With a fascinating history and home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Texas, the island of Galveston, situated right on the Gulf of Mexico, is an excellent destination throughout the entire year.
Once among the wealthiest cities in the US, there’s still a remarkable Victorian-era heritage, from superb mansions such as the Bishop’s Palace to the architecture at Strand Historic District – with the iconic Grand 1894 Opera House, famous for surviving multiple storms since it was built.
Galveston prides itself on its traditions and culture, and rightly so, whether it is in the fresh local fish and shrimp at any of the city’s famous seafood restaurants; the incredible wildlife preserves, perfect for birdwatching; or even local ghost stories that persevere year after year.
But if you prefer some newer attractions, never fear; from birdwatching and beachcombing to go-karting and slingshot rides, there’s an endless supply of adventures that prove that this a modern paradise as much as a historical one.
There are so many amazing things to do in Galveston we can hardly wait to get started.
Are you ready? Let’s dive in!
1 – Ride the rollercoasters at Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Rides, food, you’ll find it all at the Pleasure Pier amusement park in Galveston.
Soar over the Gulf of Mexico in theme park staples like the Texas Flyer and Iron Shark Rollercoaster.
Immerse yourself in a 5D theater ride experience that will have you sailing the seven seas on a pirate ship or swimming alongside a prehistoric megalodon shark.
2 – Tour the island in classic style on the Galveston Island Trolley
The Galveston trolly is a super cheap, super fun way to get to see the city’s most important neighborhoods. The trolly runs on two distinct routes, with transfer stops available between each.
Seawall Route: The Galveston Seawall was built a century ago as a way to protect the island from vicious storms. The trolly runs along the 10-mile walk and is especially convenient for anyone staying at Moody Gardens, as it starts there and stops at Stewart Beach, one of the city’s best beaches.
Downtown Route: Transfer between the Seawall loop and the Downtown loop happens at 21st and Seawall, and from there you’ll be treated to a scenic view of the historic Strand district, including the Grand 1894 Opera House.
3 – Experience Victorian-era wealth at Bishop’s Palace
First home to politician and lawyer Walter Greshem and then to Galveston’s Roman Catholic Diocese, this multi-million dollar Victorian-style mansion is a national landmark.
For history lovers, this is one of the most important things to do in Galveston.
The self-guided tour costs practically nothing, but you may end up spending more than you expected in the basement, which has been transformed into a cool gift shop.
4 – Ride in an old train car at Galveston Railroad Museum
If trains are your thing, you’ll want to pay a visit to the Galveston Railroad Museum.
Their exhibits include over 40 train cars from throughout history, including passenger cars, locomotives, and freight cars.
They own and operate 4 acres of the rail yard and use it to offer regular train rides.
If you so choose, you can even spend a night in luxury on their 50s era Bonnie Brook passenger car, but it’ll cost you a pretty penny.
Once you’re done with the trains, head over to the Peoples Gallery, a collection of 31 plaster statues depicting life in the 1930s.
Each statue tells a piece of Galveston history and the part railroading played in it.
5 – Take a tour of the tree sculptures that were carved out of the wreckage of Hurricane Ike
Sometimes the deepest tragedies can birth the most incredible art.
Such is the case in Galveston, where even after Hurricane Ike caused so much destruction, local artists were able to transform the dead trees into beautiful sculptures throughout the island’s neighborhoods.
Using the provided roadmap to take a self-guided tour of these statues is definitely one of the best things to do in Galveston.
6 – Go dolphin watching on Galveston Bay
Dolphins are regularly spotted in Galveston Bay, and a dolphin watching tour is one of the cheapest and easiest things to do in Galveston.
Tours are seasonal and don’t take place during the winter, but once the weather turns warm, get ready to hit the water and spot dolphins, shipwrecks, beautiful birds, and other open water surprises.
7 – Fall in love with Strand Historic District
If East Beach is where the party happens on the water, Strand Historic District is where the land lovers go to have a good time.
Located in the heart of downtown Galveston, you’ll find restaurants, curio shops, and historic sites like the Grand 1894 Opera House.
