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

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West End

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

West End
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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, Moody Gardens and Galveston Schlitterbahn Waterpark are top sights worth seeing.

Near West End
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Sea Isle

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

Sea Isle
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The Preserve

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

The Preserve
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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! (1,002 reviews)
"Everything was great...couldn't be better! Only one slight inconvenience - the ice machine on our floor did not work the whole time that we were there. We just went to a different floor."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center
Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center
Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center
4 out of 5
7 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX
The price is ¥25,665 per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
¥25,665
¥29,515 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Galveston. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,809 reviews)
My stay at Moody Gardens
"The only thing I didn’t like when we were arrive, there were no valets out there and then we were leaving so come up after my husband had the car already unloaded that was the only thing about staying at your hotel. That was not great for me. I have a hip problem and have a walker, and if I had came ..."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center
Beachfront Palms Hotel Galveston
Beachfront Palms Hotel Galveston
3 out of 5
5914 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
The price is ¥13,349 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
¥13,349
¥15,351 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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! (3,194 reviews)
"Clean place to stay for money. Nice view if u don’t mind being outside a pool!"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Beachfront Palms Hotel Galveston
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! (132 reviews)
"We really enjoyed the view from the balcony of the gulf. Everyone was so polite and friendly. Out of the 3 times we have been to Galveston, this has been our best of them all."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 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! (1,996 reviews)
Suggestions
"It was very clean and organized. A keypad lock would have been much better than keeping up with a key. Also, towels for the pool would have been great."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Casa Del Mar Beachfront Suites
Pleasure Pier Retreat
Pleasure Pier Retreat
4 out of 5
2511 Bernardo De Galvez, Galveston, TX
Stay at this 4-star vacation home in Galveston. Enjoy a picnic area, furnished patios, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Galveston Seawall and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"Good communication about adding an additional person at the last minute, great atmosphere, super clean unit and a very quiet neighborhood. Only downside is parking, besides that we had a great time and will be booking with this company again."

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

Pleasure Pier Retreat
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.

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