Galveston, Texas, is one of the many beautiful spots to explore in the Lone Star State. Travelers planning a coastal getaway in the United States may think of something other than Texas, but Galveston is renowned for relaxation and so much more.
The city boasts incredible historic architecture, first-class restaurants, picturesque beaches, and beautiful accommodation options. An island city off the Gulf Coast of Texas, Galveston has it all from a bustling city center to idyllic blue waters. Whether travelers have a week, a weekend, or just 24 hours to explore, it’s worth visiting.
Galveston is a harmonious combination of beach relaxation spots, historical shopping streets, and a lively Downtown center.
Enjoy An Afternoon At The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is a fun spot to spend some time in Galveston. It’s only a few dollars to get a walk-on pass to the pier (required for everyone over three years of age).
Once on the pier, travelers gain access to lots of fun rides that are sure to entertain all ages.
Address: 2501 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550, United States
Admission: From $5 per person
Hours: Saturday, 12 PM to 9 PM, Sundays, 12 PM – 7 PM
Take A Tour Of Moody Mansion
Moody Mansion is a fun attraction in Galveston, spanning 28,000 square feet. It is a four-story building that was completed in 1895 and is open to the public for tours.
On a guided tour of the mansion, guests visit 20 rooms that give a sense of what life was like for a powerful family in Texas.
Address: 2618 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX 77550, United States
Admission: From $34
Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM, daily
Enjoy A Day At Moody Gardens
One of Galveston’s top attractions, Moody Gardens offers a unique blend of education and entertainment. Its three distinctive pyramid structures house an aquarium, a rainforest, and a discovery center, each offering a different adventure.
Visitors can marvel at the exotic animals in the Rainforest Pyramid, explore the aquatic life in the Aquarium Pyramid, or learn about science in the Discovery Pyramid. The complex also includes a 3D theater, a 4D theater, and a paddlewheel boat.
Address: 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554, United States
Hours: 10 am – 7 pm (daily)
Cost: Day pass: Adults (13-64) from $65; Seniors (65+) & Children (4-12): From $55
Spend Time At Galveston’s Beaches
Galveston is known for its gorgeous beaches and prime location on the Gulf Coast. Travelers visiting the city have so much more to explore beyond lounging on the beach, however, it’s not something to miss on a trip to Galveston. Here are some of the beaches in Galveston:
Babe’s Beach
Porretto Beach
Stewart Beach
Explore Bishop’s Palace
Bishop’s Palace is an impressive architectural work in Texas that spans 19,082 square feet. The Victorian structure also goes by the name Gresham’s Castle. The last tickets for tours are sold daily at 4:00 PM.
Address: 1402 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX 77550, United States
Admission: From $28
Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM, Daily
Delve Into History At The Galveston Railroad Museum
History buffs and locomotive enthusiasts will appreciate the rich history of the abandoned train car and related relics on Galveston Island. The Galveston Railroad Museum is located at 25th and Strand, accessible from the most popular areas of the city.
The museum was established in 1983 and works to restore, re-use, and appreciate historic facilities and train equipment. Parking is free when visitors pay for admission.
Address: 2602 Santa Fe Place, Galveston, TX 77550
Admission: From $12/adult
Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM, Daily
Explore The Strand Historic District
Located in the heart of Galveston, The Strand Historic District is a testament to the city’s rich past. This Victorian-era district was once known as the “Wall Street of the South” and has been beautifully preserved.
Today, visitors can wander through its charming streets, admiring the 19th-century architecture that houses a variety of unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Landmarks like The Grand 1894 Opera House and the Galveston Railroad Museum are also found here.
A visit to The Strand is like stepping back in time, making it a must-see for history buffs.
Address: 2100 Strand St, Galveston, TX 77550, United States
Hours: Open 24 hours (individual store hours may vary)
Go Hiking In Galveston Island State Park
Galveston Island State Park, located on the west end of the island, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The park spans both the beach and bay sides of the island, offering a variety of landscapes to explore.
Visitors can hike along the four miles of trails that wind through the coastal prairies, wetlands, and sand dunes, providing opportunities to spot local wildlife. For those who prefer water activities, the park also offers fishing, bird watching, and paddling.
Address: 14901 FM3005, Galveston, TX 77554, United States
Hours: Open daily from 7 am – 10 pm
Cost: Adults (13+): $5; Children (12 and under): Free
Ride The Galveston Island Ferry
Experience a unique perspective of Galveston by taking a trip on the Galveston Island Ferry. This ferry service, operated by the Texas Department of Transportation, offers a chance to see the city from the water, with views of the historic downtown, the Port of Galveston, and the vast Gulf of Mexico.
The ferry ride, which is free of charge, also provides an opportunity to spot dolphins and other marine life. The ferry operates 24 hours a day, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the ride at any time that suits them.
Address: 1000 Ferry Rd, Galveston, TX 77550, United States
Hours: 24 hours (daily)
Cost: Free
Stroll Along The Galveston Seawall
The Galveston Seawall, a 10-mile-long protective barrier built after the devastating 1900 hurricane, is now a popular spot for a leisurely stroll. The Seawall stretches from 6th to 89th Street and offers splendid views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Along the way, visitors can admire the many historic monuments, enjoy the sandy beaches, or stop by one of the numerous eateries and shops. The Seawall also hosts a stream of events and festivals throughout the year, adding to its appeal as a must-visit site in Galveston.
