone will leave, or park very far away and walk in. Not here! It cost $15 to park, but that seemed plenty fair considering how beach-adjacent it was! Their lot is a dirt/sand mix, so nothing fancy, but there isn't a need for asphalt and lines, imo. There are many trash cans conveniently spread out throughout the parking lot (smart: it discourages littering!). Now for the beach itself. Soft, silky, fine-grain sand! Wow! Normally I don't spend much if any time actually playing in the sand because I find it uncomfortable, but this sand I sat in and began digging while the surf splashed in, made wet sand piles and had a really fun time actually indulging my "inner five year old," LOL. The water was so nice and pleasant in temperature; I didn't get cold at all while splashing around, despite a bit of a breeze. We were able to walk out quite aways (+100 feet, but they ask you not to exceed 150ft/50m) and our feet were still touching the ground (we are in the 5'6" range)! The waves were fairly calm but occasionally had some fun cresting. Each lifeguard station had colored flags coded to a chart so you could understand the current swim risk (the day we went, it was green, the lowest risk). Most of the lifeguard stations weren't staffed, but a few were. There were a lot of chairs with umbrellas but it looked like all of them were rentals and we didn't bother. Similarly, it looked like you could rent stuff like paddle boards and inner tubes. We also saw a couple fellas pushing sno cone carts through the area. However this was rather a sparse offering, so you may wish to bring your own amenities (just remember: no glass or alcohol!). They had port-a-potties for restrooms (though it looks like they may in the process of building some more permanent buildings for this purpose in the future) and a row of showers for rinsing off the salt and sand after you were done, which are located nearby the parking lot. Saw a sign that said they sometimes have Movie on the Beach nights too. Neat. read more

Very nice and friendly beach. Perfect for families with there children. Lots of space for everyone. Vehicles are even allowed on the beach to make it even more fun and easier. Water is warm with a nice surf at most times. Make sure to bring lunch for the day because there aren't any food options. Come check this beach out. read more

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If you're coming here with you're own umbrella etc. you're going to need to be in the last row with almost 100 m to the water. TheBeach house isn't renovated or even open. There are six small outdoor showers that everyone gets to share. If you would like to sit in the first row you will need to pay 50$ for a umbrella and two chairs and the ability to sit directly at the water. If that not enough: - the restrooms are dirty - the parking is overpriced 15$ just to park - the beach is overfilled - you aren't allowed to sit in the middle of the beach and there is a sheriff watching over that picture under the post - there are way to less toilets and showers like 6 each isn't enough read more

Stewart Beach - See the space you're not allowed to be and what you'll need to walk to the water if you're not paying 50$ - Beaches Near Me - Galveston, Texas

They need to check their power tripping employees and make them take anti-racism classes. Otherwise the amenities are amazing. There is a fee to park from Monday-Thursday $12 and Friday-Sunday $15. You will be parking on sand. This beach have several amenities ranging from volleyball courts, playground, showers, restrooms, and designated changing areas. They are currently renovating the building itself but have set up showers outside, porta-potty and changing areas outside. They also offer umbrella seats near the beach front. They also have a life guard on duty at certain times. The beach is a little trashy but that's bc people don't pick up after themselves. Anyways onto the altercation I witnessed. A family sits at the rental umbrella chair and didn't pay. The umbrella guy (we'll call him Bob bc he refused to give his name) comes up and asks what they're doing and demands payment. The family stated they didn't know there was a fee and hands Bob cash to pay for the umbrella. AFTER, Bob POCKETS the money, tells the family they need to move away and takes the umbrella from them citing they didn't pay. Bob then calls police over to remove the family from the area. NOW the thing is, earlier that morning the same thing happened where a group of 20-year olds sat at the same rental umbrella chair and didn't pay. When Bob came up to them, he explained nicely that they weren't allowed to leave and use the stuff. The group left peacefully. The only difference between how the situations were handled bc of their races (I'm 99% sure). You guessed it, the family was POC and the group of 20-year olds were white! read more

