Galveston beaches?

They're pretty ugly beaches actually. Dark sand, brown water, usually littered with seaweed and/or Portugese Man o Wars.

ETA: If you go further down the Texas coast, go at least as far as Port Aransas.

Galveston is too close to many river outlets to have clear water. I believe even the Mississippi River plays a part in the color of the water/clarity. I grew up on the Upper Texas coast. Great fishing but the brown beaches do not compare with the white sandy beaches in Alabama/Florida or around the Texas coastal bend.

The beaches do not compare favorably and are very different. The sand is even hard enough that I had a difficult time anchoring an umbrella. Unless you have other stuff in Texas you want to do (like going to Houston), I don't recommend driving to Galveston. You can drive to Destin or your mentioned Orange Beach area in as much time or less.

If you go, go with lower expectations for the beach and plan other activities. Moody Gardens is nice. The downtown area has a "quaint" feel and is an enjoyable walk especially around the "strand" area. My wife loved La Kings Confectionary. We also really enjoyed brunch at Hotel Galvez.

Not to mention the hotels in that area are complete dumps.

You need to rent a house if you want to stay in that area.

The parking lot at the Mall of LA after a rain would be prettier and cleaner than anything in Galveston.

Trust me, the beaches are awful. The sand is brown and dirty. The water is so disgusting that you can't even see your toes when you are standing in water a foot deep. It usually is full of seaweed and often stinks. The stench is, at time, absolutely awful. I didn't know any better growing up but when we look for beach vacations within driving distance it is always the Florida panhandle where you have white sand and, on most days, clear water.