If you’ve never been to Galveston, you’re missing out! This small tropical island (spanning just 32 miles long and 2 1/2 miles wide) along the Gulf Coast of Mexico in southern Texas makes a great vacation destination, and not just for the warm water beaches. There are so many things to do in Galveston, TX!
I visited the island last summer for a couple of days, and had the chance to experience a bit of what makes it so special.
Things to Do in Galveston
Take a Harbor and Dolphin Tour with Galveston Water Adventures
This family-friendly one-hour boat ride tour is a great way to start a Galveston adventure, and it’s often filled with dolphin sightings. We saw them throughout the whole trip, and they came quite close to the boat.
The guide also shares historical lore and interesting tidbits about what you’re seeing. (Website)
SS Selma concrete oil tanker
Oil rigs
Visit the Texas Seaport Museum and 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA
Visit the museum first, where you’ll find a small but very nice collection of exhibits on the naval maritime history of Galveston.
Before heading outside to see the three-masted Elissa, which actually sails, be sure to watch the 20-minute movie on its restoration. It will make your time exploring this National Historic Landmark more meaningful. There’s informative signage aboard the boat, but you can also take an audio tour. (Website)
Marvel at the cruise ships at the Galveston Cruise Terminal
I’ve never taken a cruise before (woe is me), so I had no idea how positively monstrous these ocean liners are. It blows my mind how much higher this ship is than the buildings in the background.
Two ships come and go on Saturdays and again on Sundays, so if you’re near the port, you’ll be able to take a look.
Wander the historic downtown and stop in La Kings Confectionery
If you appreciate architecture, you’ll be in heaven with all the buildings in downtown Galveston. I spent a long time walking around admiring them, and then I stopped in La Kings.
I’m a sucker for an old-fashioned soda fountain, and there’s everything a sweet tooth could possibly desire in the shop — ice cream treats and candies galore!
Galveston News Building
Hurricane Ike, never to be forgotten
Old fashioned soda fountain at La Kings Confectionery
Have dinner at Olympia Grill
The view of the harbor is reason enough to eat here, but the authentic and delicious Greek cuisine is what has made it such a popular Galveston restaurant. Be sure to finish your meal with a classic baklava dessert. (Website)
Baklava
Enjoy cocktails at The Rooftop Bar of The Tremont House
The city’s only open-air rooftop bar offers incredible views of the historic downtown and harbor. (Website)
Photo: Robert Mihovil
Have breakfast at Sunflower Bakery & Cafe
This charming bakery located near the historic East End of Galveston oozes with personality, and the food and service is out-of-this-world fantastic. Make time for a visit! (Website)
Belgian Waffle with Mixed Fruit
Visit the Bryan Museum
With the world’s largest collection of Southwestern artifacts spanning 12,000 years, there’s something here to interest everyone in the family.
The diorama depicting The Battle of San Jacinto is extraordinary, and my personal favorite artifact is the mother of pearl chest from Spain which once carried a royal grant for California lands. (Website)
The Battle of San Jacinto
Lunch at BLVD Seafood
From the outside it appears this is just a typical seafood shack, but the creative and delicious menu is far from ordinary.
Non-seafood eaters, don’t let the name scare you. Along with fresh seafood, they serve steak, chicken, lamb and vegetarian dishes. Portions are generous, and service is outstanding. (Website)
Maceo with Blackened Chicken
Ride Massiv, the world’s tallest water coaster
The 81 foot-high water coaster at Schlitterbahn Galveston Waterpark rewards raft-riding thrill seekers right off the bat with a plunging drop, then hydro-blasts them upwards and around through winding twists and turns until they finally skim to a stop in a landing pool.
For the tamer crowd, there are tons of other family-friendly water attractions in the park to enjoy. (Website)
Visit Moody Gardens
The complex has three themed pyramids which are home to a rain forest, aquarium and Discovery Museum.
There are also 3-D and 4-D movies, a historic paddlewheel boat ride, a ropes course and zip line, and a beautiful golf course. Allow plenty of time to explore all the attractions, the botanical gardens and the beautiful waterfront location. (Website)
Rainforest pyramid
Saki monkey
I told you there were tons of things to do in Galveston, and there is still so much more I want to see there. I need to go back! Be sure to check out my post on Galveston hotels, and for help planning your own trip to Galveston, visit www.galveston.com
Have you been to Galveston Island? What are your favorite things to do in Galveston?
Kiwi says
These are immaculate views of Galveston! I didnt know it was such an enchanting place feels like a time capsule!
Crystal says
I love learning about our nation’s history. Visiting the historic section and checking out all of the unique spots like the oil tanker sound like they’re right up my alley.
Cassie Tucker says
There sure are a lot of things to do while in Gabelston. I will have to check a lot of these out if I ever go back to the area.
Melanie Burbage says
I had no idea there was so much to do there in texas! So much to see as well, that would be really fun to take the kids there and see all the great sites!
Dawn McAlexander says
Oh, the pretty birds! Galveston looks like a wonderful place to visit. I will have to put it down in my book as a great place to go someday soon.
Our Family World says
An amazing place to visit! The ship is also interesting..
Eileen says
I would love to visit the Texas Seaport Museum. I can’t wait to see what they have on display there. Then of course, I will have my fill in those restaurants. The food looks great! The rooftop bar looks so cozy and romantic with those soft lights.
Kelly Hutchisnon says
When my sister lived in Texas, she loved to go to Galveston. I think it would be cool to visit the SS Selma concrete oil tanker.
Marcie W. says
I love Texas but Galveston is an area I have yet to explore. I need to change that soon, especially since there is so much do!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
I’ve never been to Galveston, but it does look like a blast! I’ll have to put in on my list.
