Galveston Island State Park

A Place of Refuge
Come to the island to stroll the beach or splash in the waves. Or come to the island to go fishing or look for coastal birds. No matter what brings you here, you?ll find a refuge at Galveston Island State Park. Just an hour from Houston, but an island apart!
Things to Do
With both beach and bay sides, Galveston Island State Park offers activities for every coast lover.
You can swim, fish, picnic, bird watch, hike, mountain bike, paddle, camp, geocache , study nature or just relax! Visit our nature center to learn more about the park and its programs.
Be safe in the water: Review our water safety tips before your visit.
Stay at one of our beach or bay campsites or rent one of our cabins .
Fish in the bay area or beach-side. We have canoe/kayak launches and a fish cleaning station. Remember, you do not need a fishing license to fish from shore in a state park.
Hike or bike four miles of trails through the park?s varied habitats. Stop at the observation platform or photo blinds, and stroll boardwalks over dunes and marshes.
Paddle one or all of our paddling trails ! We do not rent canoes or kayaks; you must bring your own.
Volunteer by asking at headquarters or contacting the Friends of Galveston Island State Park .
Ranger Programs
We lead programs on the plants and animals of Galveston Island, and host art programs, star parties, paddling tours and more.
Check our Events page for upcoming programs.
Visit the nature center, open weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Call the park to ask about special tours for school or other groups.
Learn more about the park on our Nature and History pages.
Read the Interpretive Guide to Galveston Island State Park . Kids : Become a Junior Ranger !
Borrow an Explorer Pack, loaded with tools for exploring the park.
Pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Journal at headquarters or the Nature Center. Complete tasks to earn a badge. Area Attractions
Visit Galveston , with its many museums, shops and restaurants. Moody Gardens , an educational theme park, features aquarium and rainforest pyramids.
Explore America?s fourth-largest city - Houston ! On your way to the park, stop by Space Center Houston , the visitor center for NASA?s Johnson Space Center.