Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier featuring rides, a beach and general coastal views
Ride the thrilling swings over the Gulf of Mexico and browse the shops and restaurants on this fun and scenic pier.

The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is an iconic dock with a range of shops, restaurants and rides. Its many family-fun activities are the main source of entertainment in the center of Galveston on the Gulf Coast. Bring the whole family down to the dock for an afternoon of games, food and shopping.

Walk along the pier and snap photos of the excellent views of the Gulf of Mexico. The pier runs out into the ocean, stretching 1,130 feet (340 meters) long. Bring your kids to various thrilling roller coasters, including the Iron Shark and the Sky Shooter.

Ride the Galaxy Wheel for the best views from the sky. The Texas Star Flyer will make you feel like you’re flying over the water on its swings. Take your toddlers to the rides suitable for little kids.

Select from the range of restaurants along the dock, including the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company from the Forrest Gump movie. Look back on the historic sea wall flanking Galveston’s shore.

Browse the various souvenir shops lining the pier, which was built in 2012. The initial pier on this spot stood from 1943 until 1961, when it was destroyed by Hurricane Carla. For years, the Flagship Hotel stood on this location, before it too was damaged by a hurricane.

Note that the pier and its rides open most days from morning until late in the evening. The schedule is fairly erratic and can be found online. Purchase an all-day ride pass for a fee, with prices based on height. Pay for a pier pass to use the dock without rides.

The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is in the heart of Galveston, stretching out from its southern shore. It is an extension of the Seawall Boulevard and overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. Visit nearby attractions, such as Menard Park, the Jonathan M. Romano Skate Park and the iconic Murdochs gift shop.

Reviews of Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
292
" "5 - Excellent 40.725244072524404%
4 - Good
313
" "4 - Good 43.65411436541144%
3 - Okay
95
" "3 - Okay 13.249651324965132%
2 - Disappointing
13
" "2 - Disappointing 1.8131101813110182%
1 - Terrible
4
" "1 - Terrible 0.5578800557880056%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
May 31, 2020

I was sad that the Pier wasn't lit while I was there. The rides were still closed due to COVID.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler
Aug 12, 2019

Cant walk the pier without paying $10.00

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jul 10, 2019

best at night,very beautiful.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Jul 9, 2019

Very little to do here if you don’t go on rides. I did enjoy shopping at Murdoch’s though.

3/5 - Okay

K8G
Jun 26, 2019

Was confused as to what the times and cost were for this attraction (different websites had different times/costs). Arrived at the location and found it to be open from 11am - 11pm. They sell wristbands for riding the rides but I never got clear instructions regarding games and if you did not want the wristband... Found out it is $10 just to walk the pier. So we took pictures from the road and left. It was a beautiful show of carnival lights.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Mar 30, 2019

You have to pay even if you want to just walk around.

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