People walking on a wide sandy beach in Galveston
Plan your trip

Galveston with a dog

Leashed dogs are welcome on Galveston's beaches, and the city's fenced dog parks let them run free. Several hotels take dogs over 50 lb. On the ferry, though, your dog has to stay in the car.

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Dog-friendly hotels
Checked October 29, 2026Leash max 6 ft13 hotels that take dogs

Galveston beach · Photo: Nate Johnston / Unsplash · Credits

The short answer

Rules for dogs on the island

Dogs on a leash can go on the public beaches, including Stewart Beach, East Beach and the West End pocket parks. In the state park they have to stay out of the swimming areas. They may run off the leash only inside the fenced dog parks. On the Bolivar ferry, dogs stay in the car.

Sources: Galveston code, sec. 8-8.1, Park Board rules, TPWD park rules, TxDOT ferry rules

Beaches
Dogs may go on the public beaches on a leash no longer than 6 feet (city code, section 8-8.1). The Park Board, which runs Stewart Beach and East Beach, asks you to pick up after them
Off leash
Only inside the city's fenced dog parks: Menard, Lindale, one on the West End and one in Gus Allen Sr. Park
Galveston Island State Park
A leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. Pets can't go in buildings or marked swimming areas, so follow the signs on the beach
Bolivar ferry
Pets other than service animals must stay inside your vehicle, so you can't take a dog on foot
Island trolley
Island Transit's website has no pet rule. Call 409-797-3900 before you go
Mardi Gras parades
Pets are banned in the parade areas, except service dogs
Our picks

Two hotels for a big dog on the Seawall

Both take dogs up to 75 lb, and both are across the boulevard from the beach.

Pool, palm trees and the Gulf at Beachfront Palms Resort
Breakfast and parking included

Photo: Expedia

1 / 7

Photos: ExpediaCheck prices on Expedia
Seawall, near 59th Street

Beachfront Palms Resort

Breakfast and guest parking come with the room, so the bill stays low, and one dog up to 75 lb is welcome. Ask for a partial ocean view room for a glimpse of the Gulf from your window.

Where
5914 Seawall Blvd. Cross the boulevard for the beach
Parking
Free for the length of your stay
Pets
Dogs only: 1 dog up to 75 lb. A $50 fee plus a $150 deposit. There's an off-leash area
Breakfast
Free hot buffet, 7 to 10 am
Pool
An outdoor pool on site. Guests can also use the indoor pool at the Hyatt Select next door
Also
Check-in 3 pm, check-out 11 am. You must be 21 to check in

Good for

  • A trip with your dog, once the hotel has confirmed the rules
  • Free breakfast and parking

Skip if

  • You need a guaranteed Gulf view
  • Your cat is coming
Check prices on ExpediaFull hotel guide

Sources: Beachfront Palms fact sheet, Beachfront Palms FAQ

Pool at the DoubleTree Galveston Beach with a view of the beach
Our pick near the Pleasure Pier

Photo: Expedia

1 / 7

Photos: ExpediaCheck prices on Expedia
Seawall, east end

DoubleTree by Hilton Galveston Beach

Bring the big dog: dogs and cats up to 75 lb are welcome. Cool off at the swim-up pool bar, then walk to the Pleasure Pier.

Where
1702 Seawall Blvd on the east end, near the Pleasure Pier
Parking
$20 a day to park yourself
Pets
Two dogs or cats per room, each up to 75 lb. $75 for 1 to 4 nights, $125 for 5 or more
Breakfast
Costs extra
Pool
Yes, with a swim-up bar
Also
Check-out 11 am

Good for

  • Bigger dogs
  • Walking to the Pleasure Pier

Skip if

  • You want breakfast in the price
Check prices on ExpediaFull hotel guide

Source: Hilton hotel info

Where to stay

Hotels that take dogs, highest weight limit first

Most hotels charge per stay. Hotel Lucine and Candlewood charge per night; at Beachfront Palms the fee depends on how long you stay. Which hotel is cheapest depends on how long you stay. You get refundable deposits back, but not cleaning fees.

