What are the rules on Galveston beaches?

Q: Is alcohol allowed on Galveston beaches?

Popular Galveston Beaches Unlike most of Galvestons beaches, alcohol is permitted at East Beach. Stewart Beach is a great option for families, offering a whole range of amenities, including showers, lifeguards, chair and umbrella rentals, a playground and even helicopter tours!

Just like any city or beach, Galveston has laws or rules to keep its citizens and tourists safe in and around the beaches. The laws and rules are to keep everyone safe while swimming or to keep everyone safe while being around the city.

Table of Contents Show

City of Galveston Dune Rules
Sec. 8-4. Driving vehicles or horses on sand dunes
City Regulations:
Personal Property Cannot be Left Overnight on the Beach
City of Galveston Overnight Beach Ordinance No. 19-017
Secs. 8-27 Personal property cannot be left overnight on the beach
Erosion Response Plan
Do Galveston beaches have a curfew?
Is alcohol allowed on Galveston beaches?
Are vehicles allowed on Galveston beaches?
Do you need a permit for Galveston beach?

Galveston has many rules for the beach. Here are some of the rules and in some cases, laws to take into consideration while enjoying that relaxing ocean breeze.

1. Bonfires

Bonfires or any type of open flames are not allowed on any beach on Galveston Island. Fires have to be contained in a BBQ pit or some sort of fire pit. Be sure to have a fire extinguisher nearby to be safe.

2. Dogs

Pets are allowed on the beach, but they must be on a leash and you have to pick up their number 2 if they go on the beach. This is for the safety of everyone who fears dogs and their possible mess that might be left on the beach. Scoop it up people!

3. Alcohol

Alcohol is allowed in some parts of the beach. You will know its allowed because there will be a sign that says if you can or can’t. The areas we know alcohol is allowed are: East Beach/Apffel Park, Porretto Beach, and west of 61st to 16 Mile Road.

4. Off Road Vehicles

Off road vehicles like ATV’s, dirt bikes, etc.… are allowed on some parts of the beach. There will be a sign telling you if it is allowed on that part of the beach. You can got past 15 mph. And remember to stay off the sand dunes.

5. Sand Dunes

It is illegal to play or drive on the sand dunes. Do not remove any of the vegetation on the dunes either. Also be careful of snakes and other creepy crawlies creatures that call the sand dunes home.

6. Fireworks

Fireworks of your own are not allowed on the beach at all. This is because of all the fire work injuries in the past and they don’t want anyone to get badly hurt.

7. Weddings

Wedding are allowed on the beaches of Galveston with some restrictions. I have written an extensive article about Galveston beach weddings.

Whether you are a tourist or an islander, keep these rules top of mind to stay safe in Galveston.

Read about Galveston's beach rules and regulations, including parking, personal property, erosion response, and more.

City of Galveston Dune Rules

Sec. 8-4. Driving vehicles or horses on sand dunes

It shall be unlawful for any person to drive, operate or park any motor vehicle, motorcycle or motorbike, dune buggy or other recreational vehicle upon, over or across any sand dune, or to ride or walk any horse, pony or mule upon, over or across any sand dune, located within the city. (Code 1960, § 4-1.5; Ord. No. 79-48, § 1, 5-31-79) State law reference— Similar provisions, V.A.T.C. Natural Resources Code, § 63.093.

City Regulations:

To view a comprehensive copy of the City of Galveston Code of Ordinances for Beaches and Waterways, visit:

http://library.municode.com

Personal Property Cannot be Left Overnight on the Beach

City of Galveston Overnight Beach Ordinance No. 19-017

Secs. 8-27 Personal property cannot be left overnight on the beach

(a) Definitions. As used in this Chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section:

Item of Personal Property – includes, but is not limited to items such as canopies, shade structures, tents, umbrellas, chairs, towels, equipment, games, and coolers.
Unattended – refers to an item or items of personal property that are not supervised or looked after by a person.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to leave an item of personal property unattended on the public beaches or within the public beach access areas between the hours of sunset and sunrise on the following day, except as otherwise permitted.

(c) Any item of personal property left on the public beach or within public beach access areas in violation of this Section shall be deemed discarded by the owner, and may be removed, destroyed, or otherwise disposed of, accordingly by the City of Galveston, the Park Board of Trustees, or their designees.

(d) In the confiscation and disposal of any such item under this Section, the City shall not be subject to any responsibility or liability to persons or damages to property caused by the confiscation or subsequent disposal of unattended items of personal property.

(e) Exemptions. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to personal property such as equipment and materials for use in the following circumstances when authorized by the City of Galveston, Galveston County, or a State or Federal government agency:

Coastal and beach projects, such as beach nourishment.
Academic and/or scientific research.
Life safety, disaster recovery, emergency management or response.

Erosion Response Plan

The City of Galveston has prepared an Erosion Response Plan (ERP) to achieve the following broad local objectives:

Reduce public expenditures for erosion and storm damage losses to public and private property, including public beaches
Ensure the health and stability of existing dune systems and dune vegetation
Encourage the natural recovery of dunes and beaches following storm-induced erosion
Provide for the establishment of new dunes through restoration projects; and allow for the landward migration of beaches and dunes due to erosion.

The Erosion Response Plan is designed to implement dune protection, erosion response, and beach access policies and objectives in the City Comprehensive Plan and comply with requirements set forth in set forth in Title 31 Texas Administrative Code, §15.17 (31 TAC15.17). In 2009, the Texas legislature adopted the Texas Natural Resources Code §33.607, which requires local governments along the Gulf Coast to develop plans for reducing public expenditures for erosion and storm damage losses. To implement the law, the Texas General Land Office (GLO) adopted rules to guide local government’s preparation of erosion response plans. The rules are intended to ensure local governments enact regulations to reduce future storm damage and protect public access to beaches. To download a copy of the Erosion Response Plan, visit:

Coastwide Erosion Response Plan

Do Galveston beaches have a curfew?

Where can I camp on Galveston Island? Camping on all Galveston beaches is prohibited from 12am-5am. Additionally, there is no overnight parking allowed on Seawall Blvd.

Is alcohol allowed on Galveston beaches?

Popular Galveston Beaches Unlike most of Galveston's beaches, alcohol is permitted at East Beach. Stewart Beach is a great option for families, offering a whole range of amenities, including showers, lifeguards, chair and umbrella rentals, a playground and even helicopter tours!

Are vehicles allowed on Galveston beaches?

Within on-beach parking areas, vehicles are permitted to park and drive on the beach. The public may gain access to adjacent vehicular-restricted beaches on foot.

Do you need a permit for Galveston beach?

Stickers should be purchased prior to parking on the beach. In the e vent that a visitor arrives on the beach without a parking sticker, visitors are advised to drive and locate a helpful beach attendant that can assist you with a sticker purchase, or stop at a local vendor to purchase one.