Things To Do in Galveston

Looking for what to do in Galveston, Texas? Galveston Island is a Gulf Coast treasure well known for its 32 miles of public beaches and beautiful vacation rentals. It’s home to an abundance of art galleries, antique stores, local restaurants & unique shops, and a full host of historical Galveston attractions & museums perfect for all ages. The Island is also a popular destination for fishing & birding all year long. There’s no shortage of fun and even free things to do in Galveston! Make sure to also check out our "For Guests" page for useful Galveston resources to help with planning your perfect beach vacation.

There are so many fun things to do in Galveston, TX! Enjoy Galveston, TX attractions such as the beautiful beaches, superb Gulf & bay fishing, amusement parks, gorgeous churches, live music, annual island events, and more. The unique geography and wide variety of things to do in Galveston make this island unlike anywhere else in the world. 

Be sure to explore our Galveston events page to see what’s happening during your next visit, and read on to discover more about what the Island has to offer guests & locals alike!

• Moody Gardens Aquarium & Rainforest Pyramids
• Galveston Railroad Museum
• Galveston Naval Museum at Seawolf Park
• Seaport Museum & The 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA
• The Bryan Museum
• The Strand historic shopping district
• The Grand 1894 Opera House
• 1892 Bishop's Palace
• Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum

There are so many Galveston Beach things to do! Visitors will find that, in addition to the miles of public beach available to vacation rental guests, Galveston has more than 7 distinct beach areas stretching over the 30+ miles of Gulf coastline, including:

• West End Pocket Parks
• Galveston Island State Park
• East Beach
• Stewart Beach
• Seawall Urban Park
• Seawolf Park

What kind of fish will you catch during your vacation? Find great fishing in Galveston year-round thanks to nutrient-rich waters from the Mississippi delta region that flow around the island. This silty water creates a prime growing ground for:

• Redfish, whiting, croaker, black drum, sheepshead

• Red snapper, kingfish, amberjack

• Crabs, shrimp

Galveston is perfect for surf & wade fishing, pier fishing, crabbing, shrimping and offers plenty of deep-sea

• Galveston Sea Ventures - Captain Shane Cantrell

• 61st Street Fishing Pier

• Galveston Fishing Pier - 6101 Seawall Blvd.

Galveston has the highest concentration of historical homes in the state of Texas. Don’t miss this unique aspect of Galveston in your list of Galveston things to do! Make time to take a walking or interior tour of these highlights of architectural and cultural heritage:

• 1892 Bishop's Palace

• The Grand 1894 Opera House

• Strand-Mechanic Historic District

• 1859 St. Joseph's Church

• The 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA

Named after Bernardo de Galvez, a Spanish colonial governor and general, Galveston Island has a long history with headline-worthy drama. This unique barrier island served as the base for Pirate Jean Lafitte in the 1800's before being purchased in 1836 by Micheal B. Menard. He and a team of nine other influential men formed the Galveston City Company and quickly built the city into a flourishing port full of merchants, wholesalers, cotten agents, and more.

Galveston is beautiful at any time of the year, but the most pleasant temperatures are usually found in the spring or late fall, when temperatures are typically in the mid-70s. The winter is brisk and full of Gulf Coast winds. Summer months easily top 85+ degrees, but with 32 miles of beaches, Schiltterbahn Galveston waterpark, and lots of Galveston vacation rentals with neighborhood pools, it's easy to stay cool!

Galveston Island is the perfect place to explore on two wheels. Rent a traditional bike for a soothing solo adventure, book a surrey and make it a family affair as you pedal along Seawall Blvd. and take in the panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico, or go high-tech and easy with a Zipp E Bikes electric bike or Segway rental. Most rentals are available by the hour or the day.

Galveston Island is the perfect place to explore on two wheels. Rent a traditional bike for a soothing solo adventure, book a surrey and make it a family affair as you pedal along Seawall Blvd. and take in the panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico, or go high-tech and easy with a Zipp E Bikes electric bike or Segway rental. Most rentals are available by the hour or the day.

There are lots of great Galveston walking tours to choose from, including guided and self-led tours like:

• Tree Sculpture Tour

• Turtles About Town

• Seawall Interpretive Tour

• Galveston Historical Markers

• East End Historic District & Victorian Homes walking tour

• Taste of The Strand

• Galveston Cemetery Tours

Seawall Blvd and FM 3005 stretch the entire length of the island, with great views of the Gulf. Take a leisurely drive, cruise along on your motorcycle, or rent a golf cart and just explore your neighborhood.

Lyft and Uber are both available in Galveston and nearby Houston, making it easy to get to the island and all of its points of interest. 

Yes! Galveston vacation rentals are located throughout the Island, and they offer options for all budgets, seasons and groups! Sand `N Sea Properties manages Galveston beach house rentals with large living spaces, fully equipped kitchens, private bedrooms, large decks, off-street parking, and amenities such as elevators and pools. Splitting the cost with your family and friends is a great way to make your vacation dollars stretch further without giving up any comfort!

West End neighborhoods offer a chance to stay away from the noise, traffic & crowds of the Seawall and Strand entertainment districts, but remain within easy driving distance.

Looking for quiet beaches away from it all? Book a Galveston vacation rental home in:

• Pointe West

• Playa San Luis

• Bay Harbor 

Have a large group that needs vacation houses that work together within 30 minutes of Downtown Galveston?

• Sea Isle

• Terramar Beach

• Indian Beach

• Pirates Beach

Want to be closer to town? These neighborhoods offer vacation rentals within 12 miles from the heart of Downtown Galveston and offer easy neighborhood beach access:

• Jamaica Beach

• Spanish Grant

• Bermuda Beach

• Pirates Beach

• Beachside Village