Galveston, Texas, is an easy and super popular destination from Houston for folks looking to escape all that wild traffic for a bit and live on island time.
That’s what we were looking for on our trip, and Galveston delivered…mostly.
Whether you’re traveling with the family, with your pet, or on a solo adventure, Galveston and all of its dreamy pelicans are pretty darn great.
Use my guide for the best things to do in Galveston, Texas, on your next trip to this Gulf Coast city. I’ll include information on what you should avoid, too, as we’re all friends here.
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What is Galveston known for?
Galveston is known for its beaches, historic Victorian architecture, and its lively pier. It’s big with travelers from Houston and other cities within a short drive interested in a weekend trip for relaxation and recreation.
How do I spend a day in Galveston?
You can spend a day in Galveston by hitting the beach, eating some Gulf shrimp, and exploring the historical side of town.
If you’re driving from Houston as we did, leave early no matter when you’re visiting. Traffic out of Houston is bad on weekdays and weekends from what we experienced.
Expect the trip to take about an hour, even less if you’re coming straight from the Houston airport.
Once you get there, parking is fairly easy, although you may have to pay to park at some of the more popular destinations. We didn’t have any trouble throughout the day finding spots, though, and all of the big beaches have dedicated parking lots.
What are things to do in Galveston, Texas?
Things to do in Galveston, Texas, include a wealth of outdoor and water activities, mansions with historical intrigue, and fresh seafood to partake in when hunger sets in.
I will admit our day trip to Galveston from Houston started a little rough. I got bit by a fire ant, people. I can only confirm that it was a fire ant because I plucked it off my foot after I felt a burning sensation where it decided to have itself a little snack.
Things only went up from there, because how could they not have?
In any case, come prepared when planning your own Galveston activities. There are fire ants out there. Mind those anthills.
Interested in a Galveston tourist map of everything I’ll highlight here? Follow the Google link below.
GIMME MY GALVESTON ATTRACTIONS MAP!
1. Ride the Galveston-Bolivar Ferry.
The Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry is a scenic and convenient option for getting across the Galveston Bay. It operates 24/7 as long as the weather is cooperating with opportunities for birdwatching and dolphin sightings.
I haven’t even gotten to the best part yet. Trips are free for passengers and vehicles in case you’re bringing a ride. You can ride from Galveston Island to the Bolivar Peninsula without paying a dime.
2. Get caffeinated at the best Galveston coffee shops.
I’m not a big breakfast person, but I do need coffee to kick off my days. Start off your day at one of Galveston’s best coffee shops. Here are a few:
- MOD Coffeehouse: This one has won all kinds of small business awards for its coffee and ambiance. Pick up a latte and a baked good or two at this atmospheric local favorite.
- Go Nuts and Beans: Come for the coffee beans, but stay for the peanut butters. This place sells all kinds of funky nut spreads like a sweet and spicy jalapeno variety.
- Sugar Bean Coffee and Cream: Order up specialty lattes or any of the house-brewed coffees at this small shop, popular with locals and students.
3. Visit historic Seawolf Park.
You’ll be back on Galveston Island shortly, but if you have any interest in Seawolf Park, early in the day is the time to visit this historic site on nearby Pelican Island.
We paid a few dollars just to park here as we had the pup with us so couldn’t hit the naval museum. I highly recommend a visit whether you’re here to explore the USS Seawolf or not.
Fun fact: The USS Seawolf is a U.S. Navy submarine that was mistakenly sunk by its own forces during World War II.
If you’re not here to tour the sub, you’ll still have access to the pier, the sunken “pride of Texas” off the coast, and all of the pelican photography you can handle.
For a couple of bucks, you can also do some good fishing here. We saw at least three different folks catch decent-sized fish on our stroll through the park.
You’ll head back to the main island from here. Don’t be too sad about the scenery on your way. It’s all oil rigs and the like until you get back to Galveston Island proper and all of the fun things to do in Galveston, Texas.
4. Walk The Strand.
Looking for things to do in Galveston for free? The Strand historic district spans five blocks in the heart of Galveston. This is the island’s hub for dining, entertainment, and all of the tchotchke shops of your dreams.
