One of the big draws to Galveston Island was being able to park, for free, on Seawall Blvd. Parking just above, you could then walk down and enjoy a day at the beach. In 2013, the city Parks Board began to charge for parking, promising to improve facilities along the beach with the revenues from parking fees. However, there are a couple of ways to get around this and get free parking.
What It Costs To Park On Seawall Blvd.
Parking along Seawall Blvd now costs $1/hr or a max of $8/day. You must pay from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., 7 days a week. Parking payments are associated with the vehicle license plate, so you can move your vehicle and re-park in a new location along the Seawall. This is nice if you need to leave for something and wish to return and park again.
Ways To Park Free
Schedule Your Visit
If you notice from the parking times, parking is not enforced in the morning or evening. Planning your beach time early in the morning (finish before 10 a.m.) or after dinner (begin at 6 p.m.) and you can park for free anywhere on the Seawall. In the mornings there is also usually less sun and less crowds. In the long, warm days of Summer, these times may be workable. If you'd like more time than this, you can supplement your free time with a few paid hours. Take your phone to the beach to buy time with the phone number { 866-234-7275 location code: 5004 }. Pay right from the beach, and pay only for what you need!
Park In the Free Area
The Parks Board reserved a few blocks for free parking. The area from 69th Street to 81st Street is free! Watch out if you move your car, these spaces fill quickly and stay full. Park on either side of Seawall Blvd., but beware that some entire blocks in this area are "No Parking" on the North Side.
Warnings
Seawall Parking Can Be Dangerous
BE WARY FOR YOUR CHILDREN !!!! Please tell your children not to chase anything anywhere near the road. The sea breeze is almost always blowing from the water to the street. As parents load their vehicles, things often blow free and into the road. Towels, balls, clothes, most anything is susceptible to a stiff in-shore breeze. Children (and too many adults) instinctively dart into the road to retrieve items before they are smashed under a car. Vehicles traveling 35 to 50 mph (speed limits are 45 around the West End free area) and drivers have little or no time to stop if a person suddenly steps out from between parked cars. PLEASE TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN BEFORE GETTING OUT OF YOUR CAR, AND BEFORE YOU RETURN !!!! Many children will forget following the excitement and fun of the beach.
Enforcement
Meter maids patrol Seawall Blvd with scooters, handing out tickets. The fine isn't too bad, but after you add in court costs and taxes, it will be MUCH more expensive than purchasing another hour(s).