We came to this beach to meet up a family who wanted a location where there were bathrooms, concessions, and lifeguards. We knew going in that we would have to pay $15 for parking, but we were okay with that to accommodate the other family's needs. The beach was nice. HOWEVER, my biggest beef and reason for two stars is that you are not allowed to put your own beach tents past a certain line on the beach, which is not close to the water. Since we wanted to leave our food and things in the shade, all our stuff was so far from the beach. I got my 10,000 steps in within just a few hours that morning (so much for laying around) because of all the transporting sand toys, beach balls, sunscreen, food, drinks, etc. back and forth from our beach tent to the water for my small child. We had brought our beach tent so our son could play in the sand out of direct sunlight, but this arrangement either meant we could choose sand + shade or sand + water. There is the option to pay (after already paying $15 for parking) for two chairs and an umbrella that are set up close to the beach. That irked me, even more so because their umbrella didn't provide enough shade/seats for our family of three at the same time, unlike the beach tent we had brought. After doing a day at the beach where we parked for free right on the beach (and I mean RIGHT on the beach - you can just sit in the trunk of your car if you want instead of setting up chairs) at one of the Public Access points, Stewart Beach was quite a disappointment. If you need access to outdoor showers, bathrooms, concessions, etc., it is nice, but we didn't really need any of those things, and I felt like we paid for inconvenience. read more

Stewart Beach - No tarps, tents, or shelters past this point - Beaches Near Me - Galveston, Texas

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Came on a Friday there was no chair rentals out and bathrooms were locked and the showers were turned off we was covered in sand and had a nightmare trying to rise off with old Dr Pepper not to mention the sea weed was unbearable what a joke to pay $15 to park when an hour later no one was there .... Won't be back read more

This so happens to be one of my favorite beaches on the island! I know some people have reservations about Galveston being over hyped / not the most pristine but hey to me it has its charm. And always has. And I believe that they have done a fine job at maintaining the beautiful history of the island itself. I've also run many a half marathon AND marathon here, so maybe I am just bias like that. It will always have a place in my heart. In years past one of the particular races I've done has held the race in a different location, but Stewart Beach is really ideal. There's a TON of space in the sand for parking, direct access to East Beach (which is fairly more empty and more residential than the main seawall area) so it's great for a run/bike or just to kick it. I ran a half marathon here last week and it was a great start and finish point for the half. We did one big loop which also passed through the seawall but for the most part it was quiet and scenic. After the race, I had direct access to my car and there was still tons of folks out running so I found a cute spot on the side to take a pic with my medal. I was wishing I had brought a blanket and lawn chairs but I had to haul it back to Houston to catch a flight. But for the next time, even when I'm just coming here to kick it I'm hanging at the Stewart Beach! Nice waves on this end too if you want to surf and or just watch the waves off of the gulf. read more

Stewart Beach - Always love 13 point 1 miles of fun - Beaches Near Me - Galveston, Texas

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$42 for a "cabana" rental rental. Cabana is just wooden chairs and an umbrella, nothing fancy. Barely enough shade for two people. They do take credit cards. Brought our own shade and camped out over 100 feet to the beach. There signs showing where you can camp out. We camped at right on this border and we couldn't hear the water or see it. The rental cabanas are placed in double rows, practically right next to one another. Two families caved in and rented cabanas. Later, I sat in front of their cabanas. Within twenty minutes, I was asked to pay for the cabana. I explained I was with the family who was away. Non-transferrable he said and wanted me to pay. I showed him my friend's stuff was still there. Thankfully, the shakedown was over. He probably no idea which family had rented this cabana, one of several dozens upon dozens. I don't know how he knew I wasn't the original renter. Thirty minutes later, the same guy was walking around looking for other "empty" cabanas. I can't believe these guys; renting a $42 cabana and renting it again as people leave. Just pure greed. Stewart Beaches website mentions cabanas, but no mention of $42, non transferrable and the occasional shakedown. Beach was clean and the sand free. There's a free parking lot just north of the pavilion. Not too bad, but hidden. read more

We always love coming here. Mainly I come for the bathroom accessibility and there's always room on the beach during the week. It's $12 to park mon-Thur, fri-sun its $15. but the year pass is the best deal for sure, $50 for unlimited. It's $35 to rent 2 chairs and an umbrella. I like that they patrol it to keep people from playing loud music and no alcohol. The beach store is great! The owner is super nice and helpful to talk with. My only complaint is that the bathrooms close too early. 5:30 during the week and 6:30 weekends. Makes it difficult to do later days even though it doesn't get dark till after 8, and now they have all the outside showers turned off, so that stinks. read more

Stewart Beach - Pretty white sand! - Beaches Near Me - Galveston, Texas

If you want and are looking for just beach sand and ocean, this is the place for you. Warm water and better sand than I was prepared for. It's no frills and just very basic accommodations. Showers and changing stations are available. Wear Mocs on floor trust me. read more

