Old Central Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

If find yourself in Galveston and you want to get away from the Seawall crowds then this is a great beach to visit. Most days you’ll find that it isn’t crowded at all, only a few people around. Follow the picturesque white boardwalk to a trail that will lead you to the beach. Be sure to stop and smell the many flowers along the way—just remember to keep off the dunes and watch out for rattlesnakes.
If find yourself in Galveston and you want to get away from the Seawall crowds then this is a great beach to visit. Most days you’ll find that it isn’t crowded at all, only a few people around. Follow the picturesque white boardwalk to a trail that will lead you to the beach. Be sure to stop and smell the many flowers along the way—just remember to keep off the dunes and watch out for rattlesnakes.
In front of Olympia Grill, view of the Pleasure Pier.
Perfect beach day.
#beach Galveston at sunset, 2013

Popular places to visit

Evening sun illuminates the Seawall at Galveston, Texas

Galveston Seawall

5/5(1 review)

You can learn about the local history of Galveston when you make a stop at a well-known site such as Galveston Seawall. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Galveston Seawall
huge cruise liner stands off the coast of Vancouver Canada Place flag flying over the Pacific Ocean sails a beautiful view of the city on the water Canada 2023

Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal

4.5/5(2 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Galveston with a trip to Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal
Galveston Schlitterbahn Waterpark

Galveston Schlitterbahn Waterpark

Enjoy a day twisting and turning on water slides or just relax in a pool with a swim-up bar at this popular water park.

Galveston Schlitterbahn Waterpark
Aerial panorama sunset over Port of Galveston Texas

Port of Galveston

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Galveston with a trip to Port of Galveston. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Port of Galveston
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

4/5(2 reviews)

Ride the thrilling swings over the Gulf of Mexico and browse the shops and restaurants on this fun and scenic pier.

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
View towards Moody gardens in Galveston, Texas

Moody Gardens

For a day away from the city, head to the sand, slides and towering pyramids of Moody Bay where you can immerse yourself in the world’s oceans and rainforests.

Moody Gardens

Activities

Groovy Galveston Scavenger Hunt

Groovy Galveston Scavenger Hunt

NZ$27
per adult
Groovy Galveston Scavenger Hunt
Segway Galveston Ghost tour

Haunted Legends: Segway Ghost Tour

NZ$126
per adult
Haunted Legends: Segway Ghost Tour
Ghost On the Strand Ghost Tour

Ghost On the Strand Ghost Tour

NZ$52
per adult
Ghost On the Strand Ghost Tour
Tree carvings tour on Viator

Galveston Tree Carvings Segway Tour

NZ$111
per adult
Galveston Tree Carvings Segway Tour
Tour Galveston's 1895 Moody Mansion

Tour Galveston's 1895 Moody Mansion

NZ$31
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Tour Galveston's 1895 Moody Mansion
Visit The Bryan Museum

The Bryan Museum Admission

NZ$25
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
The Bryan Museum Admission
See all activities in Galveston

Our pick of the best Old Central Hotel Deals

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center

4 out of 5
7 Hope Blvd Galveston TX
The price is NZ$229 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
NZ$229
16 Feb - 17 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa resort in Galveston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,042 reviews)
The staff was the friendliest, most helpful hotel staff we have ever experienced any where in the world. We will never stay anywhere else in Galveston ever again.

Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center
Clarion Pointe Galveston - Beachfront

Clarion Pointe Galveston - Beachfront

3 out of 5
5914 Seawall Blvd Galveston TX
The price is NZ$117 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
NZ$117
23 Feb - 24 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Galveston. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.4/10 Good! (256 reviews)
Clean room. Excellent staff.

Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026

Clarion Pointe Galveston - Beachfront
Casa De La Sirena--Beachfront Retreat in Spanish Grant!

Casa De La Sirena--Beachfront Retreat in Spanish Grant!

2 out of 5
Galveston TX
Stay at this beach holiday home in Galveston. Enjoy a beach locale, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Galveston Island Beaches and Galveston ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (72 reviews)
We had a very good stay at this beach house. Our only disappointment was that the living room storm shutters didn’t open , but the owner had let us know ahead of time.

Reviewed on 23 Sept 2025

Get rates
Casa De La Sirena--Beachfront Retreat in Spanish Grant!
The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center

The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center

4 out of 5
5222 Seawall Blvd Galveston TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$492 per night from 19 Feb to 20 Feb
NZ$492
19 Feb - 20 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Galveston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,180 reviews)
Great atmosphere! Had so much fun!

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026

The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center
Galveston Beach Hotel

Galveston Beach Hotel

2.5 out of 5
8710 Seawall Blvd Galveston TX
The price is NZ$115 per night from 15 Feb to 16 Feb
NZ$115
15 Feb - 16 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Galveston. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,902 reviews)
Great stay overall

Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026

Galveston Beach Hotel
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Galveston Beach by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Galveston Beach by IHG

2.5 out of 5
3228 SEAWALL BOULEVARD Galveston TX
The price is NZ$190 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
NZ$190
16 Feb - 17 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Galveston. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,265 reviews)
Great location, friendly staff, easy to get to

Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Galveston Beach by IHG
See all 6,131 properties in Old Central
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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Other neighbourhoods around Old Central

Take from our room.

Midtown

While visiting Midtown, you might make a stop by sights like Galveston Seawall and Seawall Beach.

Midtown
Morning light on historic church on Galveston Island, Texas.

Kempner Park

While visiting Kempner Park, you might make a stop by sights like Seawall Beach and McGuire-Dent Recreation Center.

Kempner Park
Lunch Vacation This tranquil "spot" is 45 minutes from my office in bustling downtown Houston. When it gets too crazy... a little break along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico is a welcome treat. December and 72°, Christmas music and waves.

Fort Crockett

While Fort Crockett may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Seawall Beach and Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier.

Fort Crockett
In front of the hotel.

Historic Downtown Galveston

While visiting Historic Downtown Galveston, you might make a stop by sights like Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal and Strand Theatre.

Historic Downtown Galveston
In front of the hotel.

Strand Historic District

Strand Historic District is a destination visitors seek out for its pristine beaches, ample dining options and captivating waterfront views. You might also want to check out attractions like Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal or Strand Theatre while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Strand Historic District
One of our favorite little weekend getaways is a quick 45 minute drive from Houston. The Hotel Galvez and Spa has been the grand hotel of the Galveston sea wall since 1911. Originally built to help Galveston tourism recover from the devastation of the great hurricane of 1900 that almost ended the life of this island city. Charming architecture, beautiful pool, great bars and amenities. Given its age and history it has more than a few ghost stories as well. The Hotel is a member of Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

San Jacinto

While visiting San Jacinto, you might make a stop by sights like East End Historic District and Seawall Beach.

San Jacinto

Old Central Travel Guide

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