Sand sculpting contests, shrimp-centric festivals, and sun-soaked beach days are just a few of the treasures in store during a vacation to Galveston in September. The Texas Gulf Coast getaway packs in pleasure piers, historic districts, and a well-rounded food scene that will make you want to come back over and over again.
Read this guide to plan out the perfect September getaway, and then check out Sand ‘N Sea to find your ideal vacation rental. Options on the beachfront and the Galveston Bay mean some of the best sunrise and sunset views on the island, plus easy access to the coast.
September Weather in Galveston
While this may be the month when summer swaps to fall, Galveston in September is still full of sunshine and warmth. Temperatures stay in the upper 80s for daytime highs and mid-70s for lows, perfect for beach days and al fresco dinners.
The water is still at comfortable swimming temperatures throughout the month, and rainfall is pretty low, despite hurricane season in the Gulf of Mexico. It’s always best to check the forecast before you arrive to see if you need to pack an umbrella!
Best Things To Do in Galveston in September
September in Galveston is still beach and pool season, with beaming sun and refreshing waves along the island’s 30 miles of coastline. Add in some afternoons strolling Downtown Historic Strand Seaport Area, and you’ve got the perfect late summer vacation in Galveston!
1. Spend the Day at the Beach
Photo Credit: Mark Taylor Cunningham
Galveston’s beach season lasts all through summer and into fall, which means September is still a great time to hit the sand. The Gulf is still plenty warm enough for swimming, and daytime highs in the upper 80s will make you want to dip your toes in.
There are plenty of spots along the Seawall and beyond to lay your towel down and relax to the sound of the waves, including these Galveston beaches.
- Galveston Island State Park: One of the prettiest swaths of sand on the island is in a state park. Capacity limits keep the beach crowd free and clean, and restroom facilities are available.
- Stewart Beach: This family-friendly beach on the east end of the Seawall offers amenities like a snack stand, chair and umbrella rentals, and restrooms.
- East Beach: The beachfront at the east end of Galveston is large and full of amenities like beach gear rentals, food and drink vendors, and restrooms and showers.
- Babes Beach: Stretching along 15 miles of sandy shoreline, Babes Beach is more of a DIY hang-out, where you bring your beach gear and walk to nearby restaurants and stores for refreshments.
- Jamaica Beach: Tucked away on the West End, away from the tourist crowds, Jamaica Beach is smaller and pretty quiet, but you’ll have to bring your snacks and beach chairs.
2. Hang out at the Pleasure Pier
A gem of vintage seaside vibes, the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier offers fun and games on a boardwalk that stretches into the Gulf. More than a dozen rides include tea cups and bumper cars for little kids and high-flying thrills for bigger ones.
You can chow down on pizza and ice cream and stay past sunset to watch the colors change over the water. While the pier switches to mostly weekend hours in September, this is a great time to go after summer crowds have departed and the evening weather cools ever so slightly.
3. Explore the Strand Historic District
Photo Credit: Stephanie A Sellers
With boutiques, souvenir shops, festive bars, restaurants, and more, Galveston’s
Strand Historic District is one of the best zones to hang out and sightsee on the island. The official Strand is a street about a block inland from the piers and ports on the Galveston Channel with Victorian-era buildings turned into touristy businesses.Beyond this strip, you can venture farther inland for art galleries and cafes along Postoffice Street, or head toward the waterfront for museums and seafood restaurants.
4. Visit a Galveston Museum
Photo Credit: Patrish Jackson
Galveston’s museums are entirely unique to the island, showing off old mansions and niche history, and putting a spin on classic aquariums and zoos. Head indoors to check these out on a rainy afternoon or take a break from the sun to step back in time.Moody Gardens
This top island attraction goes beyond museums; Moody Gardens is a whole complex full of fun for all ages, including a golf course, spa, and water park. The trio of glass pyramids is a must, though, holding a giant aquarium, a rainforest full of monkeys and sloths, and a museum with rotating exhibits and themes.
Bishop’s Palace
Bishop’s Palace in Galveston is a stunning Victorian-era mansion, renowned for its ornate architecture and rich history. Built in the late 1800s, it showcases exquisite stained glass, carved wood, and intricate stonework. Worth a stop to get a taste of the local history.
Moody Mansion
Moody Mansion in Galveston is a grand, 28,000-square-foot home built in 1895, offering a glimpse into the life of one of Texas’s most influential families. The beautifully preserved rooms feature original furnishings, period décor, and fascinating exhibits on the Moody family’s legacy. Guided tours reveal the mansion’s blend of history, architecture, and opulent charm.
The Bryan Museum
For a taste of Texas history, the Bryan Museum is the place to go in Galveston. The collection here covers 12,000 years of the American West, with everything from photos and Spanish colonial art to Native American artifacts and battle dioramas.
Galveston Railroad Museum
This Downtown Galveston museum stores a collection of locomotives, cabooses, and other train cars in a rail yard you can explore. The indoor part of the museum is housed in a 1930s station with displays on the railroad history of Galveston and Texas.
Galveston Naval Museum
Take a quick drive off Galveston and onto Pelican Island to visit the Galveston Naval Museum. Located in Seawolf Park, the museum centers around a pair of World War II shops that visitors can tour.
5. Take a Boat Tour
Warm late summer days in September are perfect for boat rides and sunset cruises, and Galveston offers lots of ways to get out on the water. Book a wildlife watching tour to go looking for bottlenose dolphins, a deep sea fishing charter to spend a day out on the Gulf, or a pontoon rental for some DIY exploring on the Bay.
September Events in Galveston
Summer wraps up with shrimp, sandcastles, art shows, and concerts during September in Galveston!
1. Galveston Sandcastle Festival
Photo Credit: pogonici
The Galveston Sandcastle Festival hits the shores at East Beach each September for a weekend of competitive sand sculpting. Attendees can also enjoy live performances, art vendors, food trucks, and castle-building lessons with pros.
2. Galveston Island Shrimp Festival
Photo Credit: K.p Dilshan
3. Galveston ArtWalk
Photo Credit: Karen Dole
Held on the second Saturday of each month, the Galveston ArtWalk is the perfect chance to explore the island’s galleries. Held along The Strand and the Postoffice District, the event includes shows and displays at over a dozen art galleries.4. Strand Summer Series
Photo Credit: Anton Vierietin
The Strand Summer Series includes monthly movie nights and concerts, and September is the last chance to catch a free show and sip drinks from local vendors. Films are shown at Hendly Green, and the live music stage is at Saengerfest Park.
Packing for September in Galveston
September in Galveston is still very warm, so light clothing, swimwear, and sunscreen are a must. Here’s your September packing guide!
- Swimsuits and beachwear
- Sunglasses
- Hats
- Beach bags and gear
- Sand toys and boogie boards
- Bug spray and sunscreen
- Casual tops, shorts, and sundresses
- Sandals and walking shoes
- Books
- Electronics and chargers
Book Your September Getaway to Galveston
Golden sunsets, warm breezes, and the sound of gentle waves make September the perfect time to fall in love with Galveston all over again. Wander through historic streets, dig your toes into soft Gulf sand, and savor the flavors of the season without the summer crowds.
Reserve your dream beach house with Sand ’N Sea today and let your autumn escape unfold right on the water’s edge.
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