During the summer, the streets are filled with revelers enjoying Mardi Gras, and when Christmas time hits, the Christmas on the Strand festival brings out locals dressed in Victorian garb.
Just a simple walk through this district will cross a number off of your travel bucket list.
8 – Find out why R.A. Apffel Beach Park is where locals go to party
RA Apffel Beach Park is the home of East Beach, which is party central in Galveston.
Unlike any other beach you’ve probably ever been to in the United States, it’s perfectly legal to drink alcohol out in the open here.
RA Apffel Beach Park is also a massive location that regularly holds festivals, and it has an active bird sanctuary and designated nature conservation area.
9 – Learn everything about the history of Texas at The Bryan Museum
Among the more than 70,000 unique pieces of Texana at The Bryan Museum, you’ll find a Moore’s Patent Front Loading Revolver and a Sharps Patent Four-Barrel Derringer.
These two classic firearms were the first items acquired by the collector and museum founder J.P. Bryan.
Along with native artifacts, rare documents in numerous languages, and of course, many more guns, you’ll get a one-of-a-kind look into the ways of the old west at The Bryan Museum.
10 – Spend a day fishing and learning at Seawolf Park
Seawolf Park is a great spot to spend the day if you’re looking for things to do in Galveston.
They have one of the best fishing piers in the area which also offers overnight fishing, plus they have picnic tables and allow bbq pits.
On top of that, the park houses one of the coolest museums in Galveston, the Galveston Naval Museum, which is made up of two war submarines from WWII, the USS Cavalla and the USS Stewart, as well as the remains of the gigantic S.S. Selma.
11 – See the gorgeous canals and preserves looked after by Laffite’s Cove Nature Society
If there’s one thing that can be said for sure about Galveston, it’s that it’s full of natural beauty.
Years of natural weather events combined with human efforts to protect the island have resulted in some of the most prosperous nature preserves and bird sanctuaries in the United States.
The Laffite’s Cove is yet another such area. While some areas are permanently closed off, much of the cove is open to the public for birdwatching and general exploration.
12 – Try and spot a ghost on an old city cemetery and ghost walking tour
Beneath the dirt of Broadway Cemetary in Galveston lies a gruesome collection of bodies, some stacked two or three two a single grave.
Among these decaying corpses are the hapless remains of four young children and their mother – who murdered them.
The true tale of “the demented mother” is just one of many bone-chilling stories you’ll learn about when you embark on a tour of the most haunted spots in Galveston, a city full of restless spirits.
13 – Cool off and splash around at Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston
Nothing beats the summer heat quite like the rides at a waterpark.
Galveston’s Schlitterbahn Waterpark has over 31 rides including relaxing rivers and cascading water slides (some of which definitely aren’t for the faint of heart).
Like any good theme park, it also features restaurants and souvenir shops galore, so there’s always something to do.
14 – Take a walk on the beach at Bolivar Flats Bird Sanctuary
Though it would probably give Alfred Hitchcock nightmares, Bolivar Flats is nonetheless a rare example of humankind influencing nature in a positive way.
Built as a Jetty to protect Galveston Bay in 1898, the diverted current caused a rich bed of sediments to naturally accumulate and give way for the creation of beach, salt lands, and vegetated dunes, which in turn provided an ideal breeding ground for a huge variety of birds and other wildlife.
People are encouraged to walk along the beaches and admire the animals from a distance, though venturing too far inward is discouraged; not only are there poisonous snakes and other dangers that may await those who are unprepared, but too much human interference could cause harm to hidden nests and local plant life.
15 – Learn about oil and gas at Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum
If you’ve ever wanted to learn about the inner workings of the oil and gas industry, here’s your chance.
The Ocean Star Museum is actually a real retired jack-up drilling rig.
The rig is open to the public and the museum’s exhibits are designed to be self-guided, so you’ll be able to learn about this fascinating industry at your own pace.
16 – Catch a glimpse of future sports stars in the making at Kermit Courville Stadium
You won’t find any major league matchups at Kermit Courville Stadium.
What you might find instead, if you’re there on the right day, is the team from Ball High School playing their hearts out.
