When you think of U.S. beach destinations, you probably think of towns like Fort Lauderdale, Destin, or South Padre. But not Galveston, Texas. However, you should definitely visit Galveston whether for it’s for a day trip from Houston, a weekend getaway, or a full week-long trip. If you are here to board a cruise, add a few days to your overall trip and discover this city. Galveston is a tiny island but offers a big punch with a myriad of activities to do. Here are some of the best places to visit in Galveston.
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About Galveston, Texas
The historic island of Galveston is located near Houston on the Gulf of Mexico. The Port of Galveston was established in 1825 by Mexico and housed the Texas Navy during the Texas Revolution. The island was devastated by a hurricane in 1900. Even with all the hurricanes that have hit Galveston since, the 1900 hurricane remains the deadliest. After this, Galveston built a permanent concrete sea wall and raised the city to protect the island from storm surges.
Getting Here
There are a few ways to get to the island, but the most popular way is traveling from the Houston area south on I-45. Houston is a very large, spread out city. Depending on what part of Houston you are coming from, your drive can take 30-90 minutes with no traffic. Houston has 2 airports you can fly into: Bush Intercontinental and Hobby Airports. Bush is larger and has more flight options, but it is located on the north side of Houston. Hobby Airport mainly operates Southwest Airlines and is located on the south side of Houston, much closer to Galveston.
Lodging
Whether you are looking for a budget hotel, luxurious hotel, or a house to rent, Galveston has you covered. If you are going to visit Galveston for more than a day or two, I recommend renting an Airbnb. I find Airbnb accommodations with kitchens and separate rooms for guests ideal whether you are visiting with your family or a group of friends.
Best Places to Visit in Galveston
Spend Time at the Beach
Obviously the #1 thing to do in Galveston is to spend time at the beach. Galveston has several beach options with 32 miles of shoreline. If you park along the seawall to access the free public beach, you will need to pay to park via the Pay by Phone app. Note that alcohol consumption is banned on most public beaches, so if you are looking for a party, this is not the place. However, if you are looking to party on the beach, catch the free Port Bolivar Ferry on the east side of the island to Crystal Beach where alcohol consumption is allowed. Note that glass bottles are not allowed on any beach.
Rent SUPs
Galveston is not known as a top surfing destination because the waves are usually too small. However, it is a great place for stand-up paddle boarding. My favorite SUP rental is SUP Gulf Coast which is located on the beach at 29th street near the Pleasure Pier. At this location, you can also rent beach chairs and umbrellas. You do need to reserve your board ahead of time though via their website.
Ride a Rollercoaster on the Pleasure Pier
The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is fun for all ages with its rollercoasters, high swings, and other amusement rides located on top of a pier that jets into the Gulf of Mexico. The Pleasure Pier offers unlimited rides tickets as well as pay-per-ride tickets. They also offer a pier pass for those who want to access the Pleasure Pier but do not want to ride any of the rides.
Eat Delicious Seafood
Located on the Gulf of Mexico, seafood dining is one of the best places to visit in Galveston. Gaido’s is one of the most popular seafood restaurants on the island. Just keep in mind, it is more of a “date night” establishment than a “family-friendly” establishment. Other great places to eat are Huli Huli Hut, Jimmy’s on the Pier, and Fish Tales. There are also great chain restaurants on the island like Landry’s and Willie G’s. For breakfast, I highly recommend The Gumbo Diner. Make sure to get beignets while you are there.
Visit Moody Gardens
Moody Gardens is a major tourist attraction in Galveston and is recognizable by its large, glass pyramids. It would take you a couple days to do all the attractions Moody Gardens offers. At Moody Gardens, you can walk through a live rainforest, see marine life at the aquarium, watch 3D and 4D movies, cruise on a paddlewheel, climb on a ropes course, and so much more!
Tour a Historic Mansion
Galveston has two historic mansions you can tour: Moody Mansion and Bishop’s Palace. Moody Mansion is a 4-story residential home built in 1895 that you can walk with a self-guided tour. 1892 Bishop’s Palace is another historic home and is recognized as one of the most significant Victorian residences in the country.
Play at the Children’s Museum
While you are at Moody Mansion, go to the bottom floor to play at the Children’s Museum. The Children’s Museum of Galveston is free and has many activities and events for children. This is a great thing to do with kids when you want to get out of the sun, but you do not want to spend any money.
Go Fishing
If you love fishing (which I do not), Galveston has you covered. There are numerous piers and jetties along the sea wall open for fishing. Some piers even let you rent fishing gear if you do not have your own. Just make sure you have a valid Texas fishing license. If you want to go deep sea fishing, there are several companies you can choose from.
Brave a Ghost Tour
Galveston is famous for its paranormal activity because of all the 19th century tragedies such as hurricanes, yellow fever breakouts, and fires. Learn about Galveston’s haunted history and hear ghost stories from one of the many ghost tours offered on the island. If you are really brave, you can stay at some of the most haunted hotels when you visit Galveston such as Hotel Galvez and Tremont House Hotel.
Shop at the Strand
Take a stroll down the Historic Strand District when you visit Galveston, and shop in the unique stores for beach attire and other souvenirs. In addition to shopping, you can also stay at a hotel, eat at a restaurant, peruse an art gallery, or party at a nightclub in this area.
Throw beads at Mardi Gras
While Mardi Gras in Galveston is not as extravagant as New Orleans, it is a great time and is the 3rd largest Mardi Gras celebration in the country! Watch as Mardi Gras parades roll down the Strand throwing beads at party-goers. You can join a krewe or pay an entry fee to participate in the krewe parties.
Slide Down a Waterslide at Schlitterbahn
Texas’s famous waterpark in New Braunfels expanded to Galveston several years ago. Your entire family will get a thrill with the water slides, wave rivers, and water coasters. To help alleviate some costs, Schlitterbahn Galveston offers free parking and allows outside food and drinks.
Hang out at a Crystal Clear Lagoon
If you want to relax at a beautiful man-made lagoon, take a short drive from Galveston to Texas City and hang out at Summer Lagoon Fest at Mar Lago. Swim, sunbathe, ride an SUP, sail a boat, and run on the floating obstacle course in this giant, crystal clear lagoon.
Run a race
I am not a big runner, but I do enjoy running (or walking) fun runs! If you like to run races, running along the beach is always a plus. Two great fun runs in Galveston are the Wicked Wine Run 5k and Divas Half Marathon and 5k. Both runs are so much fun!
Spend the Holidays at Moody Gardens Ice Land
If you want to visit Galveston during the holidays, you definitely need to make a trip to Holidays in the Gardens. Located at Moody Gardens, this event will get you in the Christmas spirit. The main attraction is Ice Land, where skilled ice carvers create a winter wonderland using 2 million pounds of ice. Also inside Ice Land is an ice bar where you can sit on bar stools made of ice and enjoy ice cold vodka. Make sure to bundle up before entering! Winters in Galveston are usually mild (and sometimes down right hot!) It might feel odd to pack warm socks, gloves, hats, etc. when it is 75 degrees in December, but you will need them inside Ice Land.
Attend Dickens on the Strand
While you are in town for Ice Land during the holidays, make sure to attend Dickens on the Strand. The event hosts strolling carolers, parades, musicians, jugglers, and more all in the theme of Charles Dickens’ work. Costumed vendors sell food, beverages, jewelry, clothes, and other gifts.
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