GALVESTON ISLAND STATE PARK
Galveston Island State Park, in Galveston County, is in the City of Galveston on the west end of Galveston Island. It is a 2,013.1-acre site that was acquired in 1969 from private owners under the State Parks Bond Program and was opened in 1975.
Wading and shore birds, mottled and mallard ducks, raccoons, armadillos, and marsh rabbits can be found in the park for observation and photography. Beach or surf fishing for spotted seatrout, sandtrout, redfish, black drum, croaker, and flounder are also available.
Galveston Island is believed to be approximately 5000 years old and has had an interesting history during the past 500 years. It is generally believed Cabeza de Vaca and his crew were shipwrecked here in 1520 and eventually made their way from the island to colonies in Mexico. The LaFitte brothers, fleeing the prosecution of pirates in the United States, established a government here in 1817, with visions of creating a "Manhattan on the Gulf." Commerce did thrive here, but major storms in 1867, 1871, 1875, and 1886 greatly slowed progress. The great storm of 1900 devastated the island, killing 5000 to 10,000 people, and prompted the construction of the seawall which protects the northern half of the island.
The largest wetland restoration project ever undertaken in a Texas state park , the Galveston Wetlands Project, has been selected to receive a Coastal America Partnership Award.
Dunes Renewal Project: September 10, 1998, Tropical Storm Frances destroyed the sand dunes at Galveston Island State Park. The dunes serve as the only protection that the park has for its facilities. A project was implemented to rebuild the dunes through the use of Christmas trees.
- T Walker
GeneralLand, acres2,013
Day-UseFishingyes
Hiking Trail, miles4
Picnickingyes
Picnic Shelters, #24
Mountain Bike Trails, miles4
Bike Trails, miles4
Swimming Beachyes
Visitor Centeryes
CampingPrimitive, #25
Electric Sites, #85
Pets Permittedyes
Flush Toiletsyes
Dumpstationyes
Showersyes
Walk-In Campsites, #15
AccommodationsLodge Rooms, #2
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You can enjoy bay and gulf fishing, catching species like redfish, speckled trout, flounder or black drum. Shoreline anglers often catch sheepshead and sand trout. Kayak fishermen might reel in a Spanish mackerel or kingfish. Fishing piers are also available for use.
Galveston Island State Park is located near Alvin, Galveston and La Marque
1. Galveston Island State Park offers numerous picnic tables and grills for visitors.
2. There are shaded pavilions available to rent for picnicking.
3. You can enjoy a beachside or bayside picnic with scenic views of the Gulf Coast.
4. The park provides trash cans, but encourages pack-in-pack-out practices to keep it clean.
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting over 300 species, including the American White Pelican and Reddish Egret. The park offers four distinct birding habitats: beach, prairie, pond and bay side. Bird blinds are available for closer observation of wildlife without disturbing them.
The spring migration season is particularly popular as numerous migratory birds pass through the area. Winter months attract waterfowl like Buffleheads or Northern Pintails while summer brings in shorebirds such as Willets or Sanderlings.
Guided tours led by experienced ornithologists offer a chance to learn more about local avian life.
Nearby attractions in Galveston include Moody Gardens (with the Rainforest Pyramid, I-Max Theater, Palm Beach, etc.); numerous historical homes; the Railroad Museum; the Strand Historical District, where the Tall Ship Elissa (an 1877 sailing vessel) is moored; the Seaport Museum; and the Galveston County Museum. Space Center Houston is also nearby, as are the the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site & the San Jacinto Monument, and the Battleship TEXAS. Brazos Bend State Park, Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site and Brazoria County Access Point (San Luis County Park operated by Brazoria County) are within two hours.
Private Sunset Cruises
Fishing Charters
Galveston Sea Ventures specializes in offshore fishing and deep sea fishing in Galveston, Texas. Some of the best offshore fishing, deep sea fishing, and shark fishing in the entire Gulf of Mexico are right here in Galveston. We offer a wide range of trips from 2.5 hours to 12 hours, as well as private dolphin/harbor tours and sunset cruises too All of our trips are priced for up to 6 people and are priced per group, rather than per person.
11.9 miles from park*
In The Zone Bait Tackle Llc
6127 Broadway St
Galveston, TX
+14092555191
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The park can be reached from Interstate 45 by exiting right onto 61st Street and traveling south on 61st Street to its intersection with Seawall Boulevard and then right (west) on Seawall (FM 3005) 10 miles to the park entrance.
You can really get some great shots of birds, other animals as well as landscapes.
Love to watch the different kinds of gulf coast birds. The sunsets are breath taking and the stars in the night sky are amazing! 
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