GALVESTON, TX – March 1, 2021 – A measure approved by Galveston voters to raise the Seawall hourly parking rate from $1 to $2 per hour will go into effect beginning Wednesday, March 10. A Seawall parking committee appointed by Council reviewed the issue and performed a national comparison of hourly beach parking rates and determined the $2 rate was both competitive and reasonable.
In compliance with the Open Beaches Act, the Texas General Land Office requires that all users, with certain exceptions for veterans and other classified groups, pay the same fee. This is why residents and visitors are both required to pay for beach parking.
The City of Galveston and the Galveston Island Park Board of Trustees offer affordable annual passes, perfect for residents and frequent visitors.
An annual parking pass for the Seawall is currently available for $25. The annual rate will increase to $45 a year after March 10. The parking pass is in effect for a year after purchase and may be purchased either using the PayByPhone app or by calling 866-234-7275 or 409-797-5198.
The Park Board offers annual passes as well, which cover a greater area, including the beach parks. A $50 beach parks pass provides for admission to Stewart Beach, East Beach, Dellanera and pocket parks on the island’s west end. An Ultimate Beach Pass combines admission to seawall parking and beach parks and costs $95. These passes will be available beginning March 13 and may be purchased at the beach parks or at the Park Board offices located at 601 23rd Street.
Galveston voters overwhelmingly approved the Seawall parking rate increase in the May 2019 election. The parking rate increase then went to the General Land Office for approval. As part of the approval process, the City of Galveston added more free spaces along the Seawall (map included below), equitably spaced along the roadway.
"We’re fortunate in Galveston to have 32 miles of clean, public beaches and affordable access to beach parking. Galveston voters approved this rate increase, and we thank the Texas General Land Office for their partnership to act on the voters' wishes," City Manager Brian Maxwell said.
The Seawall parking rates are used to fund important amenities along the Seawall, including clean public restrooms, landscaping, and traffic safety measures.
Paid parking is required daily between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. There is a two-hour minimum and the maximum daily fee is $16.