A First-Timer's Guide to Moody Gardens

Photo Credit: Mark Taylor Cunningham

• Address: 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX
• Website:  moodygardens.com

An education and nature-focused destination, Moody Gardens Galveston first opened in 1986 with a horse barn and riding therapy program. Today, the family-friendly tourist attraction has evolved to include a massive aquarium, a rainforest habitat, a museum, a mini beach, bayou boat tours, 4D films, a golf course, and much more.

It’s one of the most popular places to go on the island, whether for a  morning out with the kids, a round of golf on the public course, or a relaxing day at the spa.

Tickets for Moody Gardens

Tickets for Moody Gardens are sold for individual attractions or as a value pass. The One Day Value Pass and Family Value Pass are the best deal if you want to visit several attractions. They include admission to the three pyramids, the Colonel Paddlewheel boat tour, the 3D and 4D theaters, Palm Beach, and the ropes course.

Amenities at Moody Gardens

Moody Gardens offers free parking, restrooms, onsite restaurants and cafes, free wheelchairs, and rental strollers. The destination has three pyramid attractions plus movie theaters, a beach, a golf course, a spa, and more!

What to Do and See at Moody Gardens

Rainforest Pyramid

Photo Credit: Lydia Liu via Flickr CC2.0

Full of exotic plants and tree canopies, the Rainforest Pyramid recreates the dense forests of Africa, Asia, and South America. More than 1,700 plants and animals live here, including sloths, Komodo dragons, spotted ocelots, saki monkeys, and river otters. As you wander through the multiple levels of the green scene, the sights and sounds of the rainforest surround you.

Aquarium Pyramid

Photo Credit: Katie Haugland Bowen via Flickr CC2.0

One of the biggest aquariums in Texas, the 1.5-million-gallon Aquarium Pyramid at Moody Gardens is full of sharks, tropical fish, and a whole gallery of jellyfish. Different exhibits highlight oceans from around the world, from the Caribbean to the South Pacific. Visitors can join in interactive exhibits like penguin encounters and sting ray feedings.

Discovery Museum

The Discovery Museum at Moody Gardens is always full of fun surprises. Located in the third, smaller Discovery Pyramid, the museum has rotating themes that typically stay for a few months at a time. In the past, interactive exhibits have covered topics like music and the human body.

3D and 4D Theaters

Photo Credit: Earl Zeller

With the largest screen in the state, Moody Gardens’ 4D and 3D theaters offer epic shows you don’t want to miss. Several 3D programs about nature and animals play at different times throughout the day, while a 4D show on repeat a few times daily. For something unique, you can also pop into the Audience Recognition Theater to join in on an interactive film experience.

Palm Beach

Photo Credit: Galveston.com via Flickr CC2.0

Did you know you can even get your beach fix at Moody Gardens? Bask under the sun at Palm Beach’s man made lagoons and white sand beach. You can float along a lazy river, splash around in the wave pool, fly down the tower slides, and play in the splash pads.

The beach offers free amenities like chairs and shady umbrellas, or you can upgrade to beach cabanas, complete with cozy loungers, fans, and outlets. Palm Beach is only open on weekends during the warmer months, so check the hours before you head over.

Colonel Paddlewheel Boat Cruises

Photo Credit: Mark Taylor Cunningham

The Colonel Paddle Boat at Moody Gardens looks just like an 1800s steamboat. Visitors can hop on for 45 minute cruises off of Galveston Island in Offatts Bayou, enjoying a drink and snack bar onboard.

For a special treat, the boat also goes out on dinner cruises on select weekends with themed menus of Italian, barbecue, and Tex-Mex dishes. You can watch the sunset as you sail along the coast.

Zip Line and Ropes Course

Photo Credit: wavebreakmedia

If you’re looking for some thrills at Moody Gardens, you don’t want to miss the Zip Line and Ropes Course. With five different levels, the Sky Trail is the highest steel ropes course anywhere along the Gulf Coast! This attraction is only open on weekends in safe weather, and passes must be purchased on-site.

Moody Gardens Golf Course

Photo Credit: Photoongraphy

Set your tee time at the Moody Gardens Golf Course, just a short bit away from the main venue for some of the most scenic fairways on the island. Some 500 swaying palm trees dot the waterfront public golf course on Sydnor Bayou.

The par 72 links include five tees for newbies to pros, a practice range, golf carts, and a clubhouse with a pro shop. You can also grab lunch and drinks on site at the Pelican Grille.

Moody Gardens Spa

Photo Credit: Studio Romantic

Moody Gardens isn’t just family fun and activities, this is also a great spot to visit the spa in Galveston. With everything from massage therapy and detoxifying body wraps to nail care and waxing, the Moody Gardens Spa is a “treat yourself” destination.

If you want to go all in on a day of relaxation, check out the multi-service packages like the “Island Escape” for a Swedish massage, hydrotherapy bath, nourishing facial, manicure and pedicure, hair styling, and lunch.

Holiday in the Gardens

Though it only rolls around once a year, Holiday in the Gardens is one of the premier events at Moody Gardens, with tons of extra activities and special seasonal fun on the menu.

If you’re  visiting Galveston for Christmas, you don’t want to miss the ice-carved wonderland, the Festival of Lights with over 2 million twinkling bulbs, the skating rink, and the Arctic Slide. There are also special touches like holiday themed 3D films, Thanksgiving and Christmas buffet meals, and live shows throughout the season.

Holiday in the Gardens lasts from late November through early January, and special tickets and passes are available that incorporate the holiday attractions.

Where to Eat at Moody Gardens

Photo Credit: Sameer Neamah Mahdi

For a bite during your day at Moody Gardens, there are restaurants and cafes at the attractions, the golf course, the on-site hotel, and an occasional weekend dinner cruise on the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat.

If you’re visiting the pyramids, you’ll want to try out the Garden Restaurant at the visitors center for a sit-down meal with a view of Offats Bayou, Rainforest Concession for quick bites like pizza and corndogs, or the Aquarium Pyramid Food Court for multiple counters offering Tex-Mex, salads, cheeseburgers, and more.

At Palm Beach, you can pop over to the Shoreline Grill for pina coladas, cheeseburgers, and nachos.

Spend a Day at Moody Gardens Galveston

If you’re looking for family fun in Galveston, you can’t go wrong with a day at Moody Gardens. This is the perfect backup plan if the weather isn’t cooperating for day at the beach or you just want to revel in a climate controlled environment for a bit.

With everything from a giant aquarium to a ropes course to golf greens on a bayou, Moody Gardens has something for everyone. It’s a must-visit on your next beach vacation to Galveston!