Galveston Travel Guide
Galveston has held a special place in my heart for a long time. I think most Texans will acknowledge that it’s not the best beach in the world, but for millions of us, it is the closest. Not to mention, it also has some fascinating history.
My family has been coming here for generations. My grandfather took in the International Pageant of Pulchritude from the Seawall, I observed Halley’s comet through a canopy of palm trees on Broadway, my parents honeymooned on Crystal Beach and discovered Brandy Alexanders at the Balinese Room, and Justin proposed to me on San Luis Beach. Now he’s working on a television show there, and that has provided us with some new opportunities to explore the city.
You can have many different Galveston experiences, depending on what kind of trip you’re looking for. We’ve had some trips where we didn’t even go to the beach because we were too busy exploring the Strand Historic District. We’ve also had trips where we rented a beach house outside of town and only ventured out long enough to buy fresh shrimp straight off the boat.
This is by no means an exhaustive list; I’ve mostly included things I have actually done. I will add to this as our list of experiences grows.
Where to stay:
The Tremont House - This is the hotel I’ve stayed at the most simply because the show puts us up here, but it is one of the coolest hotels on the island. It’s been around since 1839, and although it’s recently undergone a massive renovation, I think they maintained the character of the hotel well. It doesn’t have a pool, so that can be problematic if you’re traveling there with kids in the summer. However, the beach is a 5-minute drive down 25th street. The location is fantastic if you’re wanting to explore the Strand or if you’re in town for Mardi Gras.
Grand Galvez - Another one of Galveston’s most stunning hotels right on the beach. It’s been on the island for over 100 years, and also recently experienced a massive renovation. The lobby looks like the Titanic and the Wynn had a baby — just opulent. Keep in mind that the swimming pool is being renovated until the spring of 2023.
The San Luis Resort - If you’re after a true resort experience, this is a good option. You can get a luxury private cabana with a plunge pool, hang out at the swim-up bar, walk across the street to the beach, lounge at the spa all day, be as fancy as you want.
Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa, and Convention Center - This is a great option for families. Located closer to the Galveston Causeway, it’s attached to several family-friendly attractions, so you could basically park once and never have to leave.
Pleasure Pier
What to do:
Schlitterbahn Waterpark - For decades, Schlitterbahn has been a go-to for Texans trying to cool off during our oppressive summers. Their Galveston park shares a parking lot with Moody Gardens Hotel. It’s smaller than the original in New Braunfels, but still plenty to keep kids busy.
Moody Gardens - In addition to the hotel, Moody Gardens has an Aquarium Pyramid, a Rainforest Pyramid, a Discovery Pyramid, 3D and 4D theaters, a paddlewheel boat, and a waterpark with a private beach called Palm Beach. You can buy tickets individually or in a bundle, and it’s a great way to wear the kids out.
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier - Is it a tourist trap? Sure. But is it also fairly magical to be in a glittering ferris wheel over the ocean at night? Also yes. My son especially enjoyed the novelty of walking straight out of the Gulf of Mexico and onto the pier and riding rides in his swim trunks. Be sure to check their social media for updated hours. They tend to change a lot.
Texas Seaport Museum and ELISSA - The tours are self-guided, but this is an attraction for all ages. I was astonished at how much my five-year-old was into this. He loved exploring the ship, and though it’s hot below deck, it is fascinating to read all about the story of this floating piece of history.
Galveston Railroad Museum - This is another self-guided tour that I think would’ve been as popular with my grandfather as it was my kindergartener. The exhibit inside the train depot was sparse, but we explored the cars in the rail yard for at least an hour.
Moody Gardens
Where to eat:
Date Night
Hearsay on the Strand - Justin and I had special memories of the original location in downtown Houston, so we were so excited when this one opened up. It’s not quite as on point as the original (it seems to be a little more on island time), but the food and drinks are still delicious.
Rudy and Paco - This is a unique concept with Central and South American influences. Be aware that there is a dress code. Justin once had to change in the parking lot so we could get in.
