Looking for the perfect month to visit the Gulf Coast of Texas? April in Galveston is one of the best.
Not only is the warming weather perfect for long beach days, hiking, and paddling on the waves, but this is also a pretty mellow month to enjoy the island, thanks to a brief reprieve between spring break peak in March and the summer crowds that start appearing by Memorial Day.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a full-on family vacation, start by looking at these Galveston beach house rentals to find the perfect place to stay. Located on both the bay side and beachfront, the breezy homes feature lots of space and features like private pools and decks with a view. Beach houses are also a great way to vacation on a budget. Cook meals and prep beach snacks in the fully equipped kitchen, spend the day easily accessing the sand and surf, and split the cost with friends or family - there’s plenty of space for everyone!
When it comes to planning the rest of your getaway, we’ve rounded up the best places to go and festivals to attend during your April vacation to Galveston. Keep reading for tips on the weather, what to pack, and more.
April Weather in Galveston
Beach weather returns during April in Galveston, making it the perfect month for spending time outdoors enjoying the sun and sand. The Gulf typically warms up to comfy swimming temps by the end of March, so April is a safe bet for splashing in the sea.
Afternoon temperatures hit the upper 70s in April, while lows rarely dip below the low to mid-60s. And while spring is on the high end for humidity, the precipitation levels are pretty low. This is a great time to enjoy local parks and trails!
Best Things To Do in April in Galveston
Since April is warm but not too hot, it’s a great month to spend time outdoors at the beach, on the water, or along a trail while hiking and biking. And with a full slate of indoor attractions and museums, there’s something fun to do even when the sun isn’t shining.
1. Enjoy the Beach
Photo Credit: Mark Taylor Cunningham
As April rolls around, the water temperatures in the Gulf finally warm up enough for comfortable swimming, and afternoon average temperatures hit the upper 70s, the perfect combo for splashing around on Galveston’s beautiful beaches. Plus, since it’s not too hot yet, you can spend hours on the coast, building sandcastles, enjoying picnics, playing volleyball, and skimming the waves.
- East Beach: A huge swath of sand on the east end of the island with concessions and facilities.
- Galveston Island State Park: Quiet and preserved beachfront with restrooms.
- Babes Beach: A 15-mile centrally located stretch with a fishing pier and bait shop.
- Stewart Beach: Family favorite beach on the Seawall with lifeguards and snack stands.
- West End Beaches: Miles of shoreline for swimming, surfing and more. Primarily residential, with scattered public access points called Pocket Parks that allow parking on the beach.
2. Spend Time on the Water
Photo Credit: Texas Saltwater Adventures
April’s tepid weather makes it one of the most comfortable months to spend time outside on the water. Whether you’re an experienced paddle boarder, curious about kayaking, a sport fishing pro, or a seaside sightseer, Galveston offers tons of fun ways to enjoy the waterways that surround the island.
- Galveston Island State Park: Paddling trails for kayaks and canoes.
- Deep sea fishing charters: Half and full-day outings in the Gulf.
- Boat tours and rentals: Sightseeing, thrill rides, and water sports equipment.
- Dolphin spotting tours: Short boat excursions to spot wildlife.
3. Explore Moody Gardens
Moody Gardens is one of the top family-friendly attractions on the island and a must-visit in April, with both indoor and outdoor activities, including a golf course and museums. There is a lot to do here, so it’s easy to spend a whole day exploring the Aquarium Pyramid and Rainforest Pyramid to spot sea creatures and wildlife, taking a tour on the Colonel Paddlewheel boat, and playing on the zipline and ropes course.
4. Shop and Sightsee in Downtown Galveston
From antique stores, boutiques, and souvenir shops to colorful bars and cozy brunch cafes, the Downtown Historic Strand Seaport Area is always bustling and full of things to do and see. This zone includes the waterfront and the popular stretch known as The Strand, where Victorian-era buildings now hold festive restaurants and quirky retailers.
- Pier 21 District: Plaza on the waterfront with seafood restaurants and a floating ship museum.
- The Strand Historic District: Several blocks full of upscale boutiques, souvenir spots, cocktail bars, and Tex-Mex eateries.
- Postoffice Street Arts and Entertainment District: An artsy and historic zone with highlights like the Grand 1894 Opera House and charming coffee shops.
5. Visit Galveston Museums
Galveston’s museums and historic attractions add depth to a simple beach vacation and offer a welcome escape on rainy days. The unique historic home tours are a must, while specialty museums focused on naval history and trains add a fun flair.
- The Bryan Museum: Art, photos, and artifacts from 12,000 years of Texas and American West history are displayed in an old orphanage.
- Bishop’s Palace and Moody Mansion: A pair of late 1800s mansions that offer home tours in Galveston’s East End Historic District.
- Galveston Historic Seaport: Visit a floating museum on the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa in the harbor.
- Galveston Railroad Museum: Tour a train yard full of historic rail cars and a 1930s station building.
- Galveston Naval Museum: A pair of World War II vessels you can visit on Pelican Island.
April Events in Galveston
April is full of fun events for all ages, whether it’s nature-focused fests that encourage you to get outside or niche gatherings for fans of trains or art.
1. Galveston Steampunk Festival
Photo Credit: amadeustx
Held in mid-April, the Galveston Steampunk Festival is a mashup of Victorian style and steam-powered tech. Attendees participate in teapot races, fire dancing, lawn games, author panels, train rides, and costume contests in Downtown Galveston.
2. FeatherFest Birding and Nature Photography Festival
A love of nature and photography combine at FeatherFest in late April. It’s one of the largest birding events in the state and includes several action-packed days of photography and journaling workshops, bird spotting tours, and boat rides.
3. The Grand Kids Festival
This one-day Grand Kids Festival in late April introduces children to the visual, performance, and folk arts. Held along Postoffice Street in Downtown Galveston, the event includes live music and dancing on a trio of stages, hands-on craft projects, activity booths, and a food fair.
4. RailFest: Model Train Rally
Hosted by the Galveston Railroad Museum, RailFest brings together model train collectors and fans for interactive exhibits, rides, and entertainment. Model train builders from around the country bring and assemble their moving displays during the event.
Packing for April in Galveston
April in Galveston is typically pretty warm, but cooler nights mean you’ll still want to bring some layers for outdoor dining and evening walks. Spring is in full fling this month, so don’t forget the beachwear and supplies.
- Swimwear and beach gear
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Shorts and sundresses for sightseeing
- Lightweight activewear for outdoor activities
- Comfortable shoes and sandals for walking
- Light layers for evenings on the waterfront
- Rain jacket for passing rain
- Binoculars and camera
Where to Stay in Galveston in April
With mild temperatures, blooming attractions, and a calendar packed with events, April is truly Galveston's sweet spot. Why just dream of a perfect spring getaway when you can live it? Dive into the island's charm and create unforgettable memories. Ready to experience Galveston in its springtime glory?
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