On the hunt for a new stateside coastal escape? Why not consider sunny Galveston, an island city on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Home to plenty to see and do, travelers are sure to find Moody Gardens Galveston Island as one of the region’s top attractions, and for good reason. Read on to hear about my experience staying at this unique property in the Lone Star State.
The Vibe
Family-friendly fun with an upscale twist. After visiting this unique property, I can see why Moody Gardens is one of Galveston’s top attractions. By day, the hotel’s three onsite pyramids — which house a full-size aquarium, an immersive rainforest exhibit (I’m talking free-roaming monkeys and birds, immersive) and an intriguing Discovery Museum with rotating exhibits — act as venues for all-ages entertainment while by night, the property’s rooms provide peaceful solace from the relentless Texas heat and humidity. P.S., don’t think you need kiddos to enjoy this place, I, as an almost 32-year-old lady, had a great time exploring Moody Gardens’ many offerings at my leisure, this property is a great find for animal and museum lovers alike.
How I Felt
Excited. While I visited Moody Gardens as part of a work trip, it was great to know I could retire from a long day of networking and education sessions with intriguing attractions just footsteps away from my room. As part of our stay, all conference attendees were issued complimentary admission to each pyramid, and I took full advantage of the offer. In addition to wandering the pyramids, I enjoyed learning about Moody Gardens’ fascinating history as the property and its grounds have lived many lives. In the mid-1980s, Moody Gardens opened its doors as a horse barn with a hippotherapy riding program for people with head injuries before expanding to include a convention center and arena. Then, in the 1990s, the property began establishing greenhouses and education programs before finally taking its final form which we see today.
The Digs
I Stayed in a “One King Bedroom With a Sleeper Sofa Pyramid View” room and was thoroughly impressed with the accommodations. The furnishings were colorful and modern, and the room was spacious and comfortable. I’m always looking for supportive pillows and strong water pressure (seriously, showering with long hair at some hotels is a struggle), and I’m happy to report that both are Jenna-approved at Moody Gardens. The bed was super comfortable, and the pillows hit the Goldilocks zone of being “not too firm” and “not too soft,” they were just right. In addition to loving my room, especially after a five-plus hour layover in Atlanta, I have to give the Moody Gardens staff a shoutout for how attentive and accommodating they are. Conference attendees enjoyed complimentary food deliveries to our rooms throughout the week — hello, cheeseboards and snack platters — and the staff were always friendly and respectful. What’s more, the staff at the pyramids were incredibly knowledgeable about the resident flora and fauna and were happy to answer any and all questions with a smile.
The Agenda
I was in Galveston to attend the 21st Annual North American Travel Journalist Association (NATJA) Conference and Marketplace. Since this was a work event, most of my week was spent mixing and mingling with other travel writers and DMOs from around the country. However, while NATJA is a conference, it’s a fun conference with afternoon tours and “dine around” experiences mixed in throughout the week. I took advantage of this and explored the new destination with a guided kayak adventure led by local tour operator Artist Boat and a downtown history/art walk led by the folks at Visit Galveston.
The Eats
While I spent most of my week indulging in conference food — which Moody Gardens knocked out of the park, BTW — I had time to visit Café in the Park on the last day of my stay. This restaurant is in the hotel lobby and makes for a convenient spot to grab a quick and delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner. That morning, I channeled my inner millennial with an order of avocado toast and a cup of coffee; it hit the spot. In addition to Café in the Park, Moody Gardens and its adjoining pyramids are home to several restaurants for visitors to enjoy during their stay.
Why I Would Go Back
I would happily return to Moody Gardens if I find myself back in Galveston. The property has no shortage of fantastic activities, and the accommodations are great. As mentioned above, this property is a winning choice for families, couples and solo travelers alike, and I love that it has something for everyone. Not to mention, the trip from downtown Galveston to Moody Gardens is a quick commute making the hotel the perfect basecamp for those looking to explore the charming Texan escape.
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