Seattle Travel Blogger says
This looks like a nice journey.
It looks very much full of variety.
Your pictures do an excellent job of depicting this.
Melissa says
I know I sound uneducated but I never knew Galveston was an island. I will be sure not o miss it if I am in Texas!
Melissa says
I know I sound uneducated but I never knew Galveston was an island. I will be sure not to miss it if I get to Texas.
Melissa says
I know I sound uneducated but I never knew Galveston was an island and it looks amazing. If and when I go to Texas I will be sure not to miss Galveston.
Tara says
Galveston is such a great place to visit. I love the old fashioned soda fountain. I haven’t had one in ages.
Annemarie LeBlanc says
Awesome photos! It makes me want to hop on a plane and visit Galveston asap. There are so many sights to see and of course, the restaurants to dine in. The Rooftop bar looks so inviting!
Janis @MommyBlogExpert says
I’ve been to Texas many times, but I’ve never been to Galveston. Your post makes me realize how much variety and things there is to do and see there and I bet everyone in my family would love it.
Kathy says
Wow, those are some gorgeous photos. I have always wanted to go to Texas. It’s nice to know that Galveston has some great places to go and get some wonderful photos too.
Ann Bacciaglia says
This would be a great place to check out with the kids. We would love to spend a day looking at all those boats. The water park would be fun to.
Amy Desrosiers says
What a bunch of really cool old ships and sites to see. I hope to be able to see this place someday with my family too.
MJ.L says
I always hear such wonderful things about Galveston! I would love to travel here one day!
Mama to 6 Blessings says
Those are some great sites to see! I would love to see that concrete oil tanker, what a unique place to visit!
Carol Bryant says
How ironic is this. My wife and I were discussing 2017 vacation plans and we only do pet friendly vacations. I wonder if Galveston is very pet friendly – do you know? We talked about going there. It looks amazing in your photos.
Cristine says
I haven’t been to TX in years. Everything looks so different now. Might be time to visit again
TColeman says
This looks like such a beautiful place. I would love to go on a boat ride like this.
Robin Rue says
This looks like such a fun place to visit. I have family in TX and so I need to schedule a visit.
Elizabeth Neas says
Gosh- I think that Galveston is an easy day drive from us. I have no idea why we’ve never visited. After seeing all there is to do, I think that I’ll make this our next long weekend trip!
Nellwyn says
I’ve never been to Texas but this looks like a great place to visit! I love the idea of seeing dolphins and the Bryan Museum sounds interesting since I don’t know much about Southwestern history.
Neely (@Neelykins) says
Oddly enough I have lived in TX my entire life and never been to Galvestn. Hubs and I might this summer though!
Abby says
So cool! Now I want to visit 🙂
Emily says
There seems like so much to do there! I have family in Houston and they talk about Galveston a lot and really enjoy it.
Karrie Truman says
My friend moved here a few years ago. Although it was hard to see her go, I honestly can’t blame her! She was entering a new marriage and wanted to raise the kids she would have one day in a beachy and fun environment. She just had her second child and is thrilled with Galveston!
Nancy L. says
I’ve never been to Galveston, but after seeing your article, I would really love to go there! From the sites to the cuisine, it all looks charming and beautiful. I’m so naive. Being from the north, I never knew oil rigs were so close to shore. I always that they were way, way out in the ocean.
Alicia Taylor says
There is a lot to do there! Wow. I think I would love to see the tall ships and Have breakfast at Sunflower Bakery & Cafe – that breakfast looked scrumptious.
Jody @ Mommy Moment says
That looks like such a fun place to visit. I am from Canada and I had never heard of it before. I know my girls would love the boat ride with the chance to spot some dolphins.
P.S. That waffle looks amazing.
Nolie says
I love historical places and cute little history towns. We used to live in one and I can’t wait to move back. Galveston sounds like my kind of vacation place.
Catherine Sargent says
This looks like a fun place to visit. I would love to visit for a day or so and take a cruise from there.
Connie says
Galveston looks beautiful. I have never been there before, but would definitely like to go.
Reesa Lewandowski says
We took a cruise from Galveston many years ago, but didn’t see much in the area. It looks beautiful!
Jocelyn @Hip Mama's Place says
I have never been to Galveston, but it looks amazing! I need to take my family there one day, for sure.
Heather Lawrence says
WOW… the water line sure got high with Hurricane Ike.
I remember hearing about that storm but had no idea it brought that much water.
Crazy!!
lisa says
I had no idea how beautiful Galveston is! And there are dolphins?! I must visit soon!
Christy says
I live here and it’s an amazing place to raise my kids. If you ever get back, give me a shout. You missed a lot of the hidden treasures that the island has to offer!
Colleen Lanin says
I had the opportunity to see Galveston once, and I’ve been aching to get back ever since. It really is an amazing place.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
I had no idea Galveston was so beautiful! I love the ships and the architecture. It’s an amazing place on land and sea.
Audrey says
I had no idea that all of this was in Galveston!!! What a fun place to visit I know that my family would love this!
Jeni Hawkins says
I love going to Galveston! It’s such a unique and neat city. I need to check out Olympia Grill next time – thanks!
Jaime says
I’ve visited Texas, but never Galveston. Now I really want to go. I love seeing cruise ships up close (though I’ve never been on a cruise) and that photo of the water line from the hurricane makes my heart break. It looks like such a beautiful city!
Susan Mary Malone says
So excited to see you talking about Galveston! It’s one of my favorite places, and we’ve been going there since the Flagship was there (talk about dating myself 🙂 Love Moody Gardens, and all the food is so fab!