Vacation In Galveston Island
Traveling to Galveston Island is more affordable than you may think. Whether you’re looking for a tropical getaway or an idyllic retreat, Galveston offers a premium experience at a price that won’t break the bank. With dozens of charming beachfront properties and private cottages, A Rental Tx Realty makes it easy to experience the magnificence and glory of Galveston Island on an affordable budget. From fun-filled family vacations to beachfront honeymoons – these vacation rentals have something for everyone .
Enjoy your holidays in Galveston Island, a surge of tourists come to this island each year for tourism due to its location and to experience the great climate it has, you can visit many places here like Sea-Arama park, Pleasure Pier etc. The best thing about the Island is that it’s a home for various entertainment activities and other fun filled events.
Galveston Island is a beautiful place that you must visit at least once in your lifetime. It is the best place if you are looking for a family vacation and want to relax.
Galveston Island is a long barrier island along the Gulf of Mexico in the U.S. state of Texas. The entire middle of the island is privately owned by the Galveston Island State Park Board, except for a few private land holdings/vacation homes along the west end of the island and small family homesteads throughout and along the east end’s canals. The state park board has placed preservation restrictions on all land under their control that prohibits any and all development, which has guaranteed protection for the natural beauty of this barrier island for future generations to come.
Galveston Island, an entertaining tourist destination which offers a lot of activities and entertainsments to the tourists with her magnificent views and exciting rides.Galveston is famous for its soothing sandbar beaches, carefully kept parks and gardens showing well-preserved examples of early 20th-century architecture. GAS – Galveston Island Shuffleboard Courts & Activities Center is the place to visit at Galveston which provides a chance to learn and play shuffleboard with no registration fee required.
The beautiful beaches and historic downtown of Galveston, less than an hour from Houston, make this a year-round destination for Texans and tourists.
For much of the 19th century, Galveston was the largest and wealthiest town in the state, and for a brief period, it was even the capital of the Republic of Texas. The splendor of the period can still be seen in the historic buildings and handsome mansions.
In the heart of downtown, the Strand Historic District preserves many original façades, now home to restaurants, cafés, galleries, and shops. Among the many repurposed buildings are original old Galveston charms like the Star Drugstore, the oldest drugstore in Texas, and the first desegregated lunch counter in Galveston, where locals still gather for breakfast or lunch.
While many people, particularly in summer, come primarily to lounge on the beaches, Galveston also offers a wealth of other things to do, from sightseeing on the Galveston Trolley, bird-watching, fishing, and water sports to exploring museums and enjoying wonderful dining.
For more ideas on how to spend your time, see our list of top attractions and things to do in Galveston.
See also: Where to Stay in Galveston
Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues.
1. Galveston’s Beaches
Turquoise water laps at the seemingly endless stretch of soft sand that fronts the ocean and draws crowds of people here from spring until fall. The Seawall runs for more than 10 miles along the beach, offering plenty of room to find your own patch of sand and space to play in the shallow and often calm water.
Several washroom facilities are located along here at various intervals, and behind the beach are restaurants, shops, and hotels. At the heart of the action along here is Pleasure Pier.
One of the most popular beaches, near the east end of the island, is Stewart Beach. At this family-friendly beach, you’ll find showers and restrooms, chair and umbrella rentals, a children’s playground, concessions, and a lifeguard.
If you are looking for more nature and activity, head west to Galveston Island State Park, where you can go walking along the boardwalks, kayaking through the bayou, and bird-watching on either the bay or ocean side.
2. The Strand Historic District
The Strand Historic District in Galveston – also known simply as the Strand – is a National Historic Landmark District consisting mainly of Victorian-era buildings, many of which survived the Great Storm of 1900. Now housing numerous restaurants, cafés, galleries, and antique stores, it’s a pleasant place for a little sightseeing, shopping, and dining.
The district stretches all the way down to the busy wharf area, with its old restored warehouses, and is home to many of Galveston’s most important tourist attractions. Also in this area, you’ll find Pier 19, with the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum, the nearby Texas Seaport Museum, and places to eat overlooking the water.
Be sure to stop in at the Pier 21 Theater to watch The Great Storm, a film on the 1900 Hurricane that hit Galveston and changed it forever.