  1. Red Roof PLUS+ Galveston – BeachfrontAvenue U, one block behind the SeawallFirst pet freeDogs allowedUp to 80 lb, 2 petsFeeFirst pet free. A second costs $15 a night, $105 at mostGood to knowTell the desk about pets at check-in. Pets can't stay alone in the room except in an emergencyPrices
  2. Wingate by Wyndham Galveston Beachfront1402 Seawall BlvdDogs allowedUp to 75 lb each, 2 petsFee$25 per pet a nightGood to knowBreakfast is free, parking costs extraPrices
  3. Beachfront Palms ResortSeawall at 59th StDogs allowed1 dog up to 75 lbFee$50 + $150 depositGood to knowOff-leash area on sitePrices
  4. DoubleTree by Hilton Galveston BeachSeawall, east endDogs allowedDogs and cats up to 75 lb, 2 per roomFee$75 for 1–4 nights, $125 for 5+Good to knowShort walk to the Pleasure PierPrices
  5. TownePlace Suites Galveston Island9540 Seawall Blvd, near Moody GardensDogs allowedDogs and cats up to 75 lb, 2 per roomFee$100 per stayGood to knowSuites with kitchens, and parking is freePrices
  6. Hilton Galveston Island ResortSeawall, mid-islandFenced dog areaDogs allowedUp to 50 lbFee$125Good to knowHas a fenced dog areaPrices

These hotels take service animals only, no pets: Holiday Inn Club Vacations Galveston Beach Resort, Harbor House at Pier 21, Holiday Inn Resort Galveston-On The Beach. Dogs may not stay alone in the room at Red Roof (except in an emergency, after telling the front desk), Candlewood Suites or Hyatt Select. At the San Luis and Moody Gardens they may, but only in a suitable kennel. Sources: Red Roof, Candlewood, San Luis (PDF), Moody Gardens (PDF), Wingate.

Days out

Days out with your dog

Beaches

Stewart Beach has lifeguards, restrooms and paid parking. East Beach and the West End pocket parks are quieter and have more room. Bring fresh water and bags. Compare the beaches.

A dog on a Galveston beach
A dog on a Galveston beach. Dogs on a leash are welcome on the public beaches.Galveston beach · Photo: Brock Wegner / Unsplash

In the heat

From late spring to early fall, go out in the morning or the evening. Touch the sand and the Seawall sidewalk with your hand before your dog walks on it, and plan stops for shade and water. Never leave a dog in a parked car. On the ferry, dogs must stay in your vehicle, so open the windows, stay in the car with your dog and keep the trip short.

A dolphin tour

BayWatch Dolphin Tours takes dogs on its harbor tours, and they ride free on the 45-minute trip. Tour details.

Patios

Dog-friendly patios include Katie's Seafood House by the harbor, Yaga's Cafe and Guelder Rose downtown, Brick House Tavern & Tap, Texas Tail Distillery, and Reel Nauti Marina Bar & Grill at the Galveston Yacht Basin. Reel Nauti has its own dog menu.

Galveston Island State Park

Texas state parks allow dogs on a leash, but not in marked swimming areas or in buildings. Entry is $5 per adult. The park often fills up, so reserve a day pass. State park guide.

A vacation rental

For a longer stay or more than one dog, a house with a yard can be easier than a hotel. Each owner sets the pet rules, so read the listing. Galveston vacation rentals.

Off leash

Galveston's dog parks

Menard Dog Park is in Menard Park at 2222 28th Street, a short walk from the Seawall. A playground, a splash pad and a skatepark are next to it.

Lindale Dog Park is in Lindale Park in Fish Village on the East End, near the baseball fields. The park page gives the address as 400 Marine and the hours as sunrise to sunset. The city code puts the dog park at 600 Holiday Drive and sets its hours at 6 am to 10 pm unless restricted.

There are two more. One is the Dr. Jackie Cole West End Dog Recreation Area at 3115 83rd Street, where the city approved lighting, picnic tables and shaded pavilions in 2024. The other is a dog park in Gus Allen Sr. Park. For entrances and hours, call Parks and Recreation, (409) 797-3700.

The city's park pages give the hours as sunrise to sunset, while the city code sets 6 am to 10 pm. The sign at the gate tells you which applies.

Sources: Menard Park, Lindale Park, city code, sec. 26-16, animal code, sec. 7-9, Parks for Pollinators, city council agenda, September 19, 2024

Leash
On the way in and out. Inside, carry one leash for each dog
Dogs per person
Two at most, always in sight and under voice control
Banned
Puppies under 4 months, dogs in heat, sick dogs, dogs with a history of aggression, and other animals
Tags
Vaccinations must be current, and the code asks for a collar with rabies and city license tags. Under the animal code, visiting dogs staying 30 days or less need no city license, but the dog park rule doesn't mention that exemption. Bring the rabies tag
Leave outside
Food for dogs or people, edible chews, glass, bikes and strollers. No smoking or alcohol
Children
13 and under only with an adult
Clean up
Pick up after your dog and fill in any holes it digs. Fines go up to $500