You might spend a few dollars on a hot dog, chat with the local parents, make new friends, and maybe, just maybe, catch a glimpse of a future sports star in the making.
17 – Go for a thrill ride around Galveston Harbor in a jet boat
If you’re feeling hot, looking to cool off from the Texas sun but you don’t mind your clothes getting a little wet, why not hit the water for a jet boat ride?
If you head to the historic Pier 21, you’ll be able to join in on an exhilarating ride around Galveston Harbor and let an experienced guide zip you around with classic maneuvers like The Hamilton Spin.
18 – Learn the tragic tale of Moody Mansion
The tale of Moody Mansion is a sad one.
Against the wishes of her children, the widow of the original owner used her dead husband’s fortune to build the lavish estate atop the ashes of the more conservative home that they once shared.
The house that Narcissa lived alone in until the time of her death has a whopping 31 full rooms and five bathrooms.
Today, it houses a museum, a book shop, and is open to the public for group or self-guided tours as well as weddings and other events.
19 – Go birdwatching at Galveston Island State Park
If you’re looking to reconnect with nature, there are few spots better than Galveston Island State Park.
They’ve got bird-watching, fishing, hiking trails, campgrounds, and like any good park, picnic tables.
There’s also a beautiful beach, and there are even lodges available for rent fully stocked with amenities, including fireplaces.
The wildlife you’ll find on the island is extensive (everything from raccoons to armadillos calls these undeveloped lands home) but it’s particularly well-known for its bird population, with more than 300 species recorded over the years.
20 – Relax in the sun on some of the best beaches in Texas
Being an island, it’s no surprise that Galveston is home to quite a few sunny beaches. There are tons and tons of options, but we’ve narrowed down the most popular ones for you.
Babe’s Beach: Thanks to its key location, clean water, and picturesque sand, many agree that Babe’s Beach is the best beach in Galveston.
Located all along Galveston’s historic Seawall, Babe’s Beach is minutes away from hotels and delicious local restaurants like BLVD Seafood and Gaidos Seafood Restaurant.
Stewart Beach: With its shallow waters, sandcastle competitions, and volleyball courts, Stewart Beach is the beach to pick if you’re traveling with a family that includes small children. It was even named one of the “10 Best Beaches for Families” by Family Vacation Critic back in 2013.
Crystal Beach: Crystal Beach is unique because you can pitch a tent and spend a night camping right along the water. You could always bring your car, golf cart, or motorhome along the shoreline and enjoy your evening on the beach that way.
East Beach: If you ask the locals where to go for a great party, they’ll likely point you towards East Beach. During the day, it attracts nature lovers and bird watchers, as it’s surrounded by lush nature reserves.
But at night, the revelers come out to play, as it’s totally legal to openly drink alcohol right on the water. East Beach is also part of the larger R.A. Apfell Beach Park, which hosts huge festivals throughout the year.
21 – Show your kids the time of their lives at Galveston Children’s Museum
The Galveston Children’s Museum caters to its exhibits in order to nurture academic, social, and problem solving skills in kids.
Designed to be fun and engaging for people of all ages, their roster of workshops and events is definitely worth checking out if you’re traveling with a family and looking for things to do in Galveston.
22 – Find the freshest seafood in the state at Katie’s Seafood Market
The simple vision of a fisherman and his wife, Katie’s Seafood Market has evolved over the last two decades into one of Texas’ best fresh seafood markets.
Experience the sheer joy of cooking with fresh red snapper, blue crabs, and of course, shrimp.
Even if you miss your chance to get down there in person, Katie’s Seafood Market delivers! Don’t miss out on their one-of-a-kind offerings.
23 – Cruise by key spots in comfort on a segway tour
Galveston is actually one of the best places in the world to take a segway tour, as the neighborhoods are almost deliberately designed to be explored in sequence.
Ride in comfort as you pass by the local tree sculptures and shiver at its most haunted spots.
You can even decide whether or not you’d like to tour with an experienced guide or take things more leisurely on a self-guided tour.