I truly am a fan of this beach! The price is up to $15 as of right now. That's almost double what it was when I first started coming here just a few short years ago nonetheless it is the only beach I will come to with my son. There are lifeguards on duty, a snack bar with hot foods and snacks, showers, restrooms, outside showers, and umbrellas/chairs for rent for $25. Sometimes they have these huge inflatables slides as well as helicopter rides for a fee if that's your type of thing! You can bring your own picnic but they do not allow alcoholic beverages of any kind. That is my only gripe about this beach who wants to come and have a beach day and not have a few drinks while their toes are in the sand?! But hey I get it, got to keep it safe for the families. read more

When we visit family in Houston, we always come to this beach. The lifeguards are always on point, the parking is great. For parking Military get in free otherwise I think it is $10-$20 to park. I think it is closer to the $20 charge. The beach is clean and maintained. We normally pay to rent umbrellas. The gentleman was helpful and polite when we rented from him this previous stay. We normally change and rinse off in the showers. I have not had issues with the showers there in the restrooms. I do wish is was a tad cleaner, but I am sure it is hard to maintain that so much. You would have to have someone stationed in there instead of cleaning and checking every hour. read more

Stewart Beach - Beaches Near Me - Galveston, Texas

It is a fun beach. Good place for family. Kids can swim and play on the sand. There are plenty of chairs and umbrellas for rent . It is a bit crowded during holidays but that is normal read more

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First time going to a beach in Texas.... Huge mistake. We have a beach tent... it's actually a half tent that sits on the ground and has a low profile. After being here for two hours I was told by the Police that I have to move my tent back with the others.... Maybe this is a Texas thing idk. I look back to see giant size 20x20 picnic tents lined up. So If I would be inclined to "Pay" a fee to rent a damn beach cabana that sits higher then our canopy that would be perfectly ok.... Get f@&ing real Galveston! Look I know you need to tax somehow because your town is mostly dilapidated, but you would think that the 15 dollar parking fee would be enough. Never again.... Hopefully all Texas beaches are not like this. read more

Stewart Beach - So this is ok?? Oh yea that's right they paid a few for it.... So wait it's not about blocking views it's about money... ok got it. - Beaches Near Me - Galveston, Texas

I've been to many beaches around the US and around the world. This was one of the dirtiest beaches I've been to. It was covered in trash. Definitely wear water shoes or sandals otherwise you could cut your feet. Water is brown and sand is hard. Parking is close and on the beach and was $15. They did have restrooms and showers that hadn't been cleaned in awhile. Snack shop was small. Gave it two stars because everyone was very friendly despite the conditions. read more

When I paid for my umbrella and chairs I took a picture of the gentleman that collected the money because I had no receipt or proof of payment. Four hours later, the same guy comes by to collect money again and argues with me that I had not paid. I told him that actually I have a photograph of him right when I made a payment and he turns around and calls me an f***ing weirdo. How pleasant. Stewart Beach, do better. read more

Stewart Beach - When I paid for my umbrella and chairs I took a picture of the gentleman that collected the money because I had no receipt or proof of payme - Beaches Near Me - Galveston, Texas

I've lived near the California coast my whole life, so I have had my fair share of beaches, but every beach is different no matter the location or even if its in the same state. I have to say for this beach being an hour and half drive from me I enjoy my visits here. This was not my first encounter with a beach on the Gulf Coast but to say the least I had the same reaction, holy hell I can just get in the water without my body dangling on lines of hypothermia. I grew up with the Pacific waters, them hitting 70 on a good day was a rarity. Parking is $8 bucks and if you leave your paying it again the sign clearly states that, so my advice pack food and don't leave for a few hours. Parking isn't an issue, I've dealt with much worse, try Zuma beach in California during the summer (it's like LAX gridlock on steroids). To have ample parking and what to me anywhere in that parking area would be a short walk (especially since you can still see the beach, ha) is a pair I certainly am never used to finding. Big big piece of advice. I know we all hate carrying tons of beach gear, and maybe your someone that is just a towel type. But do yourself a favor and bring your own chairs/umbrella, was $30 to rent two very weathered but still usable chairs and an umbrella, and I have to say I learned on my first trip I'd not make that mistake again. Words of advice to all beach goers, which I'm sure the ones I'm pin pointing don't even read these but clean up your trash, ALL of your trash, anything that can be put in a trash can place it there, or take it home and throw it away. I cant take stars from my review regarding trash because I don't believe the city should have to hire individuals to clean up the arrogance and lack of care others have. ALSO don't feed the birds! If I could say this over and over again without annoying myself at the very thought that every time I have gone some family has the whole beach flock of birds right above me (and yes first visit here I got shat on YEAH! due to some family letting their little kid throw food right in front of where I was laying). Beyond all the above enjoy the beach, I'm sure I'll be back again, I always get the hometown itch that only the ocean and sand can satisfy (obviously not going to ask for waves on this side of the nation, think that generally means something worse over here, ha) read more

