10 Must-See Attractions in Galveston

Sun-soaked beaches, boardwalk amusement parks, mansion museums — Galveston has all the fun attractions you need for an island getaway. When you visit Galveston, you may just be planning to relax and play on the beach, but there is actually so much to do here off the sand, too.

Dine around the Historic Strand District, get up close to penguins and seals at the aquarium, or board the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa for a floating museum. It’s all just a short hop away from your beachfront Galveston vacation rental.

While you’re vacationing with us, don’t miss out on catching a glimpse of some of Galveston’s most important attractions.

These 10 must-see attractions in Galveston are well worth the visit!

1. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

• Hours vary by season and week.
• A Pier Walk-On Pass is required to enter the boardwalk.
• The All Day Ride Pass includes admission and unlimited rides.

With fun for all ages, the Historic Pleasure Pier is a must-visit Galveston attraction. With a classic beachfront boardwalk vibe, the pier features fair foods, amusement park rides, and carnival games.

Thrill seekers can hop on the speedy Iron Shark or Cyclone roller coaster, while little kids will love the two-tier carousel, spinning tea cups, and bumper cars. When it’s time to grab some grub, head indoors to the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurant or grab handheld hot dogs and pizza from the on-site food vendors.

Located on the Gulf of Mexico along the Galveston Seawall at 25th Street, the Pleasure Pier is open year-round. You’ll need a ticket to enter the boardwalk, or you can purchase an unlimited ride pass to enjoy more than a dozen attractions.

2. Moody Gardens

• Hours vary by season and attraction.
• Tickets are available for individual attractions or as a value pass for the pyramids, Colonel Paddlewheel boat, and theater movies.
• Kids 3 and under are free.

One of Galveston’s top family-friendly attractions, Moody Gardens is best known for its trio of glass pyramids. The huge amusement complex has everything from a spa to sightseeing rides and dinner cruises on the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, an 1800s-style riverboat. There is also a Moody Gardens golf course a short distance from the main venue.

With a one-day pass, visitors can hop on a boat ride, watch 4D films, and visit all three indoor attractions — the Rainforest Pyramid, full of exotic animals and plants; the Aquarium Pyramid to see sharks, penguins, and seals; and the Discovery Museum with rotating special exhibits.

3. 1892 Bishop’s Palace

• Seasonal hours for self-guided tours.
• There is an admission fee (ages six and up).
• You can buy a combo ticket for both Bishop’s Palace and Moody Mansion.

Aside from the beach and The Strand, Galveston is best known for its historic mansions, and you can peep inside one at the Victorian-era Bishop’s Palace. Also known as the Gresham House, the National Historic Landmark, built in 1892 and currently managed by the Galveston Historical Foundation, has a castle-like appearance and offers daily public tours. Bishop’s Palace is located in the East End Historic District along Broadway Avenue.

4. Moody Mansion

• Open daily from 10 AM - 5 PM for self-guided tours.
• There is an admission fee (ages 6 and up).
• Tickets are available for self-guided or all-access guided tours.

One of the top Galveston attractions, Moody Mansion, is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark built on the island in 1895. The 28,000-square-foot building is packed with heirlooms and antiques that you can see on self-guided tours. For an extra special experience, book a docent-led tour that includes extra rooms closed to the public.

5. The Bryan Museum

• Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM - 5 PM.
• There is an admission fee (ages 6 and up).
• Come for First Thursdays at the Bryan, which includes live music and wine.
• Sunday Movies on the Lawn at the Bryan are one of the best free things to do in Galveston!

Home to one of the largest collections of Western and Texas artifacts in the world, the Bryan Museum is one of the best historical attractions in Galveston. Located in an 1878 building that once served as the island’s orphanage, the museum’s collection covers some 12,000 years of state history.

Walking the rooms, you’ll spot everything from ancient arrowheads and Native American tools to cowboy chaps and spurs to folk art among the thousands of artifacts.

6. The Strand Historic District

Galveston’s Historic Strand District is the island’s premier destination for dining, shopping, and entertainment. Located about a block inland from the Port of Galveston on the channel, the street is full of historic buildings from the late 19th and early 20th century that have been converted into souvenir shops, cool cocktail bars, and local boutiques.

Some of the highlights include the taffy and soda fountain at La King’s Confectionery, Saengerfest Park for the “Greeting from Galveston” mural, and Yaga’s Cafe for fruity cocktails. Lots of fun festivals are also held in this zone, including Mardi Gras! Galveston and Dickens on The Strand during the holiday season.

7. Galveston Railroad Museum

• Open daily from 10 AM - 5 PM.
• There is an admission fee (ages 3 and up).
• Occasional train rides are offered for an extra fee.

Located near The Strand downtown, the Galveston Railroad Museum is one of the top family-friendly attractions on the island. The museum site was once a train depot for the Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe Railroad but now displays model and real-life trains.

Inside the 1932 Art Deco-style depot, visitors can check out model train exhibits and a gift shop. Outside, dozens of locomotives, cabooses, passenger cars, and other railroad vehicles fill the 5-acre site.

8. 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA

• Open daily from 10 AM - 5 PM.
• There is an admission fee (ages 6 and up).

No visit to Galveston would be complete without spending an afternoon at the Galveston Historic Seaport to see the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA. Located near the cruise docks on the harborside, the National Historic Landmark is one of only three ships of its type in the world that can still sail. Tickets include access to the floating museum and an exhibit about the early immigrant experience in Galveston.

9. Galveston Island State Park

• Open daily from 7 AM - 10 PM.
• Reserve a timed entry before arriving.
• There is an admission fee (ages 13 and up).

Outdoorsy vacationers should head straight to Galveston Island State Park for hiking, biking, and kayaking trails, plus some of the quietest beaches around. The 2,000-acre park spans the barrier island from the Gulf Coast to Galveston Bay and is one of the last undeveloped stretches in Galveston.

Boardwalks and trails here weave through the bayous, marshes, and coastal prairies, making you feel a world away from the downtown bustle and busier East End beaches. In the park, you can rent kayaks and paddle boards to hit the water or follow easy footpaths to observation towers.

10. Schlitterbahn Water Park

• The park is open from April to September.
• There is an admission fee (ages 3 and up).
• You can rent cabanas for an extra charge.
• Two day tickets and season passes are perfect for longer stays.

Whether you prefer floating on a lazy river or sliding down a water coaster, Galveston’s Schlitterbahn Water Park is one of the best spots to beat the heat on the island. Kiddie zones for littles have splash pads, a pirate ship, and water dumps, while bigger kids will love the surf simulator, speedy tube rides, and body slides.

The water park is located near Moody Gardens and is open seasonally in spring and summer.

Tons of Fun on Galveston Island

From museums to mansions and boardwalks to beaches, Galveston has attractions for every type of visitor. When you’re ready to start planning your island getaway, Sand ‘N Sea Properties is here to help you find the perfect vacation rental close to all the best things to do in Galveston!