ABOUT GALVESTON ISLAND
Galveston Island is a historic beach town located on the Gulf of Mexico just 50 miles from Houston. The island is best known as a vacation destination, offering 32 miles of beaches, a variety of family attractions, Texas’ premier cruise port and one of the largest concentrations of well-preserved Victorian architecture in the country.
The Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau is a non-profit government agency and the official destination marketing organization for Galveston Island. For more information, visit www.galveston.com or call 1-888-GAL-ISLE.
Galveston Island is a historic beach town located on the Gulf of Mexico just 50 miles from Houston. The island is best known as a vacation destination, offering 32 miles of beaches, a variety of family attractions, Texas’ premier cruise port and one of the largest concentrations of well-preserved Victorian architecture in the country.
The Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau is a non-profit government agency and the official destination marketing organization for Galveston Island. For more information, visit www.galveston.com or call 1-888-GAL-ISLE.
Happening Now
Things to Do
Check out the historic Strand district and explore the many and varied antique and specialty shops. Dine at one of the several restaurants we have reviewed. The Strand rocks to its own vibe; it's a laid back, funky, friendly atmosphere sure to make you smile. This is not a bunch of old antique shops. There are art galleries, clothing boutiques, coffee shops, chocolatiers, bars and restaurants, many with outdoor seating, and a life-size post card painted on the side of a building that you can take a selfie in front of. It's such a fun place to hang out and people watch.
Become thoroughly entertained at a play put on by Galveston's East End Theatre Company, or ETC, as it's called down here. ETC occupies the historic Strand Theater space at 23rd and Mechanic across the street from the historic Tremont Hotel. They are nonprofit and provide concessions on a cash only basis. We regularly attend and have never been disappointed.
Enjoy a fun filled day of rides, games, and dining on the Historic Pleasure Pier. Sitting right over the Gulf, Pleasure Pier is boardwalk filled with fun adventures. The top of their Texas Star Flyer is visible from the balconies at Avenue O! Pleasure Pier is only a short four block walk.
Visit Moody Gardens and experience a tropical Rainforest natural habitat where butterflies, birds and monkeys hang out with stingrays and turtles. And snakes are in individual tanks where they belong (in my opinion). Then walk over to the Aquarium and be astounded by the multiple levels of sea life surrounding you. A planetarium completes these impressive pyramids. It's worth spending a day at Moody Gardens.
Splash your way through Schlitterbahn Water Park. You're in the Texas heat and humidity, have fun and cool off!
Enjoy the ambiance of the Grand 1894 Opera House attending one of their year-round concerts, plays, and other performances. The structure survived both the 1900 and 1915 storms, and was designated "The Official Opera House of Texas" by the 73rd Texas Legislature in 1993. The Opera House has some excellent acts performing. It's a must see on its own, as the structure is absolutely glorious.
Visit Pier 21 to view the 1900 storm presentation and explore the Elissa Tall Ship. Or, check out the Ocean Star Offshore Energy Center and learn about Galveston's reputation as "The Ellis Island of the West" at the Texas Seaport Museum. Pier 21 is also home to Fisherman's Wharf and Willie G's Seafood & Steaks.