The Strand is also home to an eclectic mix of retail and dining, from old-fashioned candy stores, like LA King’s Confectionery, where you can watch taffy-making demonstrations, to more upscale restaurants, like the long-running Rudy and Paco, next door to The Grand 1894 Opera House, or the more modern Vargas Cut and Catch across the street.
3. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
The most prominent feature along the Seawall is Pleasure Pier. Jutting out into the ocean like a carnival on stilts, the pier’s roller coasters and colorful structures can be seen from well off in the distance along the beachfront.
Opened in 2012, this 1,130-foot-long pier – built on the site of its predecessor, which was destroyed by a hurricane in 1961 – boasts numerous fun rides suitable for all ages, as well as games and activities, and a restaurant.
If you are visiting Galveston with kids, this is a great family thing to do and a fun way to spend some time. The Pleasure Pier is open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and on weekends during the winter.
Address: 2501 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, Texas
Official Site: www.pleasurepier.com
4. Dolphin Sightseeing Tour
Playful dolphins frequent the Gulf of Mexico waters around Galveston, which is why Galveston Dolphin Sightseeing Tours are popular for visitors to the island. The guided trip takes you on a one-hour narrated boat tour that departs from the harbor at Pier 21 to look for pods of dolphins.
The sightseeing trip is nice for visitors, since the guides also share information about the ecology and marine wildlife around Galveston Island. The covered boat makes for a comfortable trip out on waters that are prime for seeing dolphins. They generally jump alongside the boat.
The trip runs seasonally from March through October, when the water conditions are best for dolphins. Tour times range throughout the day, so you can select a morning, afternoon, or evening time to fit your schedule.
Address: Pier 21, Galveston, Texas
5. Galveston Naval Museum
The Galveston Naval Museum at Seawolf Park on Pelican Island is one of Galveston’s most spectacular treasures. With the USS Cavalla WWII submarine and the USS Stewart WWII warship, the small museum and memorial park are a must-visit.
This is a great place to visit if you have a couple of hours to kill or are waiting for a cruise ship. There is a wealth of American history in one location and the opportunity to step foot on two preserved vessels that played an important part in WWII.
The USS Cavalla is a World War II submarine that sank IJN aircraft carrier Shokaku, which was involved in the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Step onboard and descend into the tiny corridors to see how sailors lived and worked during wartime.
Having the rare experience of walking through the submarine galleys, bunk areas, and operational rooms gives new respect and perspective for the service members who called the USS Cavalla home for many months at a time.
The USS Stewart was originally used as a training ship for young officers. The ship escorted three serving U.S. presidents during its time in service.
Visitors can walk through the ship to see the large artillery up close and experience how the sailors lived on board. On Saturdays, docents are available on-site for additional information.
Address: 6341 Stewart Road#249, Galveston, Texas
Official site: https://galvestonnavalmuseum.com/
6. 1892 Bishop’s Palace
Built as a private residence, the Bishop’s Palace, also referred to as Gresham’s Castle, is often described as one of the most significant Victorian mansions in America. It was completed in 1893 after seven years of construction.
Highlights include its castle-like exterior, complete with turrets and towers and sculpted granite, limestone, and sandstone. The grand interior displays elaborate carved woodwork, high ceilings, stained glass windows, fireplaces, and fine furnishings.
Now a National Historic Landmark and museum, the home is open for tours. For a more in-depth visit that takes you literally from the attic to the basement, book in for a specialized tour that takes place only on Saturday mornings.
Address: 1402 Broadway Street, Galveston, Texas
Official site: www.galvestonhistory.org/attractions/architectural-heritage/bishops-palace
7. Moody Gardens and Aquarium Pyramid
Moody Gardens is a huge complex with things to do for the whole family. It can easily be an all day outing, or you can target just one of the many attractions here and spend a few hours. The most dominant features are the three glass pyramids.
The main attraction for many people is a visit to the Aquarium Pyramid. This huge aquarium showcases the marine life of the Pacific, the Antarctic, the Great Barrier Reef, the Coral Sea, and the Caribbean. Some of the highlights are the underwater tunnel, touch tanks, and the giant river otters and the penguins, both of which are part of the animal encounter programs.
The Rainforest Pyramid is home to flora and fauna from the tropics, including free-roaming monkeys and sloths, birds, and fish. A boardwalk at canopy level takes you right through the heart of the rainforest. The aptly named Discovery Pyramid focuses on science and offers a range of displays.