Galveston Island is a stunning barrier island that boasts some of Texas's best beaches, national historic landmarks, entertainment options, family-friendly activities, and much more. It certainly has more than one claim to fame.
Home to the US's longest continuous sidewalk, the Official Opera House of Texas, the oldest drug store in Texas, the Official Tall Ship of Texas, named one of the most haunted towns in America, boasts one of the largest restored railroad collections, and hosts the 3rd largest Mardi Gras celebration in the country. Galveston pretty much has something iconic for everyone.
And if none of that appeals to you, you can always sink into the charming downtown streets, enjoy the slow pace of life near the water, or immerse yourself in nature at a state park. With lots of lively dining options, frequent live music, and plenty of corners to explore, our beachfront rentals are the perfect getaway!
From beach days to historic charm, here’s everything your Galveston bucket list needs.
1. Head to Moody Gardens for a Close Encounter With a Penguin
Photo Credit: Mark Taylor Cunningham
Moody Gardens is an enigma of an attraction, and even if you don't have kids, it should not be missed. Not only can you get up close to the wacky yellow-fringed penguins at the Moody Gardens Aquarium, but you can also enjoy a lush jungle walk featuring live sloths and other tropical animals in the Rainforest Pyramid, visit the discovery museum, enjoy 4D theaters, a golf course, a spa, and colonial paddleboat cruises in the bayou. Arguably one of their most famous attractions, however, is the zip lines.
If Moody Gardens sounds right up your alley, you may also want to consider a visit to the lazy river and wave pools of Schlitterbahn Waterpark. Keep in mind it's open seasonally.
2. Ride the Iron Shark at the Historic Pleasure Pier
This beachfront pleasure pier with colorful carnival rides, deep-fried fair food, and a buzzy boardwalk is a perfect afternoon escape. The most popular rides are the Iron Shark rollercoaster for adrenaline junkies or the 100-foot-tall Ferris wheel for a thrilling panoramic view of Galveston Island. It's a step back in time to an earlier era of Americana.
3. Savor a Sunset at Gaido's Seafood by the Seawall
No bucket list is complete without a really good restaurant. Gaido's is one of the restaurants on the water alongside the longest continuous sidewalk in America, offering delicious shrimp and unrivaled sunset views. The Galveston seawall is famed for its lovely self-guided strolls, but visitors should know that its original purpose was to protect the city from storm surges.
Hurricane Ike severely damaged the island in 2008, but it has weathered numerous storms over the decades and remains thriving in all its restored glory. Travelers concerned about inclement weather during their stay can check the best time to visit Galveston, Texas.
4. Wander The Strand, and Visit Its Beloved Museums
Formerly known as the Wall Street of the Southwest, this iconic National Historic Landmark district is absolutely bursting with historic places and museums. This is a great activity even for those not interested in 19th-century history, because the Victorian architecture, shopping, and lively atmosphere are festive on their own. Many of the town's annual festivals are held here in the historic district.
If you are a budding history buff, you're in luck; the Galveston Railroad Museum, with its famed open-air caboose, is adjacent to the Strand, and the Bryan Museum, Moody Mansion on Broadway Avenue (not to be confused with Moody Gardens), and the Historic Seaport of Galveston aren't too far either. You should also pop into the East End historic district to poke around some of the old mansions and their stained glass windows.
If you're looking for a quirky museum to pass the time in Galveston, you should sail on over to the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum and Education Center to learn about the oil and gas industry in Galveston with loads of exhibits. You can see the Ocean Star offshore drilling rig in action just offshore.
5. Experience Mardi Gras! Galveston
East Beach is the epicenter of events in Galveston (as well as being one of the nicest beaches in town), and the city happens to host the third-largest Mardi Gras celebration in the US. For those unfamiliar, the Mardi Gras! Galveston festival is a colorful celebration that occurs the two weeks before Lent, usually in early to mid-February, and features parades, costumes, live music, and even a 5K run.
This Texas sized version takes place in The Strand Historic District with the same bead tossing from balconies, but with an added Gulf breeze.
6. Spot a Brown Pelican at Galveston Island State Park
Photo Credit: Andrea Farris
Birders and nature enthusiasts delight in exploring the 2,000-acre barrier-island ecosystem at Galveston Island State Park. You can hike, bike, or kayak your way through the landscape in hopes of spotting some of the 300+ bird species, armadillos, raccoons, and Marsh Rabbits that call this place home.
7. Book a Beachhouse With a Private Beach Entrance
A huge part of any stay on Galveston is being close to the water. Whether it's strolling along the seawall, boating through the Gulf, or just savoring the smell of the sea from the top of Pleasure Pier's Ferris Wheel. But the best way to score some serious beach time is to book a vacation rental located on the beach with its very own private beach access. Fortunately for you, we've got plenty of properties to choose from.
8. Take a Spooky Tour of Haunted Galveston
Thanks to a 1900's hurricane that killed thousands, a Walmart built over an orphanage, and a somewhat tragic history, Galveston has landed itself on the "most haunted towns in America" list repeatedly. There are plenty of ghost-hunting tours that lean into this spooky history in a fun way. Frequent stops on the tour are Bishop's Palace (built by Walter Gresham), Room 501 at the Hotel Galvez, Ashton Villa, and the Broadway Cemetery.
9. Cast a Line Offshore For Texas Fishing Fun
Galveston offers some of the best year-round fishing in all of Texas. The most sought-after fishing catches are the Redfish, Snapper, and Trout. You can charter a boat or hire a captain for a full-day fishing excursion out on the water, or you can simply cast a net straight from the pier to score some shrimp.
Fun Fact: Texas consistently ranks in the top 10 states for best offshore fishing in the US.
10. Soar Over the Gulf Coast on an Aerial Tour
Whether you choose a careening helicopter tour, an open-cockpit biplane, or even a skydive at 14,000 ft, the views are simply unrivaled. This is the perfect bucket list item to add some adrenaline-inducing fun to your Galveston visit. Soar over the Gulf of Mexico beaches, Moody Gardens, and museums with their carefully curated exhibits for an adventure you'll never forget.
11. Drink a Milkshake at the Star!
Ready for a true nostalgia trip? The Star Drug Store is the oldest drug store in Texas, and its 1917-era soda fountain counter is still in operation. You can enjoy some diner-style fare and delicious milkshakes at the counter alongside one of the original Coke signs made from Porcelain and Neon.
Star Drug Store is also very near the Galveston Railroad Museum, so you can check off two things at once.
12. Catch a Show at the "Official Opera House of Texas"
Your final bucket list item can be found at The Grand 1894 Opera House. One of the few remaining theaters of the 1800's in Texas. Not only is it the Official Opera House of Texas, but it's also featured on the National Register of Historic Places. Here you can catch concerts, theater, and Broadway hits as well as performers like the Beach Boys in this architectural marvel that makes you feel as though you're in the show.
Come Check Off Your Galveston Bucket List With Us!
Our beachfront homes in Galveston empty straight onto the sand, helping you satisfy at least one activity on this list. As you bounce from attractions and historic places around Galveston Island to incredible sun-soaked Texas Gulf Coast beaches, you'll rest easy knowing you have a relaxing property to return to in the evening.
Galveston Island is Texas at its finest. Pink sunsets, family-friendly attractions, a plethora of festive events no matter the season, and soft white sand, all speckled with pretty historic Victorian houses from Stewart Beach to Galveston Bay. Start planning your journey with Sand ‘N Sea today!
Owner Login
Guest Login