About Galveston
Galveston, Texas is a city on the barrier Islands of Galveston and Pelican, making it a favorite among beach goers. With soft sand, the gentle lapping water of the Gulf of Mexico, and tons of Galveston beach vacation rentals, it's also a Spring Break hotspot. There's more to this area than just a beach. It's rich in history and has some of the most beautiful Victorian architecture in Texas.
Things to Do
As expected, Galveston offers a number of seaside activities like sunbathing, swimming, boating, and fishing. Visitors enjoy parasailing in the gulf, jet skiing, paddle boarding, and many other water activities. But if you're planning a trip here, you'll also want to check out the Strand National Historic Landmark District. Here a number of Victoria-era buildings are refurbished and repurposed for use as restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.
Galveston's rich tourist culture makes it a hotbed for both public and self-guided tours. Check out wildlife, nature and harbor structures while riding high on the blue crescent waves of boat tours. Consider taking bike, train, carriage, or walking tours that can guide you through historic centers and landmarks. You can also explore public art exhibits, and view some of the impressive tree sculptures that dot Galveston's landscape. Scare yourself up some fun by partaking in a ghost tour through the city's oldest cemeteries.
Museums, opera houses, and homes dating back to the founding of the town share a part of Galveston that many overlook. Each offers a special voice in the recounting of Galveston's colorful history. Stop by The Grand 1894 Opera House, the Moody Mansion Museum, or the oldest building in town, the 1838 Michel B. Menard Home to travel back in time.
Some of Galveston's most popular family-oriented attractions are water parks. All kinds of water sports can be experienced on nearby beaches too, including Stewart Beach, R.A. Apfell East Beach Park, and Seawolf Park on Pelican Island. The largest of these water parks, Schlitterbahn, is sure to entertain the entire family for hours on end with its extensive variety of rides and water-related activities.
Galveston's illustrious record in various commercial industries has given it the artifacts and opportunity to found a number of museums. Visit the Galveston Railroad Museum, the Lone Star Flight Museum, the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling and Rig Museum and others for visual history exhibits. If you'd like to take a piece of history home with you, don't forget to stroll through the city's art galleries and antique shops.
Stopping by Moody Gardens can be a lovely introduction to wildlife in a controlled environment. This tourist destination educates visitors about conservation and gives them information on how to save natural resources, while using visual tools like aquariums, rain forest exhibits, and even a lush golf course. Moody Gardens even boasts 3D and 4D theater screens - check online listings for information about showings. During the summer, Moody Gardens hosts a water park that's great for family fun.
Shopping
Galveston is known for its shopping. From the quaint stores of the Strand to the modern retailers on Seawall Boulevard, visitors have their picks of places to find the perfect souvenir. The Historic Downtown District offers a number of unique finds amidst a Victorian-era backdrop. This area is also known for its vibrant arts community with Gallery Row, home to many sculpture, photography, and fine arts galleries. Antiquers will also enjoy the number of antique and collectibles stores in the downtown area. This historic 36-block district is home to more than 100 unique shops, galleries, and bistros.
Events
One of Galveston's most popular events is Mardi Gras, Texas style. Since everything's bigger in the Lone Star state, it should come as no surprise that this two weekend celebration attracts over 250,000 visitors a year with parades, costumes, lively music, masked balls, and glittering lights. Galveston also throws a number of culinary events, including its Food and Wine Festival and the delicious Shrimp Festival. Both offer delectable treats with a beautiful outdoor setting.
Motorcycle fans invade the island in November for the biggest annual road rally in Texas. More than 500,000 bikers and bike fanatics come to Galveston each year for live concerts, meeting opportunities of world-renowned bike builders, competitions, and workshops.
For a holiday event everyone will remember, checkout Dickens on the Strand. This Victorian Christmas tradition offers five stages of entertainment, costumed food vendors, and strolling carolers. It's bound to make even the Scrooges among you delight in the holiday.
Nightlife
Galveston boasts some of the hottest nightlife in the area, and best of all, the chic spots are within walking distance of many of the Island's top attractions and hotels. Many visitors enjoy sipping a cold one and watching the sun drop slowly below the western horizon. While Galveston is known for its bar scene, that's not the only kind of nightlife available. The town boasts many live music venues and theaters.
This city is a delightful place for a beach vacation, with copious Galveston beachfront vacation rentals, but it offers so much more to enjoy than just the sand. From the quaint shops of the Strand to the distinct murals on Seawall, Galveston offers a number of entertaining options.
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