So you’re looking for the best things to do in Galveston? You’ve come to the right place. Galveston Island has long been a popular weekend getaway for Texans since the early 1900s. From coastal attractions to local cuisine, here is a list of the top 10 best things to do in Galveston!
The Top 10 Best Things to do in Galveston
1. Stewart Beach
Stewart Beach is the most popular beach in Galveston boasting more than 10 miles of Seawall. This large stretch of shoreline offers plenty of room to find your own patch of sand to soak up some sun and swim in the shallow waters. Amenities on this beach include food vendors, restrooms, showers, sand volleyball courts, chair and umbrella rentals, covered tables, and lifeguards.
2. Pleasure Pier
Jutting out into the ocean like a carnival on stilts, Pleasure Pier is certainly a sight you won’t miss on Galveston’s Seawall. Originally built in the 1940s, this lively amusement park offers a wide variety of rides and fun attractions. Pleasure Pier is perfect for families wanting to take advantage of the views while adding a little thrill to their Galveston visit.
Hours: vary with season, check website.
Address: 2501 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, Texas
Official Site: www.pleasurepier.com
3. The Strand Historic District
The Strand Historic District is a great place for sightseeing, shopping, and dining. Having survived the Great Storm of 1900, The Strand now houses numerous restaurants and cafes that will take you back in time to the beautiful Victorian architectural era. Grab a coffee and wander unique art galleries and antique stores exclusive only to Galveston.
4. Moody Garderns
Moody Gardens is a great place for families looking for an all-day educational outing. The facility consists of three glass pyramids: the Aquarium Pyramid, the Rainforest Pyramid, and lastly the Discovery Pyramid. The main attraction for many people is the Aquarium Pyramid which showcases the marine life of the Pacific, the Antarctic, the Great Barrier Reef, the Coral Sea, and the Caribbean.
Hours: Open daily from 10am-4pm
Address: 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554
Official Site: www.moodygardens.com
5. Schlitterbahn
Schlitterbahn is widely considered to be the best waterpark in Texas and one of the most top-rated attractions in Galveston. There are 33 fun rides and attractions here, including several high-speed slides, kid’s water playgrounds, lazy rivers, wave pools, and swim-up bars. Schlitterbahn is also a great all-day outing for families seeking thrill and water activities.
Hours: TBD for 2021
Address: 2109 Gene Lucas Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554
Official Site: www.schlitterbahn.com
6. Galveston Island State Park
If you are looking for a more natural experience, head west to Galveston Island State Park, where you can go walk along a boardwalk, kayak through a bayou, and bird-watch on either the bay or ocean side. Home to over 2,000 acres of natural landscape and scenic coastline, there are tons of island activities to enjoy here.
Hours: Open daily. Beach side of the park is closed until 2021.
Address: 14901 FM 3005, Galveston, TX 77554
Official Website: tpwd.texas.gov
7. Galveston Seawall
The Galveston Seawall is a hive of activity, from the beaches to the many tourist attractions and restaurants located here. Whether you want to take a sunset stroll, bike along the oceanfront, eat tasty seafood, or just people-watch, the Seawall is the picture-perfect spot to do so.
8. Bishop’s Palace
Galveston’s most famous building, Bishop’s Palace, is cited by the American Institute of Architects as one of the 100 most important buildings in America. The grand Victorian-style home is a sight to see with its intricate carvings, stained glass windows, and lovely sculptures. The guided audio tour is well worth your time!
Hours: Self-guided Tours Wednesday through Monday from 10am – 5pm
Address: 1402 Broadway, Galveston, Texas
Official Site: www.galvestonhistory.org
9. Pier 21
Nestled along Galveston Harbor, Pier 21 offers waterfront views, great dining options, and a cluster of attractions that showcase the island’s cultural and maritime heritage. Check out the Texas Seaport Museum, 1877 Tall Ship Elissa, Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum, and Dolphin Tours.
See also: The Best Bars & Restaurants in Corpus Christi, Texas
10. The Bryan Museum
If you are in the mood for some good old Texas History then check out The Bryan Museum. Housed in a beautiful historic building, the museum showcases one of the world’s largest collections of historical artifacts and artwork relating to Texas and the American West. You will also find works by other various artists, including pieces by the famous Andy Warhol.
Hours: Daily 11am – 5pm. Closed Mon & Tues.
Address: 1315 21st Street, Galveston, Texas
Official Site: www.thebryanmuseum.org
