Situated on the Gulf Coast of Mexico, Galveston Island is a little slice of paradise that runs parallel to mainland Texas. As the home of the fourth-busiest cruise port in North America, welcoming around 1.7 million cruise passengers a year, the destination is perhaps best-known among locals and travelers who fancy the seven seas. However, whether they find themselves disembarking a ship or not, Galveston, with its intriguing history, colorful shops and unique attractions, has plenty to see and do, making it a worthy vacation spot for travelers of all ages. After visiting the island this spring, here are a few of my top recommendations.
Explore Moody Gardens
No visit to Galveston would be complete without a stop at Moody Gardens, one of the area’s top attractions. No, it’s not a mirage, akin to the iconic structures of Giza, Moody Gardens boasts three soaring glass pyramids, their colorful and well-manicured facades sparkling in the sun.
Each with its own theme, inside these quirky structures, guests are in for a world of fun as they explore a full-scale aquarium, a totally immersive rainforest biome and an onsite Discovery Museum which features world-famous rotating exhibits like Body Worlds and more. The venue offers no shortage of family fun, and its employees are extremely knowledgeable about the creatures and exhibits within.
Learn About Juneteenth
On June 19, 1865, one of the last communities of enslaved Americans was freed in Galveston, officially marking the abolishment of slavery in Texas. As such, Galveston is commonly called “the Birthplace of Juneteenth,” the national holiday celebrating the momentous day. Travelers looking to learn more about the area’s connection to Juneteenth can do so in a variety of ways including by visiting the NIA Cultural Center, participating in guided walking tours, admiring downtown’s “Absolute Equality” mural and more. Or, if they happen to be visiting in June, travelers can check Visit Galveston Island’s website for Juneteenth events and attractions.
Visit Galveston Arts Center
Located on The Strand, Galveston’s charming historic district, Galveston Arts Center (GAC) is a non-profit organization featuring contemporary Texan art. Comprising a modest but mighty collection of ever-changing exhibits, the art at GAC intrigues, communicating themes of modern life and local inspiration. In addition to enjoying the center’s displays, visitors can channel their inner artist by attending one of GAC’s regularly scheduled classes or Exhibit Connect workshops, hands-on events perfect for locals and tourists alike. And, for those traveling with little ones, GAC is a great place to drop the kiddos off while the adults branch off on their own adventures, if only for an afternoon. Best of all, admission to GAC is totally free!
Go Kayaking
For many, nature is one of life’s purest inspirations. And, in Galveston, one nonprofit is using the songs of seabirds, refreshing Gulf-side breezes and sparkling bright blue waters as fuel for creativity and change. Meet Artist Boat, an initiative dedicated to promoting the awareness and preservation of coastal margins and marine life through the unlikely combination of science and art. With Artist Boat, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors and learn about Galveston’s precious coastal ecosystems when they sign up for a guided “Eco-Art Kayak Adventure” along the region’s Coastal Heritage Preserve. On these tours, guests immerse themselves in the region’s unique environment and make a quick pitstop to channel their inner artist with a watercolor demonstration where participants are encouraged to paint a work of art.
Sip Rooftop Cocktails
Cocktails and sunshine; can you name a more iconic duo? Fans of rooftop patios and outdoor dining will be happy to learn Galveston has no shortage of establishments to fit the bill. Whether they’re on the hunt for a beachy venue to fit the vibe or are hoping for something more contemporary to live out their Insta-inspired fantasies, there’s a picture-perfect patio for every type of traveler. A few fan favorites according to Visit Galveston Island include Float Pool & Patio Bar, Pelican and The Shark, Island Famous, Fish Tales, Woody’s Beach Bar and Hotel Lucine.
Have a Beach Day
Pull up a chair and grab your umbrella, with 32 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston is perhaps one of the U.S.’ most underrated beach destinations. While the stateside island has many stretches of sand for visitors to explore, East Beach and Stewart Beach are the most popular. As its name suggests, East Beach is situated at the far eastern point of the island. This beach is a favorite among families thanks to its variety of activities including a pavilion, boardwalk, entertainment stage, playground and more. Similarly, Stewart Beach is a great choice for visitors of all ages with family-friendly amenities including a playground, chair and umbrella rentals, helicopter tours and more.
Shop ‘Til You Drop
Travelers with a soft spot for gift shops, art galleries and trendy boutiques will find themselves in retail heaven when they peruse the colorful shops of Galveston’s historic downtown district. The Strand and its surrounding blocks — home to fabulous Postoffice Street and WeMa, an up-and-coming neighborhood west of downtown — comprise the area’s main shopping streets with intriguing stores sprinkled amongst striking 19th-century architecture and brightly-painted murals. Clothing, coffee, toys, souvenirs and more, vacationers can find it all here.
Eat Homemade Ice Cream
Speaking of shopping on the Strand, La King’s Confectionery and Ice Cream is a must-visit establishment with its charming 1920s-style candy counter, homemade candies, delectable chocolates and taffies and “Purity Ice Cream,” the oldest, and perhaps most delicious, ice cream in all of Texas. But don’t take my word for it, La King’s is so good, it’s won several awards and the old-timey shop has even been featured in a handful of articles and TV shows including foodie favorite “Top Chef” in 2022.
Experience The Grand 1894 Opera House
No stranger to tragedy, The Grand 1894 Opera House tells the story of Galveston’s pride and resilience. Not only has the ornate gem survived devastating hurricanes like Carla and Alicia in 1961 and 1983, respectively, but it also outlasted the storms of 1900 and 1915, the former of which was the nation’s most deadly natural disaster in recorded history. Today, The Grand is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is lovingly referred to as “The Official Opera House of Texas.” Performances here run the gamut ranging from ballets and concerts to lectures and story sessions, and visitors interested in catching a show can visit The Grand’s website for schedules and ticket prices.
Go on a Ghost Tour
Considering Galveston’s devastating history, it comes as no surprise the island is absolutely dripping with ghosts. Luckily for those with a penchant for the strange and unusual, those hoping to convene with its spirits will find no shortage of opportunities to do so as the destination has an abundance of guided ghost tours — boozy and otherwise — at travelers’ disposal. A few places where visitors might find paranormal chills and thrills include Sealy Mansion, The Normandy Inn, Ashton Villa, The Tremont House and the Galveston Railroad Museum as they are some of the area’s most notorious haunts.
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