Whether you have to pay to go to the beach in Galveston depends on which part of the island you visit. The "Seawall" beaches—the most popular and central stretches—generally do not have an entry fee for the sand itself, but you must pay for parking at the metered spots along the Seawall Blvd (typically $2 per hour or $16 per day). However, if you visit Galveston Island State Park, there is a mandatory entry fee of $5 per adult (children 12 and under are free). Additionally, "Beach Parks" with extra amenities like restrooms, showers, and chair rentals—such as Stewart Beach or East Beach—charge a per-vehicle entry fee that typically ranges from $12 to $15 on weekdays and higher on weekends. If you are looking for a completely free experience, you can head to the "West End" pocket parks or undeveloped stretches further down the island where parking is free and there are no gate fees, though these areas have fewer facilities and no lifeguards.