Super Beach Day in Galveston, Texas

We have lived in the Houston area for about 7.5 years, but this is the first year we started taking advantage of the Beaches in Galveston. We use to live in New Jersey and it took us about 6 years to travel to the Jersey Shore. (Avalon, Spring Lake and Point Pleasant) The northern version has bluer water and whiter sands, but the Atlantic Ocean had colder waves pounding on the shores.

The Gulf of Mexico is warmer, but because of the silt, the water is khaki with the blue sky reflecting on its surface. Softer waves ruffle on the reverse stepped shores of Stewart Beach. Just because you stand farther away from the shore does not mean you are in deeper water. I was surprised to step up as I walked into the depths the Gulf. Jumping with the waves is a good as any spa therapy.

We drove to Stewart Beach, http://www.galveston.com/stewartbeach/, and paid the $8.00 for parking on the beach. We arrive around 10:30 AM so there was lots of parking on the beach. We brought our towels, water and chairs close to the water's edge, since high tide was about a hour previous to our arrival. My teenage daughter and her friend immediately wander off to explore the shore.

For those of you who need shade, you can rent a sturdy beach umbrella and two chairs for $25.00. Do not bother bring wimpy beach umbrellas. You will spend your time chasing them down the windy beach.

When the girls decided to return, my husband and I took a long walk by the water's edge. The wet sand is the color of wet cement, but it is very soft on the feet. We walked and talked for miles. The girls called us so they could continue their wanderings.

When we returned, the gulls were being feed by various beach people. The flock would just float above their heads. I knew this was not a could idea. It leads to bird droppings on car windshields.

Around 1:30 PM we were ready to leave. The parking lot was packed and the beach volleyball courts were starting fill up.

The girls went to the Big Beach House to shower. There is a fast food stand and a beach shop there as well. My husband bought a killer whale colored bathing at the shop. He thought we were just going to walk on the beach like last time. The gulf just was to much for him to resist. He had to body surf just like I had to jump the waves.

Even though we tried to shake the sand from our sandals, the floor of my mini-van became covered with it. I guess I will have to shake the mats out when I get home.


We were not ready to head north yet. We stopped at The Spot & Tikki Bar for lunch. It is at least three different beach dwellings tied together by walkways and decks. My husband and I shared very fresh fish and chips and a house salad in a tortilla shell. The girls had a vegetable burger and chicken fingers with a Chocolate Milk Shake. We sat on the the third story deck. We enjoyed watching the activities on the beach. My husband checked out the motorcycles parked in front.



"The Spot" is for fast foodies, as "The Drip" is for the thirsty type. It's a great social hot spot for any who does not want to end a great beach day. Check out the fun on http://www.thespotgalveston.com/.