Stewart Beach - Day at the beach. - Beaches Near Me - Galveston, Texas

Nice clean beach for the family! No alcoholic beverages allowed and they have lifeguards on duty. There are showers and a pavilion to buy food etc. The beach is super clean and the sand is nice. Wear sandals because the sand gets super hot! You can fish in the surf if you have a fishing license. They have free parking for handicapped and if you are not the cost is $15 a car. We had a great time and I would recommend Stewart beach to families and people who don't want to be around lots of cars and drunk folks. Oh,and you can rent umbrellas for $35 a day. They open at 9am and close at 5pm. read more

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I went on a Monday at 12pm. Parking was $15 dollars good for all day I suppose. Their is a free parking space with concrete floor just outside of the pay for parking spot but it's double the walk which isn't bad really. The 2 chairs with the umbrella in front if the water are $42 dollars if you pay with card. You can just sit on them and someone will eventually come and charge you for them. The water was a greenish brown read more

Great beach area. You will pay $15 for parking. But beaches are clean and there are chairs and umbrellas available to rent if you didn't bring your own. Lifeguards are on duty, but not sure of hours. Restrooms and showers also available, too. read more

Stewart Beach - Beaches Near Me - Galveston, Texas

With summer here, it's time for a galveston/beach review. This is the "family friendly" beach in galveston. So what exactly does that mean? No booze, and lots of kiddos. It's tame but you're still stuck with the same icky water. It is $8 to park and it's a short walk to the beach. You can set up shop anywhere, they have a few volleyball courts. It's decently well maintained, but don't be surprised to find trash. We are close to a beach but it's no Destin. read more

Really good place, my favorite beach to go to every year. Water is perfect temperature. 10/10 read more

Stewart Beach - Beaches Near Me - Galveston, Texas

When I was 8, we visited the beach. I went into the water with my cute little red and whit polka dot bathing suit on and came out with smudges all over it from God knows what and debris inside of it. I was so disgusted I vowed to never return! 30 years later, I decided to give it another go. My son and I visited today and it was actually ok. Don't get me wrong. The fishy odor and green-brown water still leaves MUCH to be desired as far as beaches go but for a one day outing at a beach, it'll do. $25 to rent an umbrella. Chairs are extra. Rip off but I guess if it was affordable, there would never be any available. Pack well, leave early, and enjoy! read more

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Great beach $15 to park for the day Clean setting chairs and umbrellas for rent plenty available Lifeguards, police patrol, snacks available read more

I've been coming here since I was a kid and now I have my kids the water was better before it maybe I realize how things are now that I'm older either Way I'm satisfied with the place no complaints here maybe next year we can go again this last visit was good with this covid19 we tried to keep our distance just for everyone's safety , the lifeguards were on duty , clean beach , the wind was blowing kinda hard , Thursday may 8 , so the waves kept taking us far to the side lol it was a blast but pretty scary too .kids had fun and nieces had a blast the next day we went thanks to everyone pitching in to help keep it clean and safe read more

Very clean and lots of places to sit and relax. We had a wonderful day at Stewart Beach.

