Galveston Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Galveston
Enjoy the quaint old downtown architecture, explore historic mansions, and visit the museums and galleries of Texas’s foremost port city.

Galveston charms with its glimpse into the colorful history of Texas through architecture and museums. The city sits on an island 32 miles long and 2.5 miles wide.

Walk the Strand and gaze at beautiful historic buildings preserved by local authorities for well over a century. Here you can browse souvenir shops, dine in excellent restaurants, or ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Continue exploring architectural treasures with a tour through the East End District. You’ll see classic Victorian buildings from the city’s days as a leading cotton exporter and extravagant old homes such as the Moody Mansion or Bishop’s Palace.

Galveston was officially incorporated in the 1830s. It soon grew into one of the most successful and prosperous cities in the region and even served as the capital of the Republic of Texas. Its economy was devastated by a hurricane in 1900, but throughout the 20th century it evolved into a historical and cultural vacation destination. It boasts some of the best old architecture in the country and is home to dozens of museums and art galleries.

Soak up some more history at the Texas Seaport Museum, where you’ll find the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa. Visit a real offshore oil rig and learn about the industry at the Ocean Star Drilling Rig and Museum. Aircraft lovers will want to explore the Lone Star Flight Museum. It has dozens of restored aircraft from World War II you can even organize to have a ride in one.

History buffs will also love the story behind the Pleasure Pier, built during World War II as a recreational facility for the U.S. military. Nowadays families flock here to ride the roller coasters and enjoy the games. For more fun, hit the Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Water Park. Check out the Moody Gardens to explore the aquarium, zoo, and 3-D theater. Beachgoers won’t find sparkling waters and white sand at Galveston, but for a relaxing morning or evening stroll, drop by the Seawall or East Beach.

Galveston is a historic island destination with plenty to offer history buffs and leisure seekers alike. It’s 50 miles southeast of Houston.

Where to stay in Galveston

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Pirates Beach

If you're spending some time in Pirates Beach, Pirates Beach and Pirate's Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Pirates Beach
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Sea Isle

While visiting Sea Isle, you might make a stop by sights like Sea Isle Beach and Terramar Beach.

Sea Isle
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Pointe West

When in Pointe West, you can plan a visit to San Luis Beach and San Luis Pass, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Pointe West
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The Preserve

While visiting The Preserve, you might make a stop by sights like Bermuda Beach and Pirate's Beach.

The Preserve
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Tiki Island

Tiki Island might not have many top sights, but Moody Gardens and Galveston Schlitterbahn Waterpark are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Tiki Island
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Kempner Park

While visiting Kempner Park, you might make a stop by sights like Seawall Beach and Kempner Park.

Kempner Park
Wingate by Wyndham Galveston East Beach
Wingate by Wyndham Galveston East Beach
2.5 out of 5
1402 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
The price is NZ$142 per night from 25 Jun to 26 Jun
NZ$142
per night
25 Jun - 26 Jun
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Galveston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
5.6/10 (1,465 reviews)
"Very friendly staff"

Reviewed on 26 May 2024

Wingate by Wyndham Galveston East Beach
Galveston Beach Hotel
Galveston Beach Hotel
2.5 out of 5
8710 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
The price is NZ$160 per night from 28 May to 29 May
NZ$160
per night
28 May - 29 May
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Galveston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.4/10 Good! (2,103 reviews)
"I've stayed here several times and I've always had good experience."

Reviewed on 22 May 2024

Galveston Beach Hotel
Beachfront Palms Hotel Galveston
Beachfront Palms Hotel Galveston
3 out of 5
5914 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
The price is NZ$144 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
NZ$144
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Galveston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
6.8/10 (2,231 reviews)
"Not a bad place to stay. Right on the beach."

Reviewed on 24 May 2024

Beachfront Palms Hotel Galveston
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Casa Del Mar Beachfront Suites Onsite Team
Casa Del Mar Beachfront Suites Onsite Team
3 out of 5
6102 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Stay at this 3-star beach condo in Galveston. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,854 reviews)
"Loved this place. Very clean and cozy. Loved the decor and loved the view. Ahhh and loved the location. Close to restaurants shopping and a quick walk to the beach. I will definitely book my future stays right here."

Reviewed on 23 May 2024

Casa Del Mar Beachfront Suites Onsite Team
Victorian
Victorian
3.5 out of 5
Galveston
Stay at this 3.5-star golf condo in Galveston. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Galveston Schlitterbahn Waterpark ...
6.8/10 (72 reviews)
Love this condo!
"I always love staying at The Victorian..excellent location, condo was so nice and cozy, parking is great, pools are so nice and clean, i feel safe inside the gates. I will always stay here. Note to the propert management team...the chairs on the balcony would be so much better if they were taller. ..."

Reviewed on 24 May 2024

Victorian
Beach house with large deck and patio just steps from the beach
Beach house with large deck and patio just steps from the beach
Galveston
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Galveston. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a water park. Popular attractions Terramar Beach and Half ...
9/10 Wonderful! (54 reviews)
Great weekend away!
"Loved the easy access to the beach. All the kitchen appliances that were available came in handy! We couldn’t get the living room fan to come on, but other than that, it was awesome!"

Reviewed on 29 Apr. 2024

Beach house with large deck and patio just steps from the beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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