Beaches

Seawall. The Seawall on the Gulf-side waterfront attracts runners, cyclists, and rollerbladers. Just below it is a long, free beach near many big hotels and resorts. Seawall Blvd., Galveston, Texas, 77550. 409/797--5198; www.galveston.com.

Stewart Beach Park. Stewart Beach Park has a bathhouse, amusement park, bumper boats, miniature-golf course, and a water coaster in addition to saltwater and sand. It's open weekdays 9 to 5, weekends 8 to 6 from March through May; weekdays 8 to 6 and weekends 8 to 7 from June through September; and weekends 9 to 5 during the first two weekends of October. 301 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, Texas, 77551. 409/797-5189; www.galveston.com.

Galveston Island State Park. Galveston Island State Park, on the western, unpopulated end of the island, is a 2,000-acre natural beach habitat ideal for birding, walking, and renewing your spirit. It's open daily from 8 am to 10 pm. 14901 FM 3005, Galveston, Texas, 77554. 409/737--1222; www.galvestonislandstatepark.org. $5.