My family from Chicago came into town and when we setup we got kicked out by an officer after 5 minutes due to the face we setup our canopy too close to the beach and there was consumption of alcohol. It's a beach, there will be consumption of alcohol, because people come to relax and enjoy themselves. It was either leave right away or a 800$ fine. So be aware of the rules and regulations before you go. My suggestion, go to another beach down the road. read more

This beach smelled, dirty, and had seaweed galore. I know it's not Florida or California. Texas doesn't have many options when it comes to beaches. I know Galveston had a rough time through Katrina, but I think I will await my next trip to the East or West coast to get my beach fix. Galveston is supposed to be fun and nice from what I heard. I must have missed that part. read more

Stewart Beach - Beaches Near Me - Galveston, Texas

I was hoping that if we went to a beach that had paid entry it might be a little less crowded, this was not the case. Maybe everyone thought that on the day we went. The parking is nice, not a terrible walk to the beach but also not near as close as others. I think we are spoiled by places like Port Aransas that has parking on the beach for $20/year. That being said, Stewart beach was clean and nice, had lifeguards and we had a pleasant experience. read more

I'm a recent convert to Stewart Beach, having had countless day trips to Galveston I used to just park on the Seawall and set up shop for free. However, as I've aged, I've come to appreciate the availability of the showers and bathroom, which are definitely worth the $8/car to park and make dinner more enjoyable since you won't have loose sand in your shorts, shoes, hair, etc. That said, its typically a little more crowded than the free beach, the outdoor freshwater showers no longer work (showers in the changing rooms work fine tho), and I really just kind of hate that long walk to the building from the beach. 2.9 Stars. Eh, they have showers. read more

*Much* more like it (see my review for Surfside Beach, which is a disaster). A family friendly beach with plenty of space, wide fairly clean sand, and rental chairs and umbrellas, if you need them. Plus, restaurants are a short drive away, there's a pavilion with bathrooms and (bad) food, and tons of beach volleyball courts, if you're into that. This is a Galveston beach, so yes, it's the sand and the water are both kind of brown. It is what it is. read more

If you're coming to Galveston to go to the beach, make sure you're keeping your expectations in check! (If you wanted white pristine sands, go to Florida or the Bahamas). So this rating/review is given with that in mind as well. Stewart Beach is a pretty nice beach with volleyball courts, nearby food, and attendants who take your money for parking. The attendants make me feel like my car and belongings locked in the car are a little bit safer, but I honestly don't know if they ever report suspicious behavior or intervene. For being one of the more well known beaches on the Strand, you're usually going to be sharing your beach space with a lot of other people. If you're looking for a quieter beach (although more sea trash and seaweed is around) go to 8 Mile beach further southwest. read more

Well, definitely won't be returning here again. The beach was ok, I guess but not exactly sure where the $15 entrance fee is going. Obviously not towards beach/bathhouse cleanup (more on that later). The beaches are very wide, with the water front spots reserved for those willing to pay the $35 fee for umbrella/chair rental. If you bring your own chairs/umbrella/beach gear-you're stuck in the back-far away from the beach. The beach experience was fine-it is Galveston after all, not the Riviera, so you have to adjust your expectations accordingly. Then there's the bathhouse. OMG. Deplorable doesn't even begin to describe it. While standing in line to use the showers, you are up close and personal with the toilets, which were overflowing with toilet paper, feces, menstrual blood and filth. Not all the showers were in working order, so that added to the wait time. Once in the shower stall, be glad you have on your flip flops because you don't want your feet touching the nasty floor which is littered with trash and used sanitary napkins. So gross. Couldn't get out of there fast enough. It is an old building but it could still be clean for paying customers. Come on, Stewart Beach, you can do better. read more

Don't know what happened today, 6/14/14, but the beach was terrible! There was a ton of seaweed washed up on the shore. Further, Galveston also has the hard to find black sand beaches. The only difference is that it's from all the oil around here and smells like sewage. We were digging like we usually do to build a pit and castle like we usually do but this time, we hit black sewage sand after we went down about 4 inches. We were so disgusted we had to cover it back up and move to a different spot. Lastly, it is A LOT more crowded now than it used to be. Why? I have no idea. Maybe it's because of all the advertising. Unfortunately the city falls short of execution. You would think that they would spend the $8 entrance fee to clean up the place; however, not so much. I'm all for helping out the city but if it's just going into the politician's pockets rather than to the people and community of Galveston, that's just sad. I gave it 3 stars because we've had good experiences in the past and just hopes that this was just a bad day. Seems like others had good reviews which was comparable to our previous visits but this time fell short. read more

We live in Sugar Land and like to take a half day trip to Galveston. All we really need to enjoy the day is a place to park close to the beach and some showers and a place to change before we pack up to eat and go home. The beach is a little trashy. The biggest bummer was that the only freshwater showers were outside on the sand. Then we had to walk through the sand and up some steps to get to the changing rooms. I remember they used to have working showers in the changing rooms I will be on the lookout for a nicer beach and shower/changing area. read more