14 Best Things to Do in Galveston for Adults

Photo Credit: Philip Armitage

Recognized as a National Historic Landmark District,  The Strand in Galveston features a blend of boutiques, souvenir stores,  art galleries, and pubs housed in Victorian-era buildings. This zone is located just steps away from the Port of Galveston.

Originally renowned as the "Wall Street of the South" during the late 1800s, today, the area is a vibrant destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. In the evening, visitors can enjoy happy hour cocktails, dinner, and leisurely strolls along the historic blocks.

Adjacent districts like Pier 21, Post Office, and West Market add to the allure, making it a focal point for festivals and nightlife on the island.

2. Attend a Festival

Photo Credit: amadeustx

Live music and dancing ring through the streets of Downtown Galveston year-round for a string of fun festivals.

The island heralds the new year with Galveston Restaurant Week at the beginning of January (the perfect time to visit for foodies!). Spring brings weeks of colorful Mardi Gras! Galveston celebrations and parades. If you visit during summer, you can’t miss the island's Fourth of July Celebrations, complete with movies on the lawn of Bryan Museum and the Pirates Beach Parade.

Things don’t slow down in Galveston in the fall and winter! A few of our favorite festivals during that time of year include:

• Foodies will love the Galveston Island Shrimp Festival in September.
• The Greek Festival and German Oktoberfest in October are great opportunities to celebrate culture.
• November brings the famed Lone Star Rally – the largest motorcycle gathering in Texas!
• Wrapping up the year, the classic Dickens on The Strand is a holiday staple for visitors in December.

3. Play at Moody Gardens

Photo Credit: Mark Taylor Cunningham

Often thought of as a family entertainment venue for its Rainforest and Aquarium Pyramids, Moody Gardens is also one of the top things adults can do in Galveston. While you don’t want to dismiss the cool plants and critters in the Rainforest Museum (it’s not just for kids), the property also has a stunning public golf course on the waterfront.

Moody Gardens also makes the perfect date night venue, with a sunset dinner cruise aboard the Colonel Paddlewheel, a replica 1800’s style boat.

4. Chill on the Beach

Photo Credit: Mark Taylor Cunningham

You can’t visit Galveston and skip the beach! From the popular eastern side of the island to the quiet West End, Galveston has miles of seaside to relax and enjoy a day on the sand.

There are tons of spots to drop your towel and umbrella all along Seawall Boulevard, but if you’re looking for amenities like gear rentals, food vendors, and shower facilities, two of the best beaches in Galveston are Steward Beach and East Beach.

5. Go Out for Drinks

Photo Credit: Art Gernt

From happy hour to late-night bars, Galveston has tons of fun spots to go grab drinks and enjoy the island’s nightlife. You’ll find happy hour drink specials all along The Strand and at spots like Market Street’s Daiquiri Time Out, known for their fruity cocktails, and the Float Pool and Patio Bar on the Seawall.

For classy vibes, check out spots like the Proletariat, an art gallery and wine bar, or Hearsay on the Strand, which serves craft cocktails in a historic building downtown.

• 23rd Street Station Piano Bar for live music and happy hour
• Hearsay on the Strand for cocktails and wine
• Buckshot Saloon for country dancing and karaoke

6. Hit the Paddle Trails

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Galveston is a water sports enthusiast’s dream, offering stand up paddleboarding,  kayaking, and surfing opportunities. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned paddler, the island provides diverse opportunities to get out on the water, from the tranquil breakwaters of the West Bay to adventurous Gulf waves.

Vacationers can choose from various kayak rentals and guided tours, including sunset and moonlit excursions. For beginners, many companies offer guided paddling sessions in calmer spots like Galveston Island State Park. Experienced paddlers can bring their own gear or rent from local providers.

• Galveston Island State Park
• Artist Boat Kayak Tours
• Beach Town Tours

7. Tour a Historic Mansion

Photo Credit: Fotoluminate LLC

Walking the adjacent blocks of Broadway Avenue, you’ll be amazed at the amount of Galveston history that has left its mark and been consequently preserved. While many are private residences, a few open their doors for special events or daily tours.