Many of the Victorian-style buildings you’ll see on your stroll around here are over 100 years old. We walked the Strand in its entirety then headed to the water.
5. Check out the boats at Galveston Harbor.
The harbor area and Pier 21 are where you’ll access a few of the most popular Galveston, Texas, attractions.
If you want to see some wildlife action on the water, book a trip on the Seagull II through Historic Harbor Tour and Dolphin Watch. The boat tours seemed reasonably priced, but I didn’t have my seasickness meds on me during our visit and we had our dog Kimmy with us.
This is also where you’ll see the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum. I’ll be honest. I knew we weren’t going to do this one on our Galveston tour. If you have any interest in learning more about the history of the offshore oil and gas industry, this may be your jam.
Note: We noticed that during our stay in Houston and the state of Texas in general that you’ll come across exhibits and attractions bought and paid for by the oil industry. Just be aware that this is a thing here, and make your own judgments from there.
6. Meet the historic tall ship Elissa.
You’ll likely spot the tall ship Elissa & the Texas Seaport Museum from wherever you land along the harbor. The National Historic Landmark is a floating museum for much of the year, with harbor cruises offered in the springtime.
Elissa comes to Galveston courtesy of Scotland. She was a merchant vessel in Aberdeen during a time when steamships were starting to take over sailing ships. Nevertheless, she persisted, and she has quite a few long sea voyages under her belt.
The ship today is one of only three of her kind in the world to still actively sail. She’s a big deal is what I’m saying, and a stop just to see her from the outside should be on your Galveston to-do list.
7. Have lunch with beach views.
I like to tell it like it is on the blog, and that includes places to avoid in Galveston.
We chose the Tipsy Turtle Seaside Bar & Grill as our chosen lunch spot while on the island. It was recommended by other dog owners who’d been to Galveston, and right on the beach.
The menu looked basic but just right with lots of shrimp options, the local specialty. I came here for shrimp, people.
We arrived right after they opened, and got a spot on the breezy patio. All of the signage they have up is hilarious and fitting with the beachy vibes.
We had to wait a while for life to materialize behind the bar and say to Brian, “Are you OK?”
No, m’am. He’d like to order, as you’ve now been open for about 20 minutes.
Well, order he did…or at least tried to do. THEY WERE OUT OF SHRIMP.
Note: We’d passed by about a dozen shrimp shacks on our way to this place, as it was a bit off-the-beaten-path, so we know there wasn’t any kind of local shrimp shortage. They had signs up all over the place bragging on their blackened shrimp, too.
I got a mediocre BLT, instead — but why the onions and American cheese?? — and Brian got some school cafeteria chicken tenders. They messed up my side, too. What’s a girl gotta do for some slaw around here?
The only highlight was the beach stroll we took after. It’s much calmer on this side of the island if you’re interested in beach options with fewer tourists.
For food, though, try any of these places, instead:
- Yaga’s Cafe: This place was packed every time we walked by on our exploration of the historic Strand district. Expect fresh salads, soups, sandwiches, and fish tacos.
- The Spot: This place features locally sourced seafood and burgers in a huge space on the Galveston Seawall. You’re primed for some excellent people-watching here, too.
- The Poop Deck: If you’re traveling with kids, does it get any funnier? You’ll know you’re there when you see the life-sized Statue of Liberty out front.
8. Tour the Moody Mansion.
It may not seem like it as you’re sipping on your island beverage in your favorite Jimmy Buffett gear, but Galveston has some impressive mansions for you to check out if you’re into historic homes.
I am into all things old, so we had to make a few stops to check out Galveston’s mansion scene, one of the best hidden things to do in Galveston.
Let’s start with the Moody Mansion.
You may see this historic residence labeled as the Willis-Moody Mansion on some map apps. They’re same/same. For a tour inside this four-story home, book tickets ahead of time online. You’ll learn all about the Moodys during your visit, and why they’re considered one of the most powerful Texas families.
9. Visit the 1892 Bishop’s Palace, too.
This 1892 building is also known as the Gresham House or Gresham’s Castle. It’s imposing and, dare I say, a little bit scary. Book tours through the Galveston Historical Foundation.
