Galveston in August: What to Expect

Photo Credit: Sunny studio

Hot August days in Galveston call for a refreshing swim at a waterpark, drifting along a lazy river, or twisting down a water slide. There are a few spots to choose from around the island when you need a dip in a cool pool, with amenities like cabanas, lounge chairs, and snack stands.

• Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston: This family-friendly waterpark offers rides and amenities suitable for all ages, featuring kiddie splash zones, tower slides, and lazy rivers for a relaxing experience. Cabanas for rent, food, and drinks on-site make it easy to spend a full day here.
• Moody Gardens: The water play area at Moody Gardens offers a sandy area, twisting slides, a wave pool, and more. Relax on lounge chairs on the beach or rent a private shady cabana for the day.

2. Shop and Dine on The Strand

Photo Credit: Dragana Gordic

Galveston’s  Downtown Historic Strand Seaport Area is a must-visit during your time on the island. The Strand shopping and dining district is a block inland from the pier along a historic street where Victorian buildings have been converted into stores, restaurants, and bars. It’s a great spot to pick up coastal souvenirs, have lunch, and find happy hour drinks.

A couple of blocks inland, Postoffice Street has coffee shops and art galleries, while toward the waterfront at Pier 21, you can find fresh seafood eateries.

3. Relax on a Galveston Beach

Photo Credit: Mark Taylor Cunningham

What’s the solution for those hot August afternoons in Galveston? The beach, of course! With more than 30 miles of coastline on the island, Galveston offers plenty of places to park your towel and cool off in the waves. Bring a good book and a cooler to relax under the sun or boogie boards and inflatable balls to play in the water at these Galveston beaches!

• East Beach: Located at the far eastern tip of Galveston, this expansive beach offers ample space to spread out and a variety of amenities to meet your needs, including restrooms, food and alcohol concessions, chair and umbrella rentals, and regular events and entertainment.
• Stewart Beach: Located toward the east end of the Seawall, Stewart Beach is a family favorite thanks to lifeguards on site, a snack and drink counter, chair and beach supply rentals, and restrooms and showers.
• Babes Beach: This sandy Seawall zone runs for 15 miles of Gulf coastline, offering tons of spots to relax and easy access to restaurants and shops across the street from the waterfront.
• Galveston Island State Park: One of the top outdoor attractions on the western side of the island, this state park has pristine beaches and capacity limits that keep the sands free from crowds.
• Jamaica Beach: A West End gem, this small beachfront known for its seashells is further from the tourist zone and a little quieter than the east side options.

4. Hop on a Boat

Photo Credit: Nadezhda Dorokhova

Summer days and boating just go together, don’t they? Whether you prefer to go deep-sea fishing, paddle a kayak along a beautiful coastline, or hop on a catamaran for a day under the sun, Galveston has plenty of ways to get out on the water.

• Dolphin watching tours: Wildlife watching excursions are such a fun way for nature lovers to get out on the water in Galveston, with a chance to spot bottlenose dolphins and other sea creatures close to shore.
• Boat rentals: Whether you want to hit the paddle trails at Galveston Island State Park, jet ski in the Gulf, or take a pontoon boat out for the afternoon, there are rental options on the island for all sorts of adventures.
• Deep sea fishing: Charter a boat for a half day or more of fishing in the Gulf. A pro captain will take you out to the best spots to catch red snapper, mahi mahi, king mackerel, and more.

5. Visit Galveston Museums

Galveston’s museum scene encompasses everything from historic mansion tours to glass pyramids filled with wildlife. These activities are perfect for rainy days and breaks from the August sun!

• The Bryan Museum: Preserving Texas and American West culture, the Bryan collection spans 12,000 years and includes photos, battle dioramas, rare documents and books, Native American artifacts, Spanish colonial art, and more.
• Moody Gardens: One of the top attractions on the island, Moody Gardens has tons to do, from a golf course to a water park. For indoor fun, the trio of glass pyramids holds a rainforest with monkeys and sloths, a large aquarium with penguins and sharks, and a museum with changing exhibits.
• Galveston Railroad Museum: Train enthusiasts love the rail yard at this downtown museum, with tons of cars, cabooses, and locomotives on display. Indoors, the 1930s train station museum has displays on the history of railways in Texas and Galveston.
• Bishop’s Palace and  Moody Mansion: This pair of 1800s mansions with distinct looks is both on historic Broadway Avenue and invites guests to step into the past on tours of their antiques.
• Galveston Naval Museum: Pelican Island, located off the coast of Galveston Island, is home to Seawolf Park and the Galveston Naval Museum. Visitors can tour two World War II ships, enjoy a fishing dock, and picnic in the area.

August Events in Galveston

August in Galveston buzzes with annual events! Find free concerts, sandcastle building, wine tastings, and vibrant beach parties.

1. Galveston Island Wine Festival

Photo Credit: DavideAngelini

Wine tastings and pairings, boozy brunches, live entertainment, and celebrity chef demos are in store during the  Galveston Island Wine Festival, held annually in late August or early September around Labor Day weekend.

2. Strand Summer Series

Photo Credit: dwphotos

The  Strand Summer Series brings free community concerts and movie nights to Galveston from April to September. Live music is offered at Saengerfest Park on The Strand and films on Hendley Green.

3. Sandcastle Days

Photo Credit: Andrewfel

Summer season  Sandcastle Days on East Beach run through August, with free lessons offered every Saturday from a pro sandcastle builder.

4. Pride Galveston

Photo Credit: Iryna Imago

Held annually at the end of August or beginning of September,  Pride Galveston celebrates diversity and unity on the island with a weekend full of pageants, beach and pool parties, drag shows, and more.

Packing for August in Galveston

Galveston in August is the hottest time of year, so sun protection, hydration, and light clothing are essential for an enjoyable trip!

• Swimwear
• Sunglasses and hats
• Beach bags and towels
• Sand toys
• Sunscreen and bug spray
• Lightweight tops, shorts, and sundresses
• Sandals and walking shoes
• Electronics and chargers

Visiting Galveston in August

From water parks to sandy Gulf beaches, Galveston offers plenty of ways to stay cool on a Texas summer visit.  Sand ‘N Sea vacation rentals are ready to host your Galveston trip in August, with roomy accommodations to fit the whole family in locations across the island.