
8 Things to Do in Galveston, Texas
You already know Galveston, Texas is the port city for Texas-based cruise ships. But do you know there’s more to the island than simply being the starting point of an amazing Texas Cruise from Texas Cruise Company.com?
From historic homes and modern attractions to beaches that are perfect for weekend getaways, Galveston is a great all-around destination for the lone traveler and the vacationing family alike. What’s there to do in Galveston? Here are some of them—aside from catching the cruise of a lifetime, that is.
1. Get Your Bearings at the Visitor’s Center.
It’s a great place to start. The Galveston Island Visitors Center is a treasure trove of information about the island. Brochures a’plenty, free maps, and very friendly guides eager to help you get the fun you have in mind are only some of the things you will find after a quick stop at the Center.
2. Step Back in Time.
Where better to go sightseeing than in a romantic island nestled deep in the heart of Texas?
Galveston played a major role in Texas history, and its buildings and landmarks remain proof of this. Not surprisingly, Galveston packs a lot of sightseeing punch—it’s home to no less than six historic districts, after all. It also has one of the most historically significant—and largest—collection of 19th century buildings, with more than 60 structures made a part of the National Register of Historic Places! So, stroll all you want through Galveston’s many historic districts or explore any of the historic houses which are open for public viewing—you won’t run out of landmark buildings to take photos of! Stepping back in time in Galveston is a treat by itself. Take your time and enjoy.
3. Visit Museums.
The island has slew of top-notch museums, including the Texas Seaport and the Tall Ship Elissa, the Lone Star Flight Museum, and the Galveston Railroad.
4. Shop in The Strand.
Long before The Strand became the shopping mecca of the island, it was late 1800 Galveston’s commercial center. Shop ’til you drop at The Strand, where you can buy your fill of upscale, artsy, or trendy finds. Be sure to drop by Col. Bubby’s surplus store. Go down to the dock next to Fisherman’s wharf and take some fresh seafood home. It’s all right there convenient for you.
5. Join Revelers of the Mardi Gras.
Everything is bigger and better in Texas, they say. Well, there’s no doubting that Mardi Gras is bigger and definitely better in Galveston. How big? Texas-sized partying for 11 nights and 12 days before lent—that kind of big! This comes as no surprise, though. Galveston is world-famous for its many festivals—from Epicurean Evening, to Dickens on the Strand, to Mardi Gras!
6. Chase Bad Moods Away at Moody Gardens.
Moody is the last thing you will be at the Moody Gardens. After all, a visit to this lush paradise created by the Moody family is a vacation on its own! A profuse growth of tropical plants, three pyramids that house among others a 10-story rainforest, a 1.5-million-gallon pyramid aquarium, and the educationally-enriching Discovery Museum, a memorial for Vietnam veterans, the 19th century-styled Colonel Paddlewheeler complete with hour-long narrative cruises, a Palm Beach—freshwater lagoons, white sands, and all—and theaters for educational viewing. They have plenty of experts there to show and explain everything you would want to know. Very educational and entertaining.
7. Get Wet in the Waterpark.
Like all the Schlitterbahn parks, Galveston’s Schlitterbahn has innovative and unique rides for everyone. Unlike all other waterparks in the world, however, the island’s waterpark is convertible—it’s perfect for outdoor fun during summers and indoor enjoyment during winters. Enjoy water coasters, whitewater rapids, water slides, hot tubs, wave pools, and more!
8. Wine and Dine. Hungry? Whether you’re hankering for margaritas and tacos along the bay or oysters by the seawall, you won’t run out of good eats in Galveston. Here are some of your options.
● Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant. Found along Seawall Boulevard, Gaido’s is a dining institution of the island—and with good reason!
● Ocean Grill. Eat with a spectacular view of the Gulf of Mexico at the Ocean Grill.
● Saltwater Grill. Feast on fresh seafood at the Saltwater Grill—but make reservations; they’re required.
● Rudy & Paco. Top billed as the most innovative dining experience in Galveston, this restaurant offers a steak and grilled seafood with a Central American twist.
9. A bonus activity in Galveston? Take a Texas Cruise. Call Texas Cruise Company at 1-325-835-7561 and get your cruise boots on. It’s time for a Texas Cruise just before wintertime. Still worrying you won’t have much to do while you wait for your cruise to leave? In Galveston, the question is not if you’ll have something to do. The question is this—do you have enough time to do all you want to? Don’t worry, you can always come back again and again.
Texas Cruise Company: 1-325-835-7561