A gem of the East End Historic District, the 1892  Bishop’s Palace offers guests the option to explore on their own or join the guided Basement to Attic Tour of exclusive spaces with a guide. The 1895 Moody Mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, invites visitors to wander the 28,000 square feet independently or with a guide.

8. Meet the Ghosts of Galveston

Photo Credit: Audrey deCancio

If you’re looking for things to do in Galveston for adults at night, you don’t want to skip out on the ghost tours here. The island has some seriously spooky tales of pirates and sordid history, and ‘frightseeing’ excursions will introduce you to the ghosts and graveyards.

Whether you want to learn about the history, visit old cemeteries, or join a fun haunted bar-hopping outing, there’s a ghostly guided tour for everyone here.

• Galveston Haunted Pub Crawl
• Historic Galveston Ghost Tours
• Ghost City Tours

9. Ride Roller Coasters on the Pier

Located beachfront along the Seawall, the Faina Gurevich Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is the perfect spot to reconnect with your inner child while soaring through the air on a coaster and stuffing your face with cotton candy.

The boardwalk amusement park offers heart-pumping rides like the 52-mile-per-hour Iron Shark roller coaster and the 230-foot-high Texas Star Flyer swing. For something more low-key, you can hop on Galaxy Wheel for views over the Gulf or try your luck at the classic carnival Midway Games.

You can buy a walk-on pass just to drink and dine on the pier (sunset margaritas, anyone?) or purchase a ride pass for unlimited turns on about ten different adult-friendly attractions.

10. Picnic on the Beach

If you thought a picnic on the beach meant deli sandwiches on a sandy towel, you haven’t metJ. Henning Buchholz The Perfect Picnic The Perfect Picnic yet. Elevate your next beach date or girls' night with the cutest picnic setups that include mini tables, cute throw pillows, flowers, candles, table settings, and so much more.

The Perfect Picnic arranges dreamy dining arrangements on Galveston Beach and other local spots. You can dine on custom charcuterie boards and sip sparkling cider under lacy tents or add on interactive experiences like outdoor games and canvas painting.

11. Museum Hop

Photo Credit: Galveston.com via Flickr CC2.0

Galveston offers so many unique museum experiences that make the perfect activity for rainy or hot days. From Texas history at the Bryan Museum and Galveston Railroad Museum to maritime themes at the Texas Seaport Museum and Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig.

• First Thursdays at the Bryan Museum for music and wine in a sculpture garden
• The Texas Seaport Museum for the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA
• Seawolf Park for World War II ships at the  Galveston Naval Museum

12. Cruise Around in a Golf Cart

Photo Credit: Joelle Dagnon

Renting a golf cart in Galveston is such a fun way to get around the island and on beaches that allow access. Golf cart companies around the island offer everything from one or two-hour quick loans for sightseeing to week-long rentals with delivery to your vacation rental vacation rental.

One of the more unique options on the island is  Carriage Haus Rentals, where you can drive around in carts styled like classic Ford Model T cars. These carts feature details like gold hubcaps, colorful exteriors, and tufted seats—a classy way to travel!

Check official golf cart operating areas here.

13. Sample Some Local Brews

Did you know that Galveston has breweries making craft concoctions right on the island? Hop around to island breweries to sample local favorites like the Tiki Wheat at Galveston Island Brewing and the Galvatraz golden lager at Devil and Deep Brewery.

Breweries here have all the island vibes, too, with many offering breezy patios and live music to enjoy while you down your drafts.

• Galveston Island Brewing
• Devil and Deep Brewery
• Beerfoot Brewery

14. Take an Audio Tour of Galveston

Photo Credit: MVelishchuk

Whether it’s your first time on Galveston Island or you return to visit year after year, there’s always so much to discover here. The island has a rich history and lots to do, and there’s no better way to explore than with an audio tour from  Galveston Unscripted.

The free self-guided audio tours are the perfect companions while you’re walking or biking around the East End Historic District, The Strand, and beyond.

You’ll Love Galveston for Grown Ups

Galveston is full of fun things to do for adults, from shopping and bar hopping in the Strand Historic District to beach picnics on the sand to kayaking and biking around the island.

The perfect vacation rentals for your Galveston getaway await at  Sand ‘N Sea Properties. Whether you need a cozy spot for two or a large home to host all your pals, you’ll find the perfect spot with quick access to the beach or bay.