Situated on an island in Texas’s Gulf of Mexico, Galveston is both a seaside resort and a medium-sized port city. A large causeway and a bridge connect this hugely popular tourist destination to the mainland. Visitors come from near and far to enjoy the pleasant blend of outdoor recreation and historic attractions.
The two main attractions in Galveston are its historic downtown and its beaches. The East End Historic District is speckled with dozens of old homes and mansions that have been meticulously restored to their original splendor. Many of the mansions have been converted into museums and are part of the historic city tour. The Strand is the other main historic district. This restored Victorian commercial area between the harbor piers and Church Street was once the hub of the port scene but has been converted into a classy shopping and dining district.
Broadway is Galveston’s main street, cutting across the city and terminating at the sea. The majority of the city’s motels, restaurants and bars are located at the watery end of Broadway along the seawall. The Galveston Island Rail Trolley offers a convenient and stylish way to get between historic districts.
Highlights
Beaches: Galveston’s most popular draw are its beaches, which are sandy, wide, and hugely popular with Houstonites an hour away. The fully-equipped East Beach and Stewart Beach are two of the favorites, but you can find miles of empty sand on the west side of the island.
The Strand: this distinctly Victorian district has dozens of historic 19th century buildings which have been wonderfully restored and now house a variety of shops, cafes and offices.
Moody Gardens: combining entertainment with education, the three glass pyramids of Moody Gardens contain a wealth of engaging exhibits. Between the rainforest pyramid, the aquarium pyramid and the discovery pyramid, visitors will have plenty to absorb.
Galveston Island State Park: more than 2,000 acres of protected habitat on the western end of the island await visitors looking for a quiet natural place to walk, bird-watch or camp.
Ocean Star: this unique museum will show you everything you ever wanted to know about offshore gas drilling. The Ocean Star is a retired drilling rig which has been converted into a museum.
Texas Aviation Hall of Fame and the Lone Star Flight Museum: aircraft buffs will want to check out these two hangars filled with vintage aircraft from WWII and on.