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 the city center, the Strand district preserves many original facades, now home to restaurants, cafes, galleries and shops.
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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 Historical Site in Galveston - also known simply as The Strand - is a National Historic Site composed mainly of Victorian buildings, many of which survived the 1900 hurricane. There are many restaurants, cafes, galleries, and antique shops, which is a pleasant place to visit, shop and eat.
The district stretches all the way to the busy jetty, with restored old warehouses and home to many of Galveston's most important tourist destinations. Also in this area, you'll find Pier 19, with the Museum and offshore rig Ocean Star, the nearby Texas Harbor Museum and dining places overlooking the water.
Be sure to stop at Pier 21 to watch The Great Storm, a 1900 storm movie that attacked 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, such as longtime Rudy and Paco, next to the 1894 Grand Opera House, or the more modern Vargas Cut and Catch on the street.
3. 1892 Bishop's Palace
Built as a private residence, the Bishop's Palace is often described as one of the most important Victorian castles in the United States. It was completed in 1893 after seven years of construction.
The grand interior displays elaborately carved woodwork, high ceilings, stained glass windows, fireplaces, and fine furnishings. Now a national historic site and museum, the house is open to tours.
Address: 1402 Broadway Street, Galveston, Texas
Official Site: https://ift.tt/1lQ55Ev
4. 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 outstanding feature is the three glass pyramids.
The main attraction for many is the Pyramid tour. 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.
Afterward, head to Palm Beach waterpark with its white sands, freshwater lagoons, slides, lazy river, and replica paddle steamer. Also, check out the elaborate seasonal displays.
Address: 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, Texas
Official Site: www.moodygardens.com
5. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
The most prominent feature along the Seawall is Pleasure Dock. 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 pier - built on the site of its predecessor, was destroyed by a typhoon in 1961 - boasts many exciting rides suitable for all ages, as well as games and activities, and a restaurant.
If you are visiting Galveston with kids, this is 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
6. Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum
The Port of Galveston is home to many rigs and supply vessels, and with a nod to Galveston's important role in the Gulf of Mexico's bustling oil and gas industries, the Ocean Star Offshore Oil Rig and Museum offers a fascinating insight into the energy business.
Based on an actual oil rig - the Great Ocean Star, built-in 1969 - the museum displays many amazing exhibits. Highlights include a visit to the pipe deck, where some of the larger equipment needed to drill the rig's more than 200 wells is stored, along with interactive displays showing the process from exploration to extraction.
Address: 2002 Wharf Road, Galveston, Texas
Official site: www.oceanstaroec.com
7. Texas Seaport Museum and the Elissa
The Texas Seaport Museum is home to the tall ship Elissa, built-in 1877 and considered one of the finest restored historic vessels in the US. This lovely old ship still puts to sea regularly, and her fascinating story — including her rescue from the scrapyard — is told in the museum onshore.
Other highlights include a look at the history of the Port of Galveston, including the names of the more than 133,000 migrants who passed through. If you want to see more, drive over to nearby Seawolf Park for a peek at a WWII-era US Navy submarine and the USS Stewart, a destroyer from the same period.
Address: 2200 Harborside Drive, Galveston, Texas
Official Site: https://ift.tt/2O1DQfY
8. The Bryan Museum
Housed in a fabulous historic building, which was once the Galveston Orphans Home, this museum showcases a diverse collection of art and artifacts from the American West, spanning more than 12,000 years.
The permanent collection relates to everything, from Native American history to the Spanish Colonial Age and Independence to Texas. The Texas Masters Gallery features the art of Texas-born artists, as well as people who walk through the area and photograph it on canvas.
Around the museum, you'll also find works by various artists, including pieces by Andy Warhol. iPads on displays help explain the pieces and their significance, but the best way to appreciate the collection and learn about history is to take a tour. If you are lucky, you may even see the founder, Mr. J.P. Bryan, who opened the Bryan Museum in 2015.
Address: 1315 21st Street, Galveston, Texas
Official Site: www.thebryanmuseum.org
9. Moody Mansion
Built-in 1895, the interior of the Victorian Moody Mansion features stained glass, custom carved woodwork, decorative tiles, and plasterwork, along with fine stencil work throughout.
The house also impresses with red bricks, unique architecture and countless arches, along with numerous antiques, photographs and intricate artwork. Guided tours through 20 rooms are available, and many special events and programs are also held here. Also of interest are the bases of meticulous maintenance.
Address: 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, Texas
Official Site: www.moodymansion.org
10. The Grand 1894 Opera House
Another ancient architecture of Galveston is the Grand Theater of 1894, a restored Victoria Theater that is splendid and withstands many storms. It still hosts a full lineup of musical and theatrical performances, along with a selection of fun shows for kids of all ages.
On the wall inside the main entrance, a plaque shows the level of the high water mark from hurricane Ike, which swept through in 2008.
Address: 2020 Post Office Street, Galveston, Texas
Official Site: www.thegrand.com
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