Fun fact: If you love historic buildings, add the Grand 1894 Opera House to your list. The performing arts theater is on the National Register of Historic Places, but it’s also a survivor. This place stands after being hit by several hurricanes over its time in Galveston. It’s the city’s best historic spot for Galveston entertainment.
Don’t miss Sacred Heart Church across the street. The architecture there is almost as impressive.
10. Get some sun on Galveston beaches.
Stewart Beach is the most popular Galveston beach, but it was closed during our visit. It looked like it was in need of some necessary maintenance. Maybe the spring breakers hit it too hard.
Yes, Galveston is big around spring break and annual events like Mardi Gras.
We went to nearby East Beach instead. Parking was easy, although you do need to walk out a bit across a wooden walkway to get to the water. It wasn’t busy at all.
Fort Crockett Park is a great option if you’re not sure where to start. Galveston Beach near the Galveston Island Convention Center is another accessible option.
11. Drive along the Galveston Seawall.
Another option for getting in some beach time is driving along the Galveston Seawall and choosing a spot to stop along the way. It’s lined with beaches all along one side, with loads of eateries and shops on the other.
I highly recommend at least the drive if you’re short on time, as it’s a scenic one.
12. Sip on tasters at Galveston Island Brewing.
They were serving up a beer called the Tiki Colada during our visit to Galveston Island Brewing and I highly recommend a sip or 12 if you’re as lucky as I was. It’s a fruited wheat and it is delicious.
The outside patio is pet-friendly, with covered and uncovered options for those seeking or hiding from the sun. A playground outside is perfect for parents who want to send the littles off to play while they indulge in their brews nearby.
If you visit and don’t see parking in the small main area, there is a dirt area nearby that is also reserved for brewery parking. Don’t fret!
13. Grab dinner at the best Galveston restaurants.
I shared some lunch spots with you already, but if you’re looking for more options for dinner, here are a few that were on our list:
- The Black Pearl Oyster Bar: Order the Gulf oysters if you don’t liken them boogers of the sea as I do. If you have a similar feeling about oysters, the menu includes all kinds of fresh seafood for you to order instead.
- Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant: For something a little more upscale, head to Gaido’s for fresh Gulf fish and farm-raised meats. Reservations are recommended and available online.
- Mama Teresa’s Flying Pizza: Pizza is never a bad call, especially if you’ve been out in the sun all day. They have a variety of pasta on the menu if you’re not feeling pie, you monster.
- O’Malley’s Stage Door: Embrace the theatrics near the Grand 1894 Opera House with this one. Locals in the know come here for brews and pub sandwiches.
- Shrimp ‘N Stuff: This place has been serving up shrimp ‘n stuff since the 1970s. Expect all of the fried goodies on top of boiled shrimp specials and rotating seafood platters.
14. Leave room for something sweet.
If you have room for dessert or something sweet at any point in the day, don’t miss out on La King’s Confectionery.
It’s an old-school candy shop with homemade chocolate, small-batch ice cream, and whatever else your sweet tooth is craving at the moment.
15. Walk the shore at Galveston Island State Park.
The beachside was closed for renovations during our visit, so we skipped out on this one. When it’s open, it’s a popular spot for nature-seekers who want access to trails, birding, and watersports away from the crowds.
Start with the easy one-mile Alligator Loop if you want to see gators or the 3.3-mile Prairie Trail for a longer leg-stretcher. That one takes you through some of the main habitats on the island.
16. Book a guided tour.
Guided tours in Galveston are a great way to sit back, relax, and let someone else do the driving. I mean both literal driving and planning in this case.
Here are a few highly-rated options:
More Galveston Fun Things to Do
If you have even more time for Galveston or are seeking things to do in Galveston for a weekend stay, there are loads of things to do that fill up more than a day.
For those traveling with the family, choose from these things to do in Galveston with kids:
- Galveston Railroad Museum: The museum operates out of an old Santa Fe Railroad station. The kiddies might love taking a ride on a historic caboose or checking out some of the old rail cars up close.
- Moody Gardens: This Galveston attraction is pricey, but you can fill up a good chunk of the day if you buckle down and get tickets. Your one-day pass includes access to all three of the pyramids, including the Aquarium Pyramid.
- Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston: It may feel funny to head to a beach destination and spend the day at a Galveston Island waterpark, but the waterfront doesn’t have the Dragon Blaster. Do with that what you will.
- Galveston Children’s Museum: Interactive exhibits include a fishing expedition where your littles can pretend like they’re going crabbing. If they’re adventurous eaters, follow the experience up with some fresh seafood after.
- Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier: This is essentially a carnival on the pier, with rides and all the fried things. You can’t miss it, but if you think you might, it’s at 2501 Seawall Blvd.
For things to do in Galveston for couples or solo travelers, here are a few more ideas:
- The Bryan Museum: Explore not only Galveston history but a collection of exhibits dedicated to the American West. There are over 70,000 items to peruse here, so make sure to give this one a few hours.
- Big Reef Nature Park: This modest park is the perfect spot to get your fix of wading birds. If you’re already headed to East Beach for some sunbathing, this one is an easy stop along the way.
- Galveston Arts Center: View exhibits focused on contemporary art in this dynamic space. If you’re in town for the Galveston ArtWalk, the center is an important piece of that event.
- Galveston Ghost Tours: Explore the darker, spookier side of Galveston, Texas, with one of the top tours below:
What to Do in Galveston: FAQs
What is the best month to go to Galveston?
The best months to go to Galveston are the spring and fall months. Summer may sound like a good idea because you have so many beaches to choose from to cool things off, but it gets truly sweltering in this part of the state come June.
We arrived after the majority of spring breakers were already gone, but did catch a younger vibe in the main part of town. Expect a more raucous atmosphere if you time your visit around popular college spring breaks.
Is it OK to swim in Galveston?
It is generally OK to swim in Galveston, but you should keep yourself updated on water quality issues at city beaches, especially after big storms. Water temperatures are usually warm enough for swimming by March.
What are things to do in Galveston at night?
Things to do in Galveston at night include walking ghost tours to explore the city’s haunted history, eating seafood at the city’s best restaurants, and live performances at any of the city’s live performance venues.
Can you walk around and drink in Galveston?
You can walk around and drink in Galveston if you’re doing so in designated areas. It’s OK around The Strand, East Beach, and Seawolf Park, but prohibited at Stewart Beach. Drinking out of glass containers is prohibited on any beach.
Hotels in Galveston
If you’re staying overnight in Galveston, you’ll need somewhere to stay. If you want to go big, book the Grand Galvez. This is one of the most recognizable properties in Galveston.
Use the map below to browse more options on Galveston Island:
Is Galveston, TX, worth visiting?
Galveston, TX is worth visiting on your tour of Texas or a visit to the Gulf Coast in the United States. It’s a much different vibe than neighboring Houston, and there’s plenty to do even if you’re not there for the beach.
Just be aware that it’s popular with young people in the summer and over spring break. If that’s not your vibe, plan your trip in the off-season.
Ready for Galveston, TX, Things to Do?
Your Flight: I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, but if you’re looking to book during a particular period of time, you should use Skyscanner. It’s a great tool for when you’re more flexible, too, as it allows visitors to compare travel based on length of travel, departure date, etc.
To get to Galveston, you’ll likely fly into William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) in Houston. You’ll need a car from there. Reserve a car ahead of time using a site like Hotwire or Priceline to find the best deals. You can search by car rental company, too, if you feel a loyalty there.
I also subscribe to Going, formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights. You’ll get regular deals straight to your inbox on a regular basis, especially to bigger hubs.
Your Accommodations: I typically recommend sites like Booking.com and Hotels.com for your accommodation needs. Vrbo is an Airbnb alternative. Scroll up for my top picks for Galveston hotels and Galveston accommodations from both Booking.com and Vrbo.
Seeking even more wallet-friendly accommodations? Try Hostelworld. Their picks are heavily vetted and reviewed to offer you a safe experience on a budget.
Etc.: For general travel goodies, visit my Favorite Things page. For more information on planning your travel outside of Galveston tourism, visit my Travel Tools page.
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- Plan the Best Southern U.S.A. Road Trip
- Meet the Gators of Lake Oconee
- Plan a Stop in Athens, Georgia
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