Thinking of visiting Galveston in March? With warming weather and family-friendly fun, this is one of the best times to visit the island on the Gulf Coast of Texas.
Whether you’re looking for a spring break vacation destination or a warm end-of-winter getaway, you’ll find the sunny March afternoons in Galveston are ideal for outdoor activities, exploring The Strand Historic District, and catching some excellent island festivals. Start your planning by booking a vacation rental on the beachfront or bay side of the island, complete with Gulf breezes and stunning views.
Then, read through this guide to find the best beaches, prepare for the weather, and learn about special events and festivals you don’t want to miss. We’ve rounded up a full slate of fun activities, museums, and shopping districts to add to the agenda!
Keep reading for your guide to a March in Galveston vacation.
March Weather in Galveston
March is a beautiful time to visit Galveston as winter transitions to spring and the weather begins to warm. The average temperatures in the afternoon typically hit the low 70s, but some days earlier in the month may still be in the 60s. Evenings are still often chilly, with gentle breezes blowing from the Gulf.
By the end of March, the water temperatures are usually warm enough for swimming, and this is also an excellent month for outdoor activities like hiking in Galveston Island State Park and biking along the Seawall.
Best Things To Do in March in Galveston
Galveston in March is full of fun activities, from a state park and beaches to museums to a historic downtown district. Warming weather in March means sunny afternoons perfect for swimming or beach walking without the intense heat of summer. But don’t skip indoor gems like the Moody Gardens pyramids and Victorian-era mansion tours, either.
1. Adventure in Galveston Island State Park
Photo Credit: Warren Price Photography
With March’s mild weather and low precipitation, there’s no better time to enjoy the outdoors along the Texas coast. Galveston Island State Park is a hub for nature and adventure, with boardwalks for hiking, paddling trails for kayaking, and quiet swaths of sand for beach time.
The park is located on the western end of Galveston, stretching across the island from the bay to the Gulf. That means you can experience everything from lakes and marshes full of birds to sandy shores. It’s one of the best spots to spend time outdoors on the island.
2. Explore Galveston’s Beaches
Photo Credit: Mark Taylor Cunningham
March is the perfect time to hit the beach in Galveston, especially as the water starts to warm up to comfortable swimming temperatures toward the end of the month. Pack a picnic, towels, sand buckets, and boogie boards, and head to one of Galveston’s beautiful stretches along 30-plus miles of Gulf beachfront.
- Stewart Beach: Family-friendly with lifeguards, concessions, and games.
- East Beach: A popular spot on the end of the island is full of amenities.
- Galveston Island State Park: Pristine and less crowded on the western end.
3. Sightsee on The Strand
Photo Credit: JHVEPhoto
The Downtown Historic Strand Seaport Area is a hub of shopping and dining on the island. Stretching from the harbor inland to the blocks of The Strand, a street full of Victorian buildings converted into boutiques and bars, this area always has something to do.
Come during the day to browse for antiques, pick up cheesy island souvenirs, and grab treats from LA King’s Confectionery, or after dark for margarita bars and live music. Beyond The Strand, nearby downtown streets add cute cafes and galleries to the mix.
- The Strand: The main Downtown Galveston strip for souvenir shops, island boutiques, and festive bars and restaurants.
- Pier 21: Waterfront complex with seafood eateries and the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa floating museum.
- The Postoffice District: Cute coffee shops and artsy venues near The Strand.
4. Visit the Moody Gardens Pyramids
Photo Credit: Mark Taylor Cunningham
If you’re visiting Galveston with family or friends, you don’t want to miss Moody Gardens, one of the island’s top attractions. There’s something here for all ages, from the Rainforest Pyramid and Aquarium Pyramid, full of sea and wildlife, to a par-72 golf course (an 8-minute drive from the main venue) and riverboat tours. In spring, the three pyramids are also a great indoor escape on rainy days.
5. Tour Galveston’s Museums and Mansions
Photo Credit: Victoria Ditkovsky
While you may be tempted to spend every day outside during March in Galveston, the island also has some really interesting museums that are unique to the area. Whether you’re into naval history, trains, or Western art, there’s something here for everyone.
- Bishop’s Palace and Moody Mansion: These two historic homes from the Victorian era offer guided tours in the East End Historic District.
- Galveston Railroad Museum: This historic depot and train yard is home to old locomotives and passenger cars, plus a 1930s station building you can walk through.
- The Bryan Museum: One of the largest collections of old American West artifacts and art spanning 12,000 years of history.
- Galveston Naval Museum: Visit a World War II era destroyer ship and submarine on Pelican Island off the coast of Galveston.
- 1877 Tall Ship Elissa: A floating museum on a historic ship preserves tales of early Galveston immigrants.
March Events in Galveston
While Galveston is known for its full slate of festivals, March is actually one of the slower months when it comes to annual events. One of the top area fests is February’s Mardi Gras! Galveston stretches into March every few years (depending on the floating date of Fat Tuesday), but it’s not a guarantee and typically only extends into the first few days of the month.
Nevertheless, there are always some fun local events going on no matter when you visit, and this calendar of events will help you find something to do!
1. NestFest
Photo Credit: STEKLO
Launched in 2023, this annual March event is perfect for animal and nature lovers who want to leave the island better than they found it. NestFest participants meet on a designated day for a coast cleanup of marine debris ahead of nesting season.
This helps keep the beaches safe for sea turtles and shorebirds who arrive in spring to lay their eggs. The Texas coast is home to beach-nesting birds like least turns and snowy plovers, as well as five of the world’s seven sea turtle species, including the critically endangered Kemp’s ridley.
2. Hatchling Hustle Fun Run
Photo Credit: Ground Picture
Sea turtle nesting season is fun for humans, too! A newer event in late March, the Hatchling Hustle Fun Run on Babe’s Beach, is the perfect chance to learn about the endangered sea turtles that nest here ahead of their April arrival. Participants can join a 1-mile or 5K run along the beach.
3. ArtWalk
Photo Credit: Jo Panuwat D
Held every second Saturday of the month in the evening, ArtWalk is a free event in the Downtown Cultural Arts District. During the event, local galleries, nonprofits, and artist studios open their doors for pop-up shows, special exhibits, meet-and-greets, demonstrations, and more.
Packing for March in Galveston
As winter transitions to spring in March, the warming weather means lots of beach days and outdoor time. You’ll still need to wear layers for cool evenings, but don’t forget the swimwear and beach gear!
- Swimsuits
- Casual sightseeing outfits
- Activewear for hiking and biking
- Comfy walking shoes and sandals
- Light sweaters or outerwear
- Rain jacket
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Binoculars and camera
Where to Stay for Your March Getaway to Galveston
March in Galveston means spring break fun with friends and family, and the Texas coast is the perfect spot for sun-soaked getaways on the Gulf! Bring your whole crew down to the island, where you’ll find lots of spacious beach vacation rentals with incredible views and all the comforts of home.
Owner Login
Guest Login