Whether you’re visiting for the 1st or 40th time, Sand `N Sea will make your Galveston vacation memorable for all the right reasons! You will find all the Galveston resources you’ll need before, during and after your visit right here.
Don’t forget to take a look at the Things To Do to fill in the time you aren’t on the 32 miles of Galveston Island beaches! Additionally, we are proud to offer helpful resources for planning a homeschool field trip, whether your stay is 3 days or a week or more!
What You Should Know About Vacationing in Galveston
Our FAQ page is a great place to start, but we know everyone’s vacation needs are different. Don’t hesitate to call or email us with your questions - we are here to be your all-things-Galveston resource!
Just started packing? Check your list against our recommended Things to Bring to make sure you have everything you need! This is especially helpful for first-time vacation home renters.
Galveston weather can change quickly. In the spring and fall temperatures can vary by over 20+ degrees from sunrise to mid-afternoon. We are also prone to short bursts of rain in the afternoons. Pack in layers!
A Galveston map is helpful for navigating and planning your daily adventures. Galvestonians often refer to the Island by three different regions: the West End, Seawall, and the East End.
Beach safety is critical, so be sure to read up on what the flags mean and where you can expect lifeguards. Also, check out our information on local Galveston laws to learn about regulations for golf carts, fires on the beach, beach tents and more.
The Sand `N Sea Guest Experience
We want to make sure each Galveston vacation rental is one for the memory books! As a local leader for more than 45 years, we have the knowledge and resources to ensure your time on the Island leaves you relaxed and rejuvenated.
Our office is open 7 days a week, which allows us to welcome you in person at check-in, no matter what day you arrive! Please remember that, per our rental policy, the leaseholder for the reservation is the only person able to collect keys. Any exceptions will need prior arrangement with our staff.
What time is check-in?
Check-in is at 5 p.m.. If you arrive early, hit a public beach access point, grab a bite to eat, or take a #gramworthy picture with Shelly Sandersun, our Turtles About Town statue (#shellysns).
You'll receive a text with your lock box code as soon as your house is ready for you! Once you receive that info you can head directly to your vacation home to unload and start your getaway!
We will check in with you by phone after you arrive to make sure everything is going perfectly! If there is anything we can do to improve your stay, please call us immediately.
Something going wrong?
Sand `N Sea’s vacation rentals team is available 24/7 to address any unexpected maintenance issues or questions about your home. Call us at 409.797.5500 during normal business hours or at 409.737.4444 for after hour emergencies.
What if there’s a storm approaching Galveston?
We will text the cell phone number on file with your reservation if there are any advisories you need to be aware of during your visit. Check to see what your Travel insurance covers.
We can also help you find the perfect restaurants, boutiques, or museums to enjoy during your stay! Just give us a call or email us at info@sandnsea.com with your questions. We work and play on the Island too, and we are always happy to share local favorites.
Scholes International Airport offers two 6,001' x 150' runways able to accommodate almost any aircraft, up to a Boeing 767. Perfect for private or chartered planes, at GLS there is never a charge for aircraft or vehicular parking.
Hobby Airport is located approximately seven miles south of downtown Houston, near I-45/Gulf Freeway, the major highway heading from the City to Galveston Island.
Travel time to/from Galveston depends on traffic and can range from 45 minutes to two hours. Please plan accordingly.
More than 8 million passengers ride the Port Aransas and Galveston-Port Bolivar ferries annually. The two routes operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, weather permitting.
The Port Aransas route runs between two and six ferries a day and connects travelers on SH 361 a link across the Corpus Christi Channel between Aransas Pass, on the mainland, and Port Aransas, on Mustang Island. The quarter-mile route typically takes less than ten minutes, although peak summer hours may require drivers to wait longer.
Check out the live webcam feeds of the ports and estimated wait-times at http://traffic.houstontranstar.org/ferrytimes/ferrywaittimes_travel.html
Fire Station 7 is located near the Pirates Beach subdivision. Station 7's area is primarily residential. Station 7 is one of two stations not protected by the Galveston Seawall. This area includes Galveston Island State Park. Station 7 houses Engine 7 and Ladder 7.
Fire Station #8 is located in the Sea Isle subdivision and protects the far west end of Galveston Island. Station 8's area is primarily residential with numerous multimillion dollar dwellings and resort style complexes. Station 8 houses Engine 8 and Brush 8.
Purchases made at Eighteen Seventy One go towards GHF’s mission of preserving and revitalizing the architectural and maritime heritage of Galveston Island. In addition to information on all GHF events, programs and attractions, the store is also the exclusive distributor for WoodWick & RibbonWick Candles and Kitras Art Glass. The store also carries antique jewelry from Grandmother’s Buttons, Jack Black and numerous vintage children’s games and toys. A large selection of Galveston related books are also on hand as well as a fantastic selection of items for house and home.
HISTORICAL FOUNDATION: Galveston Historical Foundation
Incorporated in 1954, Galveston Historical Foundation is one of the nation's largest local preservation organizations. Over the last 50 years, the foundation has expanded its mission to encompass community redevelopment, public education, historic preservation advocacy, maritime preservation and stewardship of historic properties.
Find out what's happening around Galveston County....read about current events, check your favorite team's scores, find a job, get the local weather and beach forecasts, search real estate listings and get helpful tips on where to eat, stay and shop in and around Galveston and the Bay Area!
GARM - Galveston Association of Rental Managers security service is on-call and available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.
GARM security responds to calls about problems in vacation rental homes managed by GARM companies - problems such as parking in restricted areas, loud noise and over-occupancy.
The Jamaica Beach Police Department provides 24 hour patrolling of our streets and a marine division for our canals. Jamaica Beach has the reputation of one of the safest areas to live in Galveston County
The Island Transit service area covers 27 square miles servicing Galveston Island as well as Mainland patrons through Island Connect Mall of the Mainland and Victory Lakes services.
Dial-A-Ride Services can be reached at 409-797-3909.
RECYCLING: City of Galveston Recycling Drop-off Center
Come by and drop off - Papers, plastics 1-5 & 7, cardboard, glass (clear, brown, green), refrigerators, air conditioners, stoves, washers & dryers, scrap iron and metal, aluminum, car batteries, old gas, antifreeze, tires, ink jet cartridges, computers, E-waste, cell phones, rechargeable batteries, and yard waste.
Mon - Sat: 8am - 4:45pm
TOURIST & VISITOR INFO: Galveston Island Visitors Center
Looking for Galveston tourism information? The Galveston Island Visitor Center is located in the carriage house of Ashton Villa, 2328 Broadway. The friendly and knowledgeable staff is there to help any guest discover the many treasures of Galveston Island.
Check the current conditions or get the weekend forecast here. Weather.com also features vacation planning guides, storm tracking tools and other helpful information.
