Located south of Houston on the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston is a charming, historical city filled with ample attractions for tourists and residents alike. With 32 miles of beaches, excellent restaurants, the Strand, entertainment venues, and more, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Galveston!
Moody Gardens:
A major tourist destination on the island, Moody Gardens is one of the premier educational and leisure facilities in the South West with a variety of attractions as well as numerous innovative and creative programs. Moody Gardens offers an MG 3D and 4D theater, an Aquarium Pyramid for ocean exploration, an authentic rainforest adventure, the Discovery Museum for Science enthusiasts, a boat cruise, and more! Plus, it is home to the popular Palm Beach, which is Galveston’s only white sand beach and boasts a lazy river, wave pool, etc. Not to mention, Moody Gardens hosts a number of events throughout the year!
Schlitterbahn:
One of Schlitterbahn’s three locations is located in Galveston. Schlitterbahn – Galveston encompasses 26-acres of thrilling waterpark adventures, including over 30 attractions designed in tradition of ride innovation. Visitors can enjoy Schlitterbahn year-round thanks to the Wasserfest area, which has been voted the “World’s Best Indoor Waterpark” and includes more than a dozen heated water adventures!
Pleasure Pier:
A world class amusement park for all ages, Pleasure Pier has been recognized as one of the world’s Top Five Seaside Parks! Extending over the Gulf of Mexico, the pier is home to several eateries, including Bubba Gump Shrimp! In addition, it offers a number of shops, entertaining games, and 16 rides that range from more gentle rides for younger visitors to exhilarating coasters! Pleasure Pier is not open year round, but it is a MUST for anyone who visits Galveston in season!
The Strand:
Located in Galveston’s historic downtown area, The Strand is home to an abundance of dining options and entertainment pursuits! Surrounded by historic buildings, residents and visitors enjoy frequenting The Strand not only for its charm, but also its numerous museums, eclectic dining options, art shows, galleries, and unique shops! Not to mention, The Strand is known for a diverse range of entertainment options with live music venues and a variety of nightlife and entertainment spots! In addition to endless culture, charming shops, and vast nightlife/entertainment establishments, The Strand also offers carriage rides, parks, a theater, and much more! There’s something for every member of the family to enjoy!
Additional Dining and Entertainment Options:
Throughout the city of Galveston, residents and visitors can enjoy a diverse, eclectic menu of dining and entertainment options! Aside from the variety of delightful seafood establishments, the city boasts a number of foodie delights that includes steak houses, taco stands, coffee bars, burger joints, seaside restaurants, and much more! Popular hot spots, such as The Spot, offer a combination of exceptional dining and nightlife, all while enjoying the ocean breeze!
Whether going out on The Strand or staying by the beach, there is never a shortage of things to do or places to go for adults who enjoy the nightlife, no matter what the season! Galveston hosts a number of festivals and events year-round and is home to an assortment of live music venues, roof top bars, swim up bars, patio bars, beach front bars, night clubs, piano bars, lounges, breweries, wineries, and more!
Beaches and Outdoor Recreation:
With its warm climate and 32 miles of shoreline, Galveston is a popular destination for every type of beachgoer, including your pets which are permitted on every beach (as long as they are leashed and you clean up after them)! Stewart Beach, a popular spot for families, is in the center of all the family hot spots and offers a number of amenities to accommodate every member of the family! On the other end of the spectrum, “party-goers” will love East Beach, which is known for its popular festivals and concerts! For a quiet retreat, visit West End’s quiet beaches and pocket parks, which are perfect for nature lovers!
Aside from its scenic beaches, Galveston is home to an endless supply of outdoor recreation opportunities! Visitors and residents can be found kayaking, bird watching, fishing, camping, and more at Galveston Island State Park. In addition, the city is home to a plethora of other parks dispersed throughout. Fishing enthusiasts have endless spots to cast a line/net with a number of piers, surf-fishing, off shore/blue-water fishing excursions, as well as bay-fishing opportunities!
