Galveston, TX

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Galveston Schlitterbahn Waterpark

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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West End

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

West End
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Jamaica Beach

Jamaica Beach is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Jamaica Beach and Galveston Island State Park Beach while you're in town.

Jamaica Beach
Galveston Schlitterbahn Waterpark showing a waterpark and rides as well as an individual male

Near West End

If you're spending some time in Near West End, Moody Gardens and Galveston Schlitterbahn Waterpark are top sights worth seeing.

Near West End
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Sea Isle

If you're spending some time in Sea Isle, Sea Isle Beach and Terramar Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Sea Isle
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The Preserve

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

The Preserve
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Pirates Beach

5/5(1 area review)

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

Pirates Beach
The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center

The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center

4 out of 5
5222 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Stay at this 4-star luxury resort in Galveston. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
Perfect place to stay
"Excellent location near the beach. Nice balcony view from our room on the 14th floor. Staff was extremely nice. I highly recommend this resort."

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2025

The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center
Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center

4 out of 5
7 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX
$139 nightly
The price is $160 total per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
$160 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Galveston. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,835 reviews)
"Safe area, clean and comfortable bed, big and clean swimming pool and hot jacuzzi."

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2025

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center
Quality Inn & Suites Galveston - Beachfront

Quality Inn & Suites Galveston - Beachfront

2.5 out of 5
5924 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
$76 nightly
The price is $87 total per night from Aug 14 to Aug 15
$87 total
Aug 14 - Aug 15
Total includes taxes and fees
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,781 reviews)
"Did not hear any other guests while we were there. Loved being right across the street from the beach."

Reviewed on Jul 18, 2025

Quality Inn & Suites Galveston - Beachfront
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

Casa Del Mar Beachfront Suites

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! (2,007 reviews)
"We had a wonderful stay with our grandchildren. The place was clean and friendly. My Mom was even pleased and that's saying a lot! We will definitely be back."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

Casa Del Mar Beachfront Suites
Victorian

Victorian

3.5 out of 5
Galveston
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Galveston. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7/10 Good! (132 reviews)
"We really enjoyed the view from the balcony of the gulf. Everyone was so polite and friendly. Out of the 3 times we have been to Galveston, this has been our best of them all."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Victorian
Pleasure Pier Retreat

Pleasure Pier Retreat

4 out of 5
2511 Bernardo De Galvez, Galveston, TX
Stay at this 4-star vacation home in Galveston. Enjoy a picnic area, furnished patios, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Port of Galveston and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"Good communication about adding an additional person at the last minute, great atmosphere, super clean unit and a very quiet neighborhood. Only downside is parking, besides that we had a great time and will be booking with this company again."

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

Pleasure Pier Retreat
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.

Getting around Galveston

Jump on the Galveston Island Trolley to get around in serious vintage style, with a fleet of restored streetcars running around downtown and along the seawall. The historic center of Galveston is an atmospheric place to explore, while bike rental is another option. For ultimate freedom, and especially for trips further afield, consider renting a car from one of the many operators in town. Visit the Island TransitOpens in a new window website.Browse Galveston rental cars.

Best time to visit

One of Galveston’s big draws is the beach, and you’ll want to visit between spring and fall to enjoy weather warm enough for sunbathing. Do note though that the height of summer brings big crowds and sometimes overbearing heat, not to mention higher prices. The weather is mild in winter, a pleasant time of year to tour the town’s museums, parks and waterfront pier.

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