Galveston: Beach Fun, Historic Charm & Gulf Coast Getaways

With ten miles of the nation’s longest continuous sidewalk, plenty of beach side entertainment, and a plethora of restaurants, resorts, and beach side attractions, the Seawall Urban Park is one of top Galveston attractions and guaranteed fun for the entire family. Whether visitors like to splash in the water, sunbathe, go for a walk or jog, or people watch, a sunny beachside is the best place to do it.

Away from the water, visitors can shop for souvenirs at the beachside shops or relish in a fresh seafood meal. The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier amusement park is packed with rollercoasters that soar over the Gulf of Mexico, carousels to take the little ones on a ride, and other exciting attractions.

Until 1929, the only link between Galveston Island and the mainland was the skiff, The Tarpon, and later, two barges. The ferry, when it started taking people back and forth in 1929 was toll-free, but it was so popular that a fee had to be imposed. Today, free again, the Galveston - Port Bolivar Ferry takes more than eight million travelers between Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula every year.

While one vessel operates 24 hours a day, up to six ferries can be added if there is need. The ferry bridges two parts of State Highway 87, the only highway that goes around Galveston Bay. The ferry is the only way for motorists to cross the water between Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula.

502 Ferry Road, Galveston, Galveston Island, TX, United States, 361-749-2850

Recommended Activities for Families

ELISSA, a three-mast sailing vessel, is one of the world’s oldest sailing hulls still in operation and one of the best things to do in Galveston, Texas. ELISSA has a rich history as a merchant vessel, and it was launched in 1877 from Aberdeen, Scotland – she’s also sailed under Norwegian, Finnish, Greek, and Swedish flags.

Visitors can explore the decks of this now floating National Historic Landmark and imagine themselves as the daring sailors who were once onboard taking on the world’s oceans. There is a museum and theater for visitors to gain a better understanding of 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA’s history as well as her rescue from the shipyard and her restoration.

2200 Harborside Drive, Galveston, TX 77550, United States, 409-763-1877

You cannot miss it: Bishop's Palace, also known Gresham's Castle, is a riot of colored stone, rare woods, exquisitely carved decorations, bronze dragons, and stained glass – and that is only on the outside. On the inside, it is 19,082 square feet of Victorian opulence, with immense fireplaces, luxury furniture, sculptures of all kinds, and beautiful textiles.

The Victorian beauty, completed in 1892, is located in the East End of the Galveston’s Historic District and is considered one of the city’s dearest treasures. Galveston’s premier architect Nicholas Clayton designed the palace, and it was built for prominent city lawyer Colonel Walter Gresham. This spectacular Victorian building is considered by the American Institute of Architects as one of America’s most important buildings.

1402 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX 77550, United States, 409-762-2475

Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark is 26 acres of fun. With dozens of spectacular adventures, it provides year-round entertainment to kids of all ages and those who are kids at heart. It has over 30 innovative, high adrenaline attractions, including the award-winning three-river system named Transportainment®. While a great number of adventures are seasonal, the Wasserfest area of the waterpark transforms into an indoor park in the winter in order to stay open year around.

There are three speed slides, four tube slides, three kids' activity areas, a heated pool, a secluded beach, a surfing wave, and the famous Torrent Tidal Wave River. The Soaring Eagle gondolas will let you fly 100 feet in the air, offering the best way to see the whole of Galveston. With fun private cabanas to create your own picnic or a party and a number of diverse restaurants, Schlitterbahn will keep you happy for days.

2026 Lockheed Rd, Galveston, TX 77554, United States, 409-770-9283

The Strand Historic District, or the Strand, is located in downtown Galveston, Texas and is registered as a National Historic Landmark District. It consists of a number of beautiful Victorian buildings that today house boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and antique stores. Start your self-guided tour at the Galveston Railroad Museum on the corner of 25th and Strand. Give this popular museum at least half an hour.

Check the stores on the Strand and remember that many of them survived the storm of 1900 when a hurricane killed more than 6000 people in Galveston. Don’t miss Galveston’s famous restaurants on the waterfront – the seafood is spectacular. In Harborside, on Pier 19, visit the Ocean Star Offshore Energy Center and Museum, check what is showing at the Pier 21 Theater, and enjoy the beauty of the tall ship Elissa at the Texas Seaport Museum.

2228 Mechanic St, Galveston, TX 77550, United States

Attractions for Couples

If you have always been curious about the life on one of the drilling rigs, come and visit the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum, an actual tried, tested, and retired jack-up drilling rig. Located about an hour from downtown Houston, the world's oil capital, the museum is operated by the Offshore Energy Center and is located on Galveston's Pier 19 just a block off The Strand.

You are welcome to roam free through the rig and take a self-guided tour through its three levels and see the drilling equipment and some fascinating exhibits and videos. One of the most interesting exhibits is Offshore Drilling: The Promise of Discover, which takes you behind the scenes and shows the real process of drilling for oil and gas offshore.

2002 Wharf Rd, Galveston, TX 77550, United States, 409-766-7827

Moody Gardens offers plenty of family fun in Galveston, Texas. The majority of everything this unique destination has to offer is housed inside its three pyramids: the Rainforest Pyramid, the Discovery Pyramid, and the Aquarium Pyramid. The Rainforest Pyramid features an interactive and up-close walk among animal and plant species found in rainforests, while the Aquarium Pyramid is home to all kinds of aquatic creatures, from sea mammals to invertebrates. There are also many daily demonstrations and hands-on exhibits. The Discovery Pyramid displays an interesting exhibit collection that allows guests to explore the worlds of nature and science.

1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554, 409-683-4200

The Galveston Island Railroad Museum and Terminal has been a part of the Galveston community for over 30 years and was created to depict the history of rail transportation. By accumulating the largest collection of rail artifacts, memorabilia, and railroad rolling stock, the museum was able to accomplish just that.

Visitors can enjoy permanent exhibits such as The Depot, which was an active passenger depot for over 30 years, and the “Ghosts of Travelers Past” exhibition, where plaster molds depict individuals who passed through the area. The museum hosts events throughout the year – museum train shows, parades, and Mardi Gras celebrations – all fun for the entire family.

2602 Santa Fe Place, Galveston, TX 77550, United States, 409-765-5700

The Galveston Naval Museum is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in national heritage as they explore historic World War II vessels during a tour led by a museum guide or a self-guided tour. Guests can learn about the sacrifices, mystery, and history of the crews standing watch aboard these fighting ships as they view torpedo rooms and weather-worn decks. Protector and predator are brought together at the Galveston Naval Museum, where the USS Stewart and the USS Cavalla invite those who desire to understand more about the drama of the war’s deadly struggles to master the sea’s underwater domain.

100 Seawolf Park Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554, 409-770-3196