For a first look at the Texas coast that is not a seawall and souvenir shops, drive about an hour south to Galveston Island State Park. It spans the island's West End from the Gulf of Mexico to West Bay, roughly 2,000 acres of beach, dunes, coastal prairie, salt marsh and bayous. The beach side is quieter than the city's beaches. Cross FM 3005 to the bay side for the trails: the 1.2-mile Clapper Rail Trail for wading birds, the 1-mile Alligator Loop around a freshwater pond, and the 3.3-mile Prairie Trail through the island's original landscape, with two observation towers along the way. Paddlers can follow marked routes like the 3.3-mile Jenkins Bayou trail. More than 300 bird species have been recorded, and in 2020 the park found its first Kemp's ridley sea turtle nest in a decade. Hurricane Ike closed the park in 2008; it reopened in July 2009. Look for the Eskimo Curlew sculpture, a memorial to a lost shorebird.
What to expect
- The beach side has 20 shaded picnic shelters, rinse-off showers and changing areas.
- Paved walks run from the lot to the picnic areas and beach, though sand drifts over.
- Headquarters lends four beach wheelchairs; they need someone to push.
- Bay-side trails cross rough boardwalks; one observation tower has ramps.
What to do
- Walk the 1.2-mile Clapper Rail Trail on the bay side for wading birds and the secretive clapper rail
- Paddle the Jenkins Bayou trail (3.3 miles round trip) from the bay-side launch
- Climb an observation tower for the view across marsh and bay, then walk the Gulf beach
- About 2,000 acresSize
- 1975Opened
- 300+Bird species
- $5 (13 and older)Day fee