Riondo’s Ristorante - We love this cozy intimate Italian spot. If you go on a less busy night, you really get the royal treatment. The service is wonderful.
Gaido’s - The ultimate Galveston institution. It’s been serving high-end fresh seafood for over 100 years and is still at the top of everyone’s travel list. Make sure you make reservations.
Family Friendly
Shark Shack - A fun little spot on the Strand with some seriously delicious fish tacos and coloring pages for the kids.
Yaga’s Cafe - This menu is so eclectic it has something for everyone. Even my picky kid found something to eat. I tried the Keto Salmon Avocado Pizza much to the disgust of my tablemates, and it was so good.
Cordray Drug Store - Looking for a fun place for dessert? The Cordray Drug Store sells delicious rolled ice cream with fresh mix-ins and toppings.
Star Drug Store - This place is touted as the oldest drug store in Texas. It’s got a beautiful, old school lunch counter and soda fountain. If you need a big breakfast to fuel your day at the beach, this is a good choice.
Fish Tales - Depending on the day, you could be in for a long wait. This place is right across the street from Pleasure Pier. But it’s a big restaurant with lots of seating. We like sitting on the wrap-around deck and watching the Seawall. But be prepared to fight off hungry seagulls.
Good for Groups
Katie’s Seafood House - Everything I’ve had here has been so fresh and delicious. And if you come for dinner, you get a lovely view of the sunset off the back porch. My son liked watching all the fishing boats dock right in front of us. Reservations are a good idea here because it fills up fast.
Fisherman’s Wharf - This is a huge restaurant with lots of seating, but it still manages to have a wait sometimes. They have coloring pages for kids, and if you sit on the back patio, you get a great view of the ELISSA and can watch the boats dock all around you. We dined next to a certain Houston billionaire’s yacht last time we were there.
The Original Mexican Cafe - This spot has been here in its original location since 1916. The prices are very reasonable, which is a welcome relief from the prices you typically pay on the island. It’s just good ol’ Tex-Mex — plain and simple. And those margaritas hit the spot after a long day on the beach.
Hearsay
Where to shop:
La King’s Confectionary - Of course the kids will love this giant candy and ice cream store. But even if you’re kidless, don’t sleep on this place. They don’t have them all the time, but if they happen to have the dark chocolate bourbon caramels when you’re there, BUY THEM.
Gracie’s - This is a great gift shop with a wide variety of items. Not only do they have children’s clothing, cookbooks, and fun entertaining essentials, I was surprised at some of the high quality clothing they carry.
Galveston Bookshop - If you love a good cozy bookshop, check this place out. It’s two stories of used books, vinyl, and comics. I’ve found a lot of unique stuff here for Christmas and birthday presents.
Mercantile on the Strand - I discovered this little spot last time I was there. It may be small, but it packs a punch. I managed to get three stocking stuffers and two Christmas presents in this tiny little boutique. They’ve got something for everyone.
Play on the Strand - What a fun and unique toy store. They’ve got a great selection of books, educational toys, games, outside toys, and even some old school arcade games in the back.
Patch Co - If you like delicate jewelry, this is your spot. They carry Kendra Scott, Spartina, Able, etc. They also carry some very cute clothing and accessories. There’s a lot of interesting finds every time I go in.
Amy Lane - This is a lovely Christian gift shop. But the real showpiece of this place is the prayer wall. You can go in and write a prayer request and hang it on the prayer wall, and the owner and her husband pray through those requests every day. She is an angel. She let me talk her ear off for 45 minutes when I was having a hard day and then she prayed for me right there in the store.
Tangerine Boutique - If you like West Coast style that can be dressed up or down, check this place out. They tend to be on the pricier side and carry brands like Farm Rio and MISA.
Kimmy’s Boutique - I tore this place up last summer. The prices were reasonable, and the colors looked like rainbow sherbet. I tried on no less than 17 dresses one day.