Galveston in November: What to Expect

Photo Credit: Mark Taylor Cunningham

Galveston’s Strand Historic District is fun in every season, with gift shops, bars, restaurants, and boutiques lining a street with Victorian-era buildings. The main thoroughfare, called The Strand, is inland from the piers along the Galveston Channel and Seaport, but the tourist attractions and amenities extend for a few of the surrounding blocks.

• The Strand: The main strip with souvenir and antique shops, festive cocktail bars, and islandy boutiques.
• The Postoffice District: Sip lattes and browse galleries in the art district around Postoffice Street.
• Pier 21: Fresh-catch seafood eateries and museums like the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa line the waterfront.

2. Explore Galveston Island State Park

Photo Credit: Warren Price Photography

November is the perfect time for an adventure in Galveston Island State Park. The weather is finally cool enough for outdoor activities like hiking and biking, but still warm enough to get out on the paddling trails, too.

The state park stretches from the beaches on the Gulf side of the island to Galveston Bay, with ponds, wetlands, and marshes in between. About four miles of short paths criss-cross the landscape on boardwalks with observation platforms.

3. Visit the Moody Gardens Pyramids

Photo Credit: Mark Taylor Cunningham

The Moody Gardens complex is one of the most popular attractions in Galveston, full of fun activities for the whole family. With everything from an 18-hole golf course to a zip-line course and water park in summer, Moody Gardens can fill up a whole day on the island.

The highlight is the trio of glass pyramids that are welcoming no matter the weather. The Aquarium Pyramid is one of the largest in the state, with penguins, sharks, and sting rays. The Rainforest Pyramid is home to more than 1,700 plants and animals, including komodo dragons and saki monkeys.

The final pyramid houses the Discovery Museum, featuring rotating exhibits. Toward the end of November, the venue also launches the Holiday in the Gardens Festival (more on that below), full of lights and special events.

4. Tour Galveston Museums

Photo Credit: Victoria Ditkovsky

Chillier November days offer the perfect chance to pop indoors to some of Galveston’s unique museums, ranging from historic mansions to floating exhibits. Whether you’re a history buff or train enthusiast, one of these spots is ready for you to tour.

• The Bryan Museum: This Texas history museum holds a collection of more than 70,000 items spanning 12,000 years. The American West pieces include rare books and documents, saddles and spurs, antique firearms, folk art, and arrowheads.
• Bishop’s Palace and Moody Mansion: This pair of museums both center around 1800s mansions on Broadway Avenue and offer self-guided tours of interiors full of antiques.
• Galveston Railroad Museum: Situated on an old rail line, the museum features a yard full of locomotives and other train cars to explore. The 1930s station building now houses an indoor museum with exhibits on the rail history of Galveston Island.
• Galveston Historic Seaport: Located on the waterfront near The Strand, the Galveston Historic Seaport is home to the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa, a floating museum that occasionally heads out on sailing excursions.
• Galveston Naval Museum: A pair of World War II ships are the main attraction at the Galveston Naval Museum. The museum is located in Seawolf Park on Pelican Island, just off the coast of Galveston.

5. Walk and Bike the Seawall

Photo Credit: Mark Taylor Cunningham

The longest continuing sidewalk in the country, the Seawall runs for more than 10 miles along the coast. It’s the perfect spot to take a walk or bike ride with views of the Gulf, especially when it’s a little too chilly to hop in the water. Several local companies offer bike and surrey rentals for a ride along the Seawall.

November Events in Galveston

From the biggest motorcycle rally in Texas to artsy events, the lead up to the holiday season in November is full of fun fests. Other than planning your trip to stay with us for Thanksgiving, there are a number of other interesting events to check out.

1. Lone Star Rally

Photo Credit: Mark Taylor Cunningham

Every November, the island roars to life as hundreds of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts roll in for a long weekend packed with high-energy fun. Recognized as the largest motorcycle rally in Texas, the

Lone Star Rally is far more than bikes; it’s a full-blown celebration of Gulf Coast culture.

Expect live music on multiple stages, custom car and bike shows, tattoo contests, vendor markets, and even rodeo games that keep the energy high all weekend long. Whether you’re a rider or just here for the spectacle, the chrome, the sound, and the seaside views make this one of the most unforgettable events on the island’s fall calendar.

2. Old Quarter Songwriter Festival

Music lovers gather in downtown Galveston in mid-November for the Old Quarter Songwriter Festival. Hosted by the Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe, the event showcases original music and storytelling through a mix of scheduled performances and open mic nights at several venues around town.

3. Galveston ArtWalk

For a taste of Galveston’s creative soul, plan your visit around ArtWalk, one of the island’s most beloved cultural traditions. Held on the second Saturday of each month, this vibrant evening event transforms downtown into an open-air gallery, with the streets of the Postoffice District and The Strand buzzing with local energy.

More than a dozen art galleries, studios, and boutiques open their doors for special exhibits, live demonstrations, and artist meet-and-greets. You can wander from one historic storefront to the next, wine glass in hand, as street musicians play and locals mingle under the glow of twinkle lights.

4. Holiday in the Gardens

When the Thanksgiving leftovers are gone and the island lights up for the holidays, there’s no better place to feel the magic than Holiday in the Gardens at Moody Gardens. Beginning in late November, this beloved annual event transforms the attraction into a sparkling winter wonderland — all with a tropical twist.

Wander through millions of twinkling lights and dazzling displays, glide across the outdoor ice-skating rink, and take in festive shows and 3D holiday films. Families love the Arctic Slide, Festival of Lights trail, and train rides that wind through glowing palm trees and illuminated lagoons.

Packing for November in Galveston

Galveston in November can have a range of temperatures, so layers are your friend when packing for this month. Here is your November packing guide!

• Warmer beach outfits
• Sunglasses and hats
• Beach blankets and sand toys
• Bug spray and sunscreen
• Casual tops, shorts, and long pants
• Dresses and cardigans
• Activewear
• Light jackets and sweaters
• Comfy walking shoes
• Books
• Electronics and chargers

Book Your November Getaway to Galveston

November in Galveston is a great time to experience the island during the low season, before the summer crowds and before the holiday season picks up. While it’s typically a little too cool for swimming, the weather is mild and ideal for spending time outdoors. Plus, with fun festivals and events throughout the month, there’s plenty to do beyond the beach.

As you plan your November island getaway, be sure to check out these Galveston vacation rentals for a cozy place to stay in the fall. Perks like sunset views from private decks and bubbling hot tubs make for a dreamy autumn escape.