Free live music, free food, free movies, free time... vacations in Galveston are the best! You'll love the variety of free things to do during your next visit.
Read on for some of the best activities and entertainment on Galveston Island that won’t cost you a dime!
1. Galveston Beach Band Concerts
When: Throughout the summer months
The Galveston Beach Band is a popular group of local musicians performing throughout the summer. Concerts take place in the historic Sealy Pavilion and begin at 7.30 pm. Bring a chair, sit back, relax, and enjoy a diverse mix of music that’ll captivate concert-goers of all ages.
Tip: Don’t miss the special 4th of July concert if you’re in town for the holiday — it’s always an extra special performance.
2. Summer Movies on the Lawn
When: Thursdays during summer
The Bryan Museum's Summer Movies on the Lawn series is free entertainment for the whole family. The scheduled films are an ideal mix of family favorites, Texas documentaries, and cinema classics, so there’s always something for everyone to enjoy. Start your fun-packed evening with a museum tour that begins at 6 p.m. before getting comfy and ready for film screenings to begin at 7:15 p.m.
Concessions and drinks will be available for purchase. Guests are encouraged to bring their own blankets and/or chairs. Arrive early to get a prime viewing location! Check the website for the upcoming film schedule.
3. ArtWalk
Shower off the surf and sand, then head to the Historic District in Downtown Galveston for a dose of art and culture. Artwalk is one of the locals’ favorite free things to do in Galveston. Stop by the island’s unique art galleries, coffee houses, and "other walls" that showcase some of the region's best local artists.
The specific locations of this self-guided tour change each month, so be sure to check out the interactive map to see which venues are participating during your visit.
4. Interpretive Beach Tours
When: May through September
Where: R.A. Apffel East Beach Park, 1923 Boddecker Drive, Galveston, TX 77550
Galveston Island is home to some of the best beaches in America and it’s a pleasure spending the day here swimming and building sandcastles. For a unique way of enjoying the beach, join an interpretive beach tour.
Hosted by local conservationists at Artist Boat, beach walkers of all ages will love the Bucket Brigade tours! These 45-minute tours on the beach tune you into the flora and fauna you can find along Galveston's 32 miles of coastline off the Gulf of Mexico.
All ages are welcome at this free Galveston event. Group sizes are limited. Register online or contact Artist Boat to schedule a private tour for your larger group.
5. Galveston Tree Sculpture Tour
When: Year-round
Take a walking tour and see the beautiful sculptures made from oak trees that fell victim to Hurricane Ike in 2008. The combination of extended saltwater exposure and hurricane-force winds uprooted or killed a large number of the majestic oaks that lined the roads of Historic Downtown Galveston.
A group of private residents and artists came together after the devastating storm and created works of art to commemorate these beautiful trees. Sculptures are dotted around the East End and create an exciting opportunity to talk about the ecology of trees, the impacts of storms, and art. Check the map before you set out!
6. Ride the Galveston Ferry
When: Year-round
Save money on the expensive boat tours by riding the Galveston to Port Bolivar Ferry instead. Drive aboard or park and walk onto the free ferry that runs from the East End of Galveston to the Bolivar Peninsula.
The 2.7-mile trip usually lasts about 20 minutes and is a great chance to see the pod of dolphins that call the bay and ship channel home. Watch the cargo ships come in from the Gulf along the Houston Ship Channel. Check wait times to plan your ride.
7. Turtles About Town
What’s more fun than a scavenger hunt through town, especially one that involves brightly colored, uniquely designed turtles? All around Galveston Island you’ll find 60+ turtle statues that bring together art, awareness, and advocacy for one of the most beloved sea animals.
Use the map to take yourself on a self-guided tour around town, snapping selfies at the turtles you find. To start your tour off, come and see Sand ‘N Sea’s very own vacationing turtle!
8. See Dolphins in Galveston Bay
When: Year-round
Pier 21 is a popular dining and entertainment district but there’s plenty of fun to be had here for free. Take a stroll during the early mornings to see the fishing fleet head out to get their catch of the day, and keep an eye out for dolphins splashing around and pelicans circling overhead.
It’s also possible to catch a glimpse of the Tall Ship Elissa from here which dates back to 1877 and is now located at the Historic Seaport.
9. Visit the Rosenberg Library
A library might not be at the top of your list of things to do on vacation, but Rosenberg Library is a non-profit that hosts a great range of events that cater to inquisitive adults and children alike. Many of the events are free and make a cozy way to pass a chilly morning during the winter months.
10. Explore the East End Historic District
When: Year-round
This picturesque residential area is where many of the city’s most spectacular historic homes are located, and strolling the streets feels like going back in time. The boundaries of the district are Broadway to the south and Market Street to the north — it’s easy to spend an hour or two admiring Victorian architecture and imagining Texas days gone by.
The Moody Mansion on Broadway Avenue is a Romanesque mansion that dates back to 1895 and is an incredible sight. The 1892 Bishop’s Palace (also called Gresham House) is also located in this district and is a National Historic Landmark that’s not to be missed.
Paid Fun Things to Do in Galveston
Wondering what else there is besides free things to do in Galveston? This slice of Gulf Coast paradise offers a full calendar of events, and great, family-friendly attractions and activities to enjoy all year long!
Even if you choose to enjoy some paid activities, the Galveston Island Pass makes it more affordable. With this pass, you can save up to 40% on select attractions and activities throughout the island.
If you have room in your budget for a paid activity or two, these are our top picks:
Moody Gardens – a major tourist destination focusing on nature, conservation, and wildlife. The water park and Rainforest Pyramid are particularly popular attractions.
Galveston Island State Park – there is a fee for adults to enter but kids visit for free. Here you can hike, swim, mountain bike, or go kayaking.
Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum – climb aboard this impressive rig and learn all about the fascinating work that happens on offshore rigs just like this one.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark – cool off at this exciting water amusement park with slides and pools for all ages.
Railroad Museum – this interesting museum is located in the former Santa Fe Railroad station and is a must-visit for train fans.
Pleasure Pier - Hang out on the Pleasure Pier to enjoy a variety of games, activities, and rides or head nearby to Stewart Beach or Seawall Boulevard.
Get Ready for Your Galveston Adventure
So, now you know what there is to do, all that’s left to figure out is where to stay! Book your choice of 190+ of the best vacation rentals in Galveston with Sand `N Sea Properties. Local and trusted since 1974, a beach or bay vacation rental is the perfect place to pick as a home base during your getaway on this Gulf Coast barrier island!
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