Address: Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX, United States
Hours: Open 24 hours (daily)
Cost: Free
Ride The Galveston Island Ferry
Experience a unique perspective of Galveston by taking a trip on the Galveston Island Ferry. This ferry service, operated by the Texas Department of Transportation, offers a chance to see the city from the water, with views of the historic downtown, the Port of Galveston, and the vast Gulf of Mexico.
The ferry ride, which is free of charge, also provides an opportunity to spot dolphins and other marine life. The ferry operates 24 hours a day, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the ride at any time that suits them.
Address: 1000 Ferry Rd, Galveston, TX 77550, United States
Hours: 24 hours (daily)
Cost: Free
Stroll Along The Galveston Seawall
The Galveston Seawall, a 10-mile-long protective barrier built after the devastating 1900 hurricane, is now a popular spot for a leisurely stroll. The Seawall stretches from 6th to 89th Street and offers splendid views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Along the way, visitors can admire the many historic monuments, enjoy the sandy beaches, or stop by one of the numerous eateries and shops. The Seawall also hosts a stream of events and festivals throughout the year, adding to its appeal as a must-visit site in Galveston.
Address: Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX, United States
Hours: Open 24 hours (daily)
Cost: Free
One of the first things to consider when planning a trip to Galveston, Texas, is the ideal time of year to visit. Timing will depend on what visitors want to do, and what they consider hot when it comes to summer temperatures.
Galveston is best enjoyed from October to November or March to May when the weather is pleasant but not sweltering hot. These “shoulder seasons” enable travelers to avoid dense summer crowds and skip the warmest days of the year, typically anywhere from 80ºF to 100ºF.
In the spring and fall, water temperatures are warm enough for swimming with average water temperatures of 71.6° F in the spring and 77° F in the fall. This makes for pleasant conditions for walking and exploring the city while still enjoying the waterfront and beaches to the fullest.
Winter can be a great time for budget travelers to visit Galveston to score hotel deals due to lower demand during this season. However, it is typically too cold to enjoy the beaches during the winter with water temperatures averaging around 60.8° F.
Travelers who don’t mind missing out on the water-based activities here can still have an exceptional experience in Galveston during the winter by dining at the many highly-rated restaurants or visiting some of the city’s top sights.
Best Ways To Get Around
For travelers with a valid driver’s license, the best way to get around Galveston is to rent a car. This option affords visitors the most freedom to explore all reaches of the island at any hour of the day.
However, travelers who prefer to ride public transit can make use of the Island Transit system serving Galveston Island.
This public transportation system services an area of roughly 25 square miles and has been operating for over 4 decades. The transit system is ultra-affordable to help travelers access the island easily.
Adult Fare: $1
Monthly Pass: $37.50
Children Under 6 (accompanied by an adult): Free
Where To Eat In Galveston
Galveston has lots of incredible food and excels in fresh seafood dishes given its location on the Gulf Coast. A can’t-miss event in Galveston for food lovers is the Wild Texas Galveston Island Shrimp Festival, which takes place in September.
Travelers who are visiting during this month can plan their trip around attending the epic celebration of shrimp and culinary excellence. There is a Shrimp Gumbo Cook-Off, a parade, a 5k fun run, and food samples.
Admission prices vary depending on the selection of events visitors want to participate in.
Festival Dates: September 22-23, 2023
Hosted By: Yaga’s Entertainment
Address: 2302 Strand Street Galveston, Texas 77550
Besides fun food festivals, Galveston has a great selection of restaurants, coffee shops, and bars to explore during a trip to this Texan island city.
From charming breakfast spots downtown to coastal bars, and dinner spots serving southern favorites, there’s something for everyone in Galveston.
Best restaurants for breakfast: The Sunflower Bakery & Café, The Gumbo Diner, IHOP, Mosquito Cafe, Waffle House #1260
Top eateries for lunch and dinner: Miller’s Seawall Grill, Rudy & Paco Restaurant and Bar, Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar, Gaido’s, Saltgrass Steak House
Best coffee shops: MOD Coffeehouse, Red Light Coffee Roasters, Go Nuts and Beans
Greatest bars: The Poop Deck, Daiquiri Time Out, The Old Cellar Bar, Tiki Bar
The ideal place to stay in Galveston is Downtown. This historic neighborhood is the heart of the island city and boasts beautiful architecture, shops, and more. Coined the Wall Street of the Southwest, its art galleries and businesses along the famous avenue, The Strand, are ideal for exploring on foot.
Galveston is fairly affordable, with a cost of living that is 4% below the national average. There are accommodation options in the city for every budget and travel style.
Luxury hotels:
The Tremont House, Galveston, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Address: 2300 Ships Mechanic Row, Galveston, TX 77550
Amenities: Fitness Center, Bar/Lounge, Free Toiletries
Hilton Galveston Island Resort
Address: 5400 Seawall Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77551
Amenities: Outdoor Pool, Beachfront, Restaurant
Mid-range accommodation:
Best Western Plus Galveston Suites
Address: 8502 Seawall Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77554
Amenities: Adults Only, Beachfront, Outdoor Pool
The Oleander Hotel, Galveston
Address: 520 20th St., Galveston, TX 77550
Amenities: Fitness Center, Terrace/Patio, Air conditioning
Budget accommodation:
TownePlace Suites By Marriott Galveston Island
Address: 9540 Seawall Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77554
Amenities: Outdoor Pool, Restaurant, Coffee Machine
Red Roof PLUS+ Galveston – Beachfront
Address: 3924 Avenue U, Galveston, TX 79761
Amenities: Outdoor Pool, Beachfront, Coffee Machine
