12 Best Things to Do in Galveston, Texas | Visit Galveston (2024)

Soft sands that envelop your toes in a warm hug, the soothing sounds of rolling waves and swaying palm trees, and the unmistakably salty aroma of a fresh sea breeze. When you’re ready for some beach time, look to Galveston Island. Home to 32 miles of sandy shoreline, the island is a fantastic destination for seekers of sun and surf.

East Beach

Play a game of pickup volleyball and enjoy the lively vibe at the sprawling East Beach. Pack a cooler of your favorite kind of beverage (including alcohol) or stop by the concession stands for food and drinks. The beach is almost always a happening place, especially during the summer, when it hosts festivals, concerts, and the much-acclaimed AIA Sandcastle Competition.

Stewart Beach

If you want something lower key, head to Stewart Beach. Once named among the “10 Best Beaches for Families” by Family Vacation Critic, the beach provides a relaxing getaway on the north side of the island’s famous Seawall. Not only is this a great spot to bask in the warm Texas sun and play in the Gulf, but it’s also just a short walk to a multitude of restaurants and hotels. Of course, these are only two of the island’s many beaches. Do some exploring and find one that's perfect for you!

Start your journey to the past at The Bryan Museum, where one of the world’s largest collections of historical artifacts and documents, as well as art related to Texas and the American West, is showcased in what was once the Galveston Orphan’s home. Then head to the breathtaking 1892 Bishop’s Palace before visiting the 1895 Moody Mansion, named among the nation’s most famous homes by The Travel Channel.

While these homes are must-sees, there’s far more history to uncover. Walk the decks of the USS Stewart and descend into the USS Cavalla, a World War II-era destroyer escort and submarine, respectively, at the Galveston Naval Museum. After that, experience a bygone era of transportation at the Galveston Railroad Museum, where you’ll find one of the largest restored railroad collections in the Southwest. Located within a 1930’s art-deco depot, the museum is full of all sorts of memorabilia and exhibits, along with more than 40 pieces of restored locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars.

Discover the history of Galveston's historic harbor while catching glimpses of friendly dolphins during narrated tours with Baywatch Dolphin Tours.

Moody Gardens Attractions

In one moment, you’re amongst macaws and monkeys in a lush rainforest. Minutes later, you find yourself standing under swimming sharks surrounded by tropical fish of all shades and sizes. It’s not every day you can go on a globe-spanning adventure to the world’s many unique habitats, yet that’s exactly what you can do at Moody Gardens. Step into the Rainforest Pyramid and you’re transported to the rainforests of Asia, Africa, and the Americas, as you’re surrounded by more than 1,700 exotic plants and animals. Meanwhile, the 10-story-tall Aquarium Pyramid takes you deep under the world’s oceans, from the Gulf of Mexico to the South Pacific, on an immersive journey that includes close encounters with penguins, seals, jellyfish, and more.

Moody Gardens Hotel

Although both pyramids offer plenty to see and do, we’re just getting started. Catch a show in the state-of-the-art 3D and 4D theaters and book an hour-long voyage on the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, a replica of an 1800s paddlewheel boat. For the full experience, stay at the , savor all the on-site dining options, and play around on the picturesque golf course adjacent to a shorebird habitat. There’s a world of adventure at Moody Gardens, so make sure to set aside plenty of time to take it all in.

Explore Galveston's Historic Downtown Charm

Stately Victorian-era buildings, fascinating shops, one-of-a-kind restaurants and pubs, and more than its fair share of surprises. Needless to say, the Downtown Historic District is well worth taking your time to explore. Start your day with a handcrafted latte or espresso at MOD Coffeehouse, then walk down to The Witchery to pursue your own kind of spiritual enlightenment. Peruse the impressive array of herbs and essential oils before losing yourself in the collection of all kinds of religious and self-empowerment books.

If you think there’s nothing better than casting a fishing line under a luminous Gulf Coast sunrise, you’d better bring your fishing gear to Galveston Island. Whether you’re fishing in the bay or deep in the Gulf, you’ll find endless opportunities to catch the kind of fish you can brag to your friends about.

The piers along the Seawall are just the spot for catching croaker, speckled trout, and bull reds, while Seawolf Park is a hotspot for bagging flounder. To make an adventure of it, charter an offshore fishing excursion and you may hook a mackerel, red snapper, or even shark. No matter where you fish or what you catch, you’ll get to enjoy the glowing sunshine and bright blue skies of the Gulf Coast.

Fresh Air & Fresher Meals

Island Hotels & Resorts

Lounge by a swimming pool at a luxurious hotel, greet the morning sunrise with a cup of coffee on a patio overlooking the beach or stretch out your legs in your own spacious private rental. Galveston Island has no shortage of spectacular places you can stay with 5,000 hotel rooms and 3,000 vacation rentals of all sizes and budgets. The Tremont House, located in the heart of the Strand, and the Grand Galvez have both upscale accommodations and an abundance of historic charm. Meanwhile, and the , with their sparkling pools and upscale guest rooms, are high-end resorts that are just the places to stay when you’re looking to treat yourself.

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