The park's 2000 acres are contained in the city of Galveston. The park was opened in 1975. The island is believed to be about 5000 years old. The great storm of 1900 killed between 5000 and 10,000 people and prompted the construction of the seawall that protects the northern half of the island.
The park offers camping, birdwatching, nature study, hiking, mountain bike riding, fishing, and swimming. Educational tours of the flora and fauna of the beach are given by appointment.