Moody Gardens Tours

Moody Gardens
Moody Gardens
Photo by George Zimzores


More than just a theme park: an aquarium, zoo, museums and rides on beautiful Galveston Bay.

Moody Gardens theme park, about an hour’s drive from Houston, is a zoo, museum and amusement park — all in one. The complex is made up of three striking pyramids: an aquarium, a tropical rainforest and a discovery center for traveling museum exhibits. These are spread out among hotels, restaurants and gardens on the waterfront at Galveston Bay.

The Rainforest Pyramid is a 10-story building that houses a climate-controlled rainforest. Monkeys, sloths, birds and butterflies move freely through the trees. A waterway system running through the ground floor is home to Chinese alligators and Amazon otters. There are mock Mayan ruins, waterfalls and even a bat cave. Stroll along walkways that wind through the pyramid’s ground floor and on elevated platforms amongst the trees.

The Aquarium Pyramid is the largest of the three pyramids with four separate ocean displays. You’ll find coral reef and tropical fish in the South Pacific exhibit, five different types of penguins in the icy South Atlantic and seals in the North Pacific. Walk beneath sharks, turtles and eels in an underwater tunnel through the Caribbean.

The Discovery Pyramid, located in the middle of the gardens, is constantly changing. A roster of exhibits from around the world, usually involving science and nature, feature informative, interactive activities.

In addition to the pyramids, there’s a host of activities. During summer enjoy the water park with its man-made sandy beach, water slides and wave pool. Play a round of golf at the newly renovated Moody Gardens Golf Course year-round, or go for an idyllic boat ride on the bay. There are 3-D and 4-D cinemas, as well as a RideFilm theater that features an 18-seat ride with a 180-degree wraparound screen.

Buy tickets separately for individual attractions, or purchase a one- or two-day Value Pass. Moody Gardens is a non-profit attraction, so proceeds of ticket sales go to the park’s conservation and research activities.

Moody Gardens is about 50 miles (80 kilometers) southeast of downtown Houston by car and there’s plenty of free parking.

Plan a trip to see Moody Gardens

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Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe/Houston
Hotel Saint Augustine
Hotel Granduca Houston

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Reviews of Moody Gardens

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
399
5 - Excellent 56%
4 - Good
232
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
59
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
9
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
10
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Iceland was very nice. We realky enjoyed it.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Don't go to Adult Spongebob Adventure. It sucks big time and not worth the money.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Overpriced.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Atlanta aquarium is much better and Moody aquariu, would have been alright except for the price which was too expensive for the small size of the place.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Aquarium much smaller than expected for the price ($32ish). Atlanta aquarium was much bigger and better at about the same price (Atlanta = all day event with multiple shows included while Moody took about 3 hours and we went through it twice and I-max and other shows not included (Atlanta included Imax with several senses, multiple feeding and other shows and it was an all-day event, but still not overwhelming)).

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler

Over priced, not worth the money

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Moody Gardens

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center

4 out of 5
7 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX
Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center
Beachfront Palms Hotel Galveston

Beachfront Palms Hotel Galveston

3 out of 5
5914 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Beachfront Palms Hotel Galveston
Galveston Beach Hotel

Galveston Beach Hotel

2.5 out of 5
8710 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Galveston Beach Hotel
Inn at The Waterpark

Inn at The Waterpark

2 out of 5
2525 Jones Dr, Galveston, TX
Inn at The Waterpark
The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center

The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center

4 out of 5
5222 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Galveston West Seawall

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Galveston West Seawall

3 out of 5
2901 63RD STREET, Galveston, TX
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Galveston West Seawall
Hilton Galveston Island Resort

Hilton Galveston Island Resort

3.5 out of 5
5400 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Hilton Galveston Island Resort
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Galveston North at I-45

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Galveston North at I-45

3 out of 5
1002 63rd st, Galveston, TX
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Galveston North at I-45
Best Western Plus Galveston Suites

Best Western Plus Galveston Suites

2.5 out of 5
8502 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Best Western Plus Galveston Suites
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.

Things to do near Moody Gardens

At Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor experiences, including birdwatching and stunning ocean views. Key attractions include the interactive aquarium, 3D theater, and a beautiful golf course. For those seeking adventure, segway tours offer a fun way to explore the grounds and nearby areas. With so many activities available, Moody Gardens promises an unforgettable vacation experience.

Shopping

Moody Gardens offers a delightful shopping experience, with nearby options like the Outlet Shops at La Marque (13 miles away), Mall of the Mainland (14 miles away), and Tanger Outlets (16 miles away). If you're up for a drive, these centers provide great entertainment and family-friendly vibes.

Recreation

Experience the beauty of the Moody Gardens Golf Course, offering a relaxing outdoor ambiance just a mile away. For family fun, try the adventurous Magic Carpet Golf, located two miles away. For a touch of luxury, visit the Galveston Country Club, situated seven miles from Moody Gardens.

Adventure

Experience thrilling water adventures at Galveston Schlitterbahn Waterpark, located 0.3 miles from Moody Gardens, featuring exciting slides and wave pools. For more adrenaline, visit Galveston Go Kart and Fun Center, located 2 miles away, where you can race with friends and family in go-karting fun.

Nightlife

At Moody Gardens, the nightlife offers diverse experiences. Enjoy a romantic evening at the Strand Theatre, indulge in thrilling adventures at Haunted Mayfield Manor, or catch a film at Pier 21 Theater. Each venue promises unique entertainment and vibrant atmospheres just a short drive away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Moody Gardens

Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas, offers a variety of attractions perfect for travelers seeking culture and beach experiences. Explore the stunning jetty pier, relax on the beach, or attend events at the conference venue. Don't miss the iconic Moody Mansion and the various attractions within Moody Gardens, ensuring a memorable visit filled with entertainment and leisure.

  • Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier: Experience a nostalgic atmosphere at this historic amusement pier featuring thrilling rides, games, and seaside dining. With friendly staff and family-oriented activities, it's a perfect spot for creating lasting memories just 4 miles from Moody Gardens.
  • Galveston Island Convention Center: As a hub for events and conferences, this venue boasts modern facilities and a professional atmosphere. Located 2 miles away, it's an excellent place for networking or attending various local events, all while enjoying stunning views of the Gulf.
  • Seawall Beach: Relax at this picturesque beach, known for its scenic views and vibrant beach vibes. Just 2 miles from Moody Gardens, it's an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, or taking leisurely strolls along the shoreline.

Best time to go to Moody Gardens

The best time to visit Moody Gardens can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Moody Gardens falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Moody Gardens falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January55.4°F (13.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March64.2°F (17.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April70.0°F (21.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May76.5°F (24.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June82.4°F (28.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July83.8°F (28.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August84.2°F (29.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September81.0°F (27.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October73.6°F (23.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Moody Gardens

To save money during your visit to Moody Gardens, plan your trip between December and February when prices are lower. Book your stay on a Tuesday for the best rates, and consider using Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels. Look for package deals that combine your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings. Join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Explore free activities in the area, and prioritize eco-friendly accommodations for value and sustainability.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Moody Gardens are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Moody Gardens is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Moody Gardens is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool lets you customize your experience by selecting your budget, preferred destination, and additional criteria. You can easily organize your results to display hotels from the lowest to highest price, ensuring you find the most affordable options first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, if you check the Eco-certified filter, you'll be shown sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your Moody Gardens hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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