24 – Find easy transport on and off the island at Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry
Travel between Galveston Island and the Texas mainland couldn’t be easier with the Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry, which runs 24 hours a day 7 days a week, and is absolutely free to use.
Depending on traffic volumes, additional ferries are sometimes put into circulation to avoid long wait times.
This is definitely one of the more relaxing and scenic ways to access Galveston.
25 – See Fort San Jacinto and 199 other historical markers on the island
A lone marker and the concrete base of a 90-mm gun emplacement are all that remain of over two centuries of forts built by multiple different armies in attempts to defend Galveston island at Fort San Jacinto.
First attempted by the French and the Spanish, and then numerous times by Texas’ own residents, Fort San Jacinto was finally decommissioned for good in 1959.
There are 199 other historical markers just like this one scattered throughout Galveston Island. A fun little vacation bucket list item for history buffs!
26 – See real WWII battle ships at Galveston Naval Museum
Renamed from The American Undersea Warfare Center in 2018, The Galveston Naval Museum continues its mission to educate all generations of Americans about the fascinating history behind the navy’s war vessels and the sacrifices made by its brave men and women.
Overseen by the Cavalla Historical Foundation, the museum is made of two fully maintained WWII battle ships: the SS Stewart destroyer escort and the SS Cavalla submarine.
It also features the remains of the S.S. Selma, the largest concrete tanker ship ever constructed.
27 – Play a game of life-sized chess at Saengerfest Park
Fancy yourself a chess player? Saengerfest Park features a full-sized, fully playable chess set on its grounds.
Experience this timeless game like never before. If that isn’t quirky enough for you, they’ve also got an extra large compass that can be used as a seat and an old-fashioned phone booth on display.
On the more traditional side of things, they have a decent-sized stage that’s used for year-round concerts and movies, and the park hosts a number of big name festivals including Mardi Gras.
28 – Ride a bike along the Galveston seawall
The Galveston Seawall was originally built to protect the island and its inhabitants from the angry storms that often intruded on their lives.
It’s been expanded multiple times over the years, and today it extends a full 10 miles, making it great for a bike ride on a sunny day.
You’ll probably want to stop at one of the numerous beaches along the way.
Come dinner time, if you’re hungry and you’re looking for something close by, you’ll quickly be able to spot local staples like BLVD Seafood and Gaidos Seafood Restaurant.
Comfortable accommodations like Hotel Galvez and Galveston island Hilton Resort are never too far away either.
29 – See the tall ship Elissa at Galveston Historic Seaport
The tall ship Elissa is one of the oldest ships that currently sits on the water, dating all the way back to the year 1877.
The ship was transported to Galveston all the way from a scrapyard in Greece in 1978, and its insides have been remade into a full maritime museum.
The ship is only one of three of its kind in the world that are still active.
You’ll find this one-of-a-kind look into maritime history docked permanently at Galveston Historic Seaport in Texas.
30 – Taste the official beer of Galveston right from the source at Galveston Island Brewing
Just a block away from a sunny beach, you’ll find the home of TIKI Wheat, the official beer of Galveston, along with a huge selection of other homebrews.
Galveston Island Brewing is one of the best breweries in Texas, making it a definite must-visit for those traveling alone or with a group of adults.
And don’t miss out on some of the other local hotspots!
Try Belgian and American varieties at Devil and the Deep Brewery, or enjoy the homemade concoctions and excellent views at Beerfoot Brewery.
31 – Soak up the range of culture at the Galveston Arts Center
The Galveston Arts Center is the place to be if you’re looking for the latest in contemporary art from Galveston as well as the surrounding counties stretching all the way between Houston, Corpus Christi, and Beaumont.
On top of their own regularly updated calendar of events and exhibitions, they also work in collaboration with local art studios, galleries, nonprofits, and businesses to put on an art walk every 6 to 8 weeks that’s free to the public and showcases local talent.
32 – Get a taste of Texas at Galveston’s Own Farmers Market
If you’re looking to get a taste of Texas, you’ll want to stop by Galveston’s Own Farmers Market and sample some of the local produce.
Pop into Angie’s Garden for some craft tea blends, head to Local Roast Co. for some hand roasted coffee, and don’t forget to pick up some delicious baked goods from Muffin Tops Catering.
33 – Play some basketball at Wright Cuney Recreation Center
The Wright Cuney Recreation Center is a great place to stop if you’re looking to blow off a little steam, or if you’re traveling with restless kids.
They’ve got a full gym, a basketball court, a splash pad, and a playground. They also offer bingo, zumba, youth basketball, and other community activities.
34 – Solve puzzles and unlock Galveston’s mysteries with a scavenger game
It’s hard to think of a more entertaining way of getting to know a new city than by solving puzzles that take you from one key location to the next.
There’s so much to see in Galveston, like Moody Mansion or the beautiful tree sculptures sprinkled throughout the neighborhoods.
Don’t miss your chance to solve the city’s mysteries and unlock its hidden treasures.
35 – See why Pelican Island is one of Galveston’s best tourist spots
Pelican Island is the proverbial mountain out of a mole hill you’ve been waiting for.
What started as a small sand dune two centuries ago is now a one stop tourist spot with major attractions like Seawolf Park, Galveston Naval Museum and Texas A&M Galveston.
If you’re looking for things to do in Galveston but you’re not sure where to start, you’re guaranteed to find something fun and interesting on Pelican Island.
36 – Play some miniature golf at Magic Carpet Golf
What family vacation is complete without a round of mini-golf?
Magic Carpet Golf on Seawall Boulevard has two full 18-hole miniature golf courses full of the fun twists and turns the game is so famous for.
Magic Carpet Golf is open seven days a week all year round.
37 – Spend a day riding driving go-karts and fighting zombies at Galveston Go Karts And Fun Center
Who doesn’t love to go karting? Galveston Go-Karts and Fun Center is open seven days a week (and later on weekends) and they offer great deals for groups.
Even if you’re not into go-karting, you may still find something to do at Galveston Go-Karts and Fun Center.
They have an axe throwing range and an arcade, plus some seriously impressive virtual reality attractions: a zombie shoot-em-up arena game for up to four players, and a full-on virtual reality rollercoaster!
38 – Get ready for the ride of your life at Galveston Slingshot Rentals
If you happen to find yourself in Texas and you’ve got a couple of hundred bucks burning a hole in your pocket, renting a slingshot for a couple of hours and going for a joyride is one of the best things to do in Galveston.
These three-wheeled monsters are the halfway point between a motorcycle and a car, and even though their top speed of 125 mph may seem low, you’ll still be in for the ride of a lifetime.
39 – Go fishing on Galveston’s 61st Street Fishing Pier
Galveston’s 61st Street Fishing Pier is a gorgeous little spot to visit, even if you’re not planning on casting your line into the waters and hoping for a bite.
The Gulf of Mexico is beautiful just to look at, and a walk along the pier can be awfully romantic.
If you are looking to do some fishing but have no experience and no rod, they sell or rent all the equipment you’ll need right on the spot.
40 – Go for a private beach trail ride at Galveston Island Horse and Pony Rides
For a lot of people, when you think Texas, you think horses, so booking a horse or pony ride is a bit of a no-brainer when you’re looking for things to do in Galveston.
Galveston Horse and Pony Rides live up to the hype with their guided beach trail rides and private sunset rides.
The trail includes stops along East Beach and the surrounding nature preserves, so expect to see sea turtle and seabird nesting areas, and possibly even dolphins along the way!
41 – Visit the centuries old bunker at Fort Travis Seashore Park
A fortified bunker system that has stood for centuries now serves as an all-purpose public park, complete with picnic tables and campgrounds.
Historical markers placed at strategic entrance spots help to further illustrate the fort’s historical significance.
There are 199 other historical markers like this one for history buffs to discover on the island of Galveston.
42 – Taste decades of flavourful tradition at Gaidos Seafood Restaurant
Gaidos is a family-owned seafood restaurant that dates back over a century.
They’re dedicated to bringing in only the freshest local ingredients every day to provide the very best in southern deep-frying, Southwest open-flame grilling, and Creole cooking, just like San Giacinto Gaido did when he founded it.
43 – Visit East End Lagoon Nature Preserve
Yet another must-see attraction for nature lovers, the East End Lagoon has been a go-to spot for locals for decades. In fact, it was once the go-to party spot for the whole city.
Today, the whole area – which covers more than 700 acres – is a fertile mixture of beach, wetlands, marsh, and other habitat types that are perfect for endangered birds and other species to thrive in.
44 – Spend the day exploring Moody Gardens, or stay the night!
Moody Gardens is an ever-expanding educational and leisure facility that includes pretty much anything you can imagine.
To give you an idea of its sheer scope, aside from its hotels and spas and other relaxation treatment centers, there are three full-sized pyramids. They’re very hard to miss.
Inside the Rainforest Pyramid, you’ll find more than 1,700 exotic plants and animals from rainforests all over the world.
The Aquarium Pyramid contains 1.5 million gallons of jellyfish, penguins, seals, sharks, and other ocean critters.
And the Discovery Pyramid lives up to its name with all kinds of exhibits that showcase the crossroads between art, science, and nature.
If you book a vacation at Moody Gardens, you won’t need to spend much time looking for other things to do in Galveston.
45 – Watch the cruise ships depart from Port of Galveston
Port of Galveston is the fourth most popular port in the entire United States, so you can bet it’s a sight to behold.
Millions of tons and billions of dollars in cargo move in and out of it every year. It’s also the departure point for many a magical cruise line, including some of the Disney variety.
46 – See why The Grand 1894 Opera House is the official opera house of the state of Texas
The Grand 1894 Opera House has more than earned its reputation as the official opera house of the state of Texas by surviving multiple storms – including two hurricanes.
As its name would imply, it was built all the way back in 1894, and to this day remains one of the most important cultural hubs in the entire city.
Renowned singers along with music and theatre groups from all over the world continue to make The Grand a key touring stop, so you might want to consider it as well.
47 – Check out the local golf scene
There’s nothing like a couple rounds of golf to liven up a vacation, and luckily, Galveston has some unique venues to choose from!
Swing by Galveston Country Club, home to some of the oldest and most respected putting palaces in the state.
Or hit the gorgeous links at Moody Gardens Golf Course, ranked fourth out of all the greens in Texas.
Around here, tee time is all the time!
48 – See the beaches from the sky on a helicopter tour
As an island city on the Gulf of Mexico, one of the best things to do in Galveston is to see it from the air.
Booking a helicopter tour in Galveston couldn’t be easier, and you’ll get a wonderful view of the beachfront and local wildlife preserves.
Don’t forget to bring your camera in case you spot a rare animal in the water!
49 – Spook yourself at Haunted Mayfield Manor
Sure, there are plenty of cool historic residences in town… but how many come with their own pack of ghosts?
At Haunted Mayfield Manor, you can enjoy a wonderfully frightful journey through the mansion of the eccentric (fictional) local Dr. Mayfield,
Keep an eye out for skeletons, ghouls, demons, and any other number of eerie phenomena, as you explore every nerve-wracking nook and creepy cranny of the mad doctor’s residence.
Being scared has never been so fun!
50 – Sample the goods at Texas Tail Distillery
If you’re looking for something a little stronger to sip during your visit, there are few better stops than Texas Tail Distillery!
Founded in 2010, this homegrown enterprise is the place to go for some truly local spirits that pack a Texas-sized punch!
Choose between Coastline Whiskey or Texas Tail Vodka (or both!), and enjoy some smooth, marvelous flavors brewed by the experts.
51 – Take in the sights from the rooftop bar at Stuttgarden Tavern
At Stuttgarden Tavern, you’ll always find a seat. Not only that, and if you find your way to the rooftop bar, you can enjoy your brew with a magnificent view of the cruise ships coming and going along the Gulf of Mexico.
Down below, you’ll find pool, shuffleboard, darts, classic video games, and if you’re lucky, you might even be there on a live music night.
They even have a dog-friendly patio, so you don’t need to worry about leaving your pup at home!
52 – Spend a night at Hotel Galvez (if you aren’t too scared!)
If you’re looking for luxury, you’ll find it at one of the oldest and most trusted beachfront hotels in Texas, you’ll find it at Hotel Galvez.
They’ve got everything you could ask for: a gorgeous view of the beach from your room, magnificent spa facilities, fantastic food, and of course, all of the furnishings necessary for weddings and other events.
They also allegedly have one thing you may not have asked for – ghosts! According to local lore, Hotel Galvez is said to be home to dozens of spirits who were never able to move on from this plane. The hotel plays this up, and they offer tours of the building’s most haunted spots.
Whether or not you’ll actually see the “Love Lorn Lady,” Sister Katherine, or any of the phantom children is anyone’s guess, but you’ll probably be sleeping with the lights on later on either way. Good thing the beds at Hotel Galvez are comfy!
53 – Enjoy a drink or two at the best bars in town
After a full day of exploring Galveston, you may be looking to sit back and relax with a pint.
Stop by O’Malley’s Stage Door, located in the Strand Historic District, for a friendly atmosphere, a tasty sandwich, and a delicious cold brew to wash it down – they have over 100 of them available!
This classic Irish-style pub is a staple of the downtown area and it’s only minutes from one of the city’s most famous buildings, the Grand 1894 Opera House.
You can also enjoy sip your beverage of choice while looking out over the water at The Spot, or pair your drink with some spectacular Latin American cuisine at Rudy & Paco Restaurant and Bar.
Don’t forget to sample the craft options at Brews Brothers, or head to the top of the gorgeous Tremont House Hotel and enjoy some wine at the aptly named Rooftop Bar, which offers great panoramas of the city.
How to get to Galveston?
If you’re flying into the area, the nearby metropolis of Houston has two excellent airports to choose from: George Bush Airport, and WIlliam P. Hobby Airport.
Get your vacation started right with an airport transfer, which will pick you up from either of these spots and whisk you away to your hotel, or directly to the Port of Galveston… a perfect option if you’re going on a cruise!
Where to stay in Galveston?
Just up the road from Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn, Casa Del Mar is a great home base for adventures all over town – you can even catch the Galveston Island Trolley right outside the door!
Or enjoy the historical aesthetics and modern service of Schaefer Haus Mansion, where you can return from a day of beachcombing or sightseeing and enjoy gorgeous rooms that feel like a step back in time!
Moody Gardens Hotel Spa and Convention Center provides its own version of paradise, with multiple pools, fine dining, 242 acres of greenery, and even its own 3D theater!
And at Hilton Galveston Island Resort, you can go for a swim, squeeze in a workout, enjoy some cocktails at the poolside bar, or even pick up a keepsake from the on-site gift shop.
Meanwhile, Beachfront Palms Hotel prioritizes the fun and the sun, with plenty of palm trees and outdoor seating to help you maximize the gorgeous Gulf weather.
Where to go next?
When you’re finally ready to tear yourself away from the water, you’ll have an abundance of awesome things to do in Texas to try!
From big cities to wide-open spaces, world-class museums to thrilling amusement parks, modern art to cowboy culture, the Lone Star State wears its individuality on its sleeve, making it the perfect place for endless adventures.
Houston is a fast-growing gem, packed with eclectic art, great shopping and dining, and even rockets!
And San Antonio provides a great mixture of culture and schlock, with fun-filled amusement parks, a gorgeous riverwalk, and some truly phenomenal public parks… oh, and the Alamo!
Austin has maintained its reputation for weirdness over the years, but the capital also offers plenty of great tunes, scrumptious eats, and gorgeous natural scenery to pair with its funkiest offerings.
And if you still haven’t gotten enough of the beach, head over to Corpus Christi, where windsurfing, kayaking, and encounters with pelicans to sea turtles are all on the itinerary.
Final thoughts
Texas may not immediately spring to mind as a coastal getaway destination, but once you’ve tried the fabulous things to do in Galveston, you may just change your perspective!
It’s the perfect place to get a little hedonistic, with its many bars and beaches; but its antique buildings and fascinating culture offer a whole other dimension to the place.
So what are you waiting for? Head on over to the shore!