Galveston, TX

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Galveston Schlitterbahn Waterpark
Enjoy the quaint old downtown architecture, explore historic mansions, and visit the museums and galleries of Texas’s foremost port city. 

Galveston charms with its glimpse into the colorful history of Texas through architecture and museums. The city sits on an island 32 miles long and 2.5 miles wide. 

Walk the Strand and gaze at beautiful historic buildings preserved by local authorities for well over a century. Here you can browse souvenir shops, dine in excellent restaurants, or ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Continue exploring architectural treasures with a tour through the East End District. You’ll see classic Victorian buildings from the city’s days as a leading cotton exporter and extravagant old homes such as the Moody Mansion or Bishop’s Palace.

Galveston was officially incorporated in the 1830s. It soon grew into one of the most successful and prosperous cities in the region and even served as the capital of the Republic of Texas. Its economy was devastated by a hurricane in 1900, but throughout the 20th century it evolved into a historical and cultural vacation destination. It boasts some of the best old architecture in the country and is home to dozens of museums and art galleries.

Soak up some more history at the Texas Seaport Museum, where you’ll find the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa. Visit a real offshore oil rig and learn about the industry at the Ocean Star Drilling Rig and Museum. Aircraft lovers will want to explore the Lone Star Flight Museum. It has dozens of restored aircraft from World War II you can even organize to have a ride in one.

History buffs will also love the story behind the Pleasure Pier, built during World War II as a recreational facility for the U.S. military. Nowadays families flock here to ride the roller coasters and enjoy the games. For more fun, hit the Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Water Park. Check out the Moody Gardens to explore the aquarium, zoo, and 3-D theater. Beachgoers won’t find sparkling waters and white sand at Galveston, but for a relaxing morning or evening stroll, drop by the Seawall or East Beach.

Galveston is a historic island destination with plenty to offer history buffs and leisure seekers alike. It’s 50 miles southeast of Houston.

Where to stay in Galveston

Default Image

West End

While visiting West End, you might make a stop by sights like Jamaica Beach and Bermuda Beach.

West End
Default Image

Jamaica Beach

Jamaica Beach is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Jamaica Beach and Galveston Island State Park Beach while you're in town.

Jamaica Beach
Galveston Schlitterbahn Waterpark showing a waterpark and rides as well as an individual male

Near West End

If you're spending some time in Near West End, Galveston Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Moody Gardens are top sights worth seeing.

Near West End
Default Image

Sea Isle

If you're spending some time in Sea Isle, Sea Isle Beach and Terramar Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Sea Isle
Default Image

The Preserve

If you're spending some time in The Preserve, Bermuda Beach and Pirate's Beach are top sights worth seeing.

The Preserve
Default Image

Pirates Beach

5/5(1 area review)

While visiting Pirates Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Pirates Beach and Pirate's Beach.

Pirates Beach
The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center
The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center
4 out of 5
5222 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Stay at this 4-star luxury resort in Galveston. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,022 reviews)
"Loved it. Will definitely return"

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center
Beachfront Palms Hotel Galveston
Beachfront Palms Hotel Galveston
3 out of 5
5914 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥13,817 per night from Jun 29 to Jun 30
¥13,817
¥15,889 total
Jun 29 - Jun 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Galveston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
7/10 Good! (3,132 reviews)
"It was OK. We booked 3 rooms and had problems with the doors not locking. Then our keys would not work on 2 different days."

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

Beachfront Palms Hotel Galveston
Galveston Beach Hotel
Galveston Beach Hotel
2.5 out of 5
8710 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
The price is ¥11,456 per night from Jun 19 to Jun 20
¥11,456
¥13,174 total
Jun 19 - Jun 20
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Galveston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,518 reviews)
"The hotel looks great from the outside but inside it was a little run down. The beds in the room were damp the entire time and there was stains on the walls but the pool was nice and my baby was able to fix cereal for breakfast"

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

Galveston Beach Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Victorian
Victorian
3.5 out of 5
Galveston
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Galveston. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7/10 Good! (127 reviews)
"It was an excellent stay. We truly enjoyed everything about it."

Reviewed on Jun 14, 2025

Victorian
Casa Del Mar Beachfront Suites
Casa Del Mar Beachfront Suites
3 out of 5
6102 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Stay at this 3-star beach condo in Galveston. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,992 reviews)
"It was the PERFECT get away . Very clean and perfectly located . AWESOME Place !!!"

Reviewed on Jun 12, 2025

Casa Del Mar Beachfront Suites
4513sandyhavennh - Sandy Haven
4513sandyhavennh - Sandy Haven
4 out of 5
Galveston
Stay at this 4-star vacation home in Galveston. Enjoy a beach locale, a marina, and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Sea Isle Beach and Terramar Beach are ...
"Close to the beach"

Reviewed on Sep 7, 2023

4513sandyhavennh - Sandy Haven
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Galveston