Galveston Island State Park

Nature

Marsh and sky

Galveston Island State Park protects 2,000 acres of upper Gulf Coast barrier island ecosystem. This is the last undeveloped land on Galveston Island that allows public access from the beach and Gulf waters, through the coastal prairie, and into the wetlands toward the bay.

Photos of hairstreak butterfly on Indian blanket, fiddler crab, and red-eared slider turtle.Barrier islands like Galveston move and change constantly with the action of waves, wind and tides. Beaches protect the mainland from storms, while the lagoons, bay and salt marshes provide crucial habitat for the life cycles of many ocean species.

As transition zones between land and ocean, barrier islands support a mosaic of coastal habitats, including beaches, prairies and wetlands. These habitats host a surprising variety of wildlife.

Beaches protect the mainland from storms, while the lagoons, bay and salt marshes provide crucial habitat for the life cycles of many ocean species.

Raccoons, armadillos and marsh rabbits roam in the park. Anglers enjoy beach or surf fishing for spotted seatrout, sandtrout, redfish, black drum, croaker and flounder.

Birding: Birds from throughout the eastern hemisphere visit during the spring and fall migration seasons. You can see wading and shore birds, mottled and mallard ducks, and more. We have recorded more than 300 bird species in the park.

Learn more about Galveston Island State Park: