Things to Do in Galveston
Galveston is packed with attractions that keep me coming back again and again (it's one of the easiest beach trips for my from our house in Austin and I've already spent 2 weeks here). From its historic Strand District and fascinating museums to family favorites like Moody Gardens and the Pleasure Pier, there’s always something new to discover.
Short on time? Here are my absolute favorite things to do in Galveston in one weekend:
- Walk or bike along the 10-mile Seawall promenade (its one of the longest continuous sidewalks in the U.S.!)
- Relax on Stewart Beach
- Grab a treat at Ben & Jerry’s Seawall shop for a break from the sun
- Take a ride on the Pleasure Pier amusement park
- Enjoy a casual lunch at Fish Tales. Grab a balcony seat facing the beach!
- Catch the golden hour from the Murdoch’s Pier gift shop and deck. Occasionaly there is a rainbow!
- Stay at 4-star Hotel Galvez and Spa or The 4-star Tremont House with easy access to the island’s highlights.
- Go for a ride on the FREE Galveston - Port Bolivar Ferry for some fun on the water.
- Spend an afternoon in The Strand Historic District.
1. Seawall Urban Park
Seawall Urban Park in Galveston feels like the Gulf Coast at its most vibrant and is my absolute best thing to do as soon as I reach Galveston. Stretching for miles along the shoreline, it’s both a scenic walkway and the heartbeat of the island. Here, the rhythm is set by the waves, the sea breeze, and the blend of locals and visitors strolling, cycling, or just pausing to take in the horizon.
Seawall Urban Park is both laid-back and lively. Families spread out on the sand, fishermen cast their lines, and couples lean into the railing watching the pelicans dive.
If we arrive late in the day, my personal highlight is having dinner at Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant and then going for a 30 minute stroll along Seawall Urban Park. Try the Gulf Red Snapper, perfectly fresh and simply prepared, or the shrimp platter.
2. Galveston - Port Bolivar Ferry
The Galveston–Port Bolivar Ferry is both a practical link and a small adventure in itself. I love it and can't wait to go back and ride it again! Operated by the Texas Department of Transportation, it’s completely FREE (a rare thing these days!). It runs year-round, carrying cars, bikes, and walk-on passengers across the Gulf waters between Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula.
On deck, the salt air whips through your hair, dolphins often leap in the distance, and the broad horizon feels endless. It’s a brief 20-minute crossing and you need to go! It doesn't get any better than free and that's why it's my top pick for best things to do in Galveston!
My son loved standing at the railing, spotting pelicans. Port Bolivar, is quieter, more open, with beaches and birding spots just minutes from the ferry dock. It’s a quick easy afternoon trip.
After our ferry ride we had a casual seafood lunch at Stingaree Restaurant & Marina on the peninsula which was a highlight for me personally because I was starving! The blackened flounder ($24) was my pick, while my son had fried shrimp ($18). Both came with a view of the Intracoastal Waterway.
My personal highlight is Fort Travis Seashore Park, a cool and important historic site to check out before heading back.
3. 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA
I adore the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA. I think it's one of the best things to do in Galveston and a true historic gem. Why? Because it feels like stepping into another century. Moored at Galveston’s waterfront as part of the Texas Seaport Museum, she’s one of the few surviving tall ships still actively sailed. Walking on her decks for an hour, the creak of the wood, the towering rigging, and the scent of the salt air all combine to transport you back to the golden age of sail.
What struck me most was the authenticity. This isn’t a replica — ELISSA is the real deal, restored with incredible care and still seaworthy that completely won me over. You can explore her main deck, my personal highlight, peek into the captain’s quarters, and imagine life at sea in the late 19th century. The museum next door adds context, telling the story of Galveston as a bustling port of immigration and trade.
4. Bishop's Palace
Bishop’s Palace, also known as the Gresham House, is one of Galveston’s most striking landmarks and one of the best castles in Texas. I found it to be an exciting place to explore because it was built in the late 1800s in Victorian style and is a masterpiece of stonework, woodwork, and stained glass, a living testament to the island’s Gilded Age wealth and resilience.
Inside, the attention to detail is incredible: carved mahogany staircases, intricate fireplaces, and vibrant stained-glass windows casting colored light across polished floors. My personal highlight is is imagining the family who lived here, hosting grand gatherings while Gulf breezes drifted through open windows. The sheer craftsmanship makes you slow down and take it all in.
It’s one of those places where the past doesn’t just sit on display...it surrounds you and that's why it tops my list of best things to do in Galveston.
We paired our visit with lunch nearby at Sunflower Bakery & Café, where I had the shrimp salad sandwich ($15) and my son went for the chicken quesadilla ($13). Both were fresh and unfussy, a nice contrast to the palace’s rich detail. It felt like the perfect Galveston day: history, architecture, and a relaxed meal just around the corner.
5. Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark
If you are in Galveston in the summer with kids, Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark is a must! It’s packed with rides, rivers, and pools — but also has shaded spots, cabanas, and a family-friendly vibe that makes it easy to spend a whole day without feeling rushed.
The highlight for me was the Massiv Monster Blaster, one of the world’s tallest water coasters — a mix of twists, drops, and splashes that left us laughing the whole way down. My son an hour in the the wave pool and he enjoyed the Torrent River, a fast-moving lazy river that loops the park with surprising energy. Between rides, we found ourselves lingering in the shade with Dippin’ Dots and sodas, the sound of splashing and laughter all around us.
What stood out most was how family-oriented it felt. Lifeguards were attentive, the lines moved quickly, and there was something for every age.
6. The Strand Historic District
The Strand Historic District is the heart of Galveston. It's super close to the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA so you have to check it out before or after! What struck me most was the variety. One moment you’re stepping into a candy shop with barrels of saltwater taffy, the next you’re browsing art galleries or sipping coffee at a sidewalk café.
The district has a rhythm all its own — lively during festivals, relaxed in the afternoons, and glowing under string lights after sunset. It’s walkable, welcoming, and packed with hidden corners to discover. My highlights here are La King’s Confectionery, Galveston Railroad Museum, Riondo’s Ristorante and going on a horse-drawn carriage ride for an old-fashioned tour of the streets.
7. Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum
The Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum is unlike any other museum I’ve visited, ever, because you’re not just walking through exhibits, you’re stepping onto a retired offshore drilling rig. Permanently docked at Galveston’s Pier 19, the Ocean Star gives a rare, up-close look at an industry that usually feels hidden far out atsea.
From the massive drill floor to the towering derrick, everything feels larger than life, reminding you of the engineering feats required to tap into oil beneath the ocean. The exhibits break it down into something approachable, with models, equipment, and even a seismic “theater” that explains how companies find oil beneath the seabed.
Standing on deck, with the Gulf breeze blowing and ships passing by in the harbor, it’s a fascinating perspective, both educational and surprisingly scenic! That's why it's one of my favorite places to visit in Galveston.
We capped our visit with dinner at Fisherman’s Wharf, just steps from the museum. I ordered the grilled mahi-mahi ($28), while my son enjoyed the fried shrimp basket ($17). Watching the sunset over the harbor as we ate felt like the perfect bookend to a day spent exploring the sea’s connection to Galveston.
8. Moody Gardens
Moody Gardens felt like three adventures in one. Known for its iconic glass pyramids rising against the island skyline, yes, it's the best place in town for garden lovers. But it also blends entertainment, education, and nature in a way that’s both family-friendly and surprisingly immersive.
Whether you’re wandering through a rainforest filled with exotic plants and free-flying birds, watching penguins dive at the aquarium, or leaning back in a giant-screen 3D theater, the experience feels both playful and eye-opening, a true highlight of a weekend or day trip to Galveston.
9. Galveston Naval Museum
The Galveston Naval Museum is the best place to learn about historic World War II vessels during a tour led by a museum guide or a self-guided tour of The USS Stewart and the USS Cavalla.
10. East End Historic District
If you want to step back in time, the East End Historic District is one of the best spots to do so and that's why this incredible area has been designated a National Historic Landmark that covers 50 city blocks!
11. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
For year-round entertainment and fun on the waterfront, the best place to go is the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier...enjoy midway games, rides, retail shops, and several different dining options.
Conclusion
Here you go! My favorite things to do in Galveston, whether you have a just a day or a week and I'm still finding new favorites every time I visit. I hope that you'll enjoy this awesome beach getaway as much as I do.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
