Did you know that Galveston Island has more to offer than just a cruise port and industrial docks? This hidden gem is one of Texas’s best-kept secrets, perfect for a quick beach getaway.
For my fellow SWA non-rev friends from Dallas Love Field, it’s an easy and quick destination to hit the beach for a couple of days—even if all the flights are full. The drive from Dallas Love Field to Seawall in Galveston takes about 4.5 hours. With several Buc-ee’s locations, the entire city of Houston, and some great restaurants along the way, there are plenty of stops to make the road trip a little shorter and more enjoyable.
If you prefer flying, the flight from Dallas to Houston Hobby (HOU) is only about 40 minutes in the air, making it a faster option. While Southwest will soon stop flying to IAH, there are more flights to HOU from Dallas than anywhere else. And as any non-rev regular knows, if you can get to Houston Hobby, you can usually get back to Dallas without much issue—unless the Houston rodeo or another big event is happening.
The reason for this article is to shed light on the hidden, awesome side of Galveston. Many people only see the cruise port, the industrial port on the drive in, some kind of sketchy street scenes, and maybe part of the Strand. But Galveston is one of the best little corners of Texas that’s worth your time. I hope that this article will explain why.
Table of Contents
Map
Attractions
When most people think of Texas’s Gulf Coast, South Padre Island often comes to mind. While I enjoy visiting South Padre, I believe Galveston offers much more to do, even if its facade isn’t as impressive. On multiple visits to Galveston, I still haven’t seen it all—and that’s not counting the great stops en route from Dallas, like Space Center Houston. There’s a lot to discover here from personal experience. (However, one thing I don’t recommend are the Surrey Bikes, pictured above. They look fun, but they’re as difficult to pedal as a picnic basket. Save yourself the effort unless you want a photo opportunity!)
Throughout this article, I’ll frequently mention “Seawall” or “The Seawall,” referring to both the street and the mural-adorned wall with the adjacent beach along the island’s south shore. This area faces the Gulf and is split by attractions like the Pleasure Pier. It’s a central spot for many of Galveston’s activities and sights.
The Strand Historic District
The Strand is the heart of Galveston, bustling with fun shopping stores, bars, and restaurants. While many spots in this article are located on the Strand, I’ll focus on its unique aspects without dwelling too much on the obvious attractions.
One fascinating aspect of the Strand is its rich history. Did you know that Galveston was once the Republic of Texas’ capital? When Texas joined the United States, the capital moved from Galveston to Austin. In the late 1800s, the Strand was known as the “Wall Street of the Southwest.” During the Civil War, the naval Battle of Galveston took place in the waters just outside the Strand, where cruise ships now set sail. The Confederacy won that battle, making Galveston the only Confederate-controlled port at the war’s end. Post-war, modern Galveston began to emerge, but its growth was repeatedly hindered by hurricanes, including a devastating one in 1900. Look closely as you walk around downtown Galveston, and you’ll see copper plaques marking buildings that survived this historic storm. Without the hurricanes that hit it previously, Galveston might be a much larger city than it is today. (At the bottom of this article, you’ll find a picture of me next to a taped-indicator on the Strand showing the high water mark after Hurricane Ike.)
In short, the Strand is a fantastic place to shop, eat, drink, and soak up the local culture. We’ll revisit the Strand several times in this article. Not quite leaving it yet, the western end of the Strand is flanked by the…
Galveston Railroad Museum
The Galveston Railroad Museum offers a captivating glimpse into the bygone era of railroading. This extensive museum features meticulously restored train cars, each narrating stories from the past. (One standout: the flat car that carried a block of marble from Colorado to Vermont so it could be sculpted in 1931. That block of marble is now the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.) As you explore these historic train cars, you can really feel what it was like to be an occupant on one of these cars.
Adding to the museum’s charm is the unique opportunity to stay overnight in one of its trains, available as a VRBO property. Though I haven’t tried this yet, it’s a perfect way to fully immerse yourself in the railroading experience. Be sure to visit the museum’s quaint gift shop, filled with unique finds and delightful souvenirs. The Galveston Railroad Museum isn’t just a collection of trains; it’s a journey through time and a must-visit for anyone fascinated by the romance and adventure of the rails. If you have a NARM membership, you can get into the museum free of charge.
Allow at least 1 hour to explore the museum, and up to 2 hours or more if you’re a hardcore train enthusiast. Don’t forget to include time for the gift shop, where you’ll find some unexpected treasures.
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
The Historic Pleasure Pier in Galveston is a nostalgic yet thrilling amusement park that brings excitement and charm to the Texas Gulf Coast. Extending out from the Seawall, the pier features a variety of exhilarating rides, from a dizzying roller coaster to a Ferris wheel to classic (but very tall!) swings. As you stroll along the boardwalk, the scent of salty sea air enhances the vibrant atmosphere.
Think of the Pleasure Pier as a “companion” park to the nearby Kemah Boardwalk, another nifty park owned by Landry’s. Both parks offer a blend of nostalgia and modern thrills, making them good stops for a great time.
Time spent at the Pleasure Pier can vary. Considering the cost of parking and getting in and out of the park, spending less than an hour here isn’t likely to give you your money’s worth. Plan on at least a couple of hours to fully enjoy the experience. Be strategic with your time and budget—paying $6 per ride can quickly add up to the $30 all-day pass. Walking on the pier costs $12 for adults, which is upgradable to the all-day pass but doesn’t include ride privileges. So, go in with a plan to make the most of your visit.
Schlitterbahn Galveston
Schlitterbahn Galveston is a small-but-mighty water park. With a variety of thrilling slides, water rides, and attractions, it caters to both thrill-seekers and families. From thrilling slides to lazy rivers that meander under the warm Texas sun, Schlitterbahn Galveston offers a delightful mix of adventure and relaxation.
Though much smaller than the original New Braunfels park(s), Schlitterbahn Galveston retains the charm and theming of its predecessor(s), including the Surfenberg, Blastenhoff, and Wasserfest German-themed areas. The park features three distinct kids’ areas, making it a great destination for families with toddlers. (Just remember to bring swim diapers for the little ones who aren’t potty trained.)
Weekends can be super crowded, so plan accordingly. To make the most of your visit, review the park map and prioritize the attractions that are most important to you, or consider purchasing a “fast lane” pass. Despite the crowds, the park’s numerous lazy river-style rides help manage the flow of visitors effectively.
Expect to spend at least 4 hours at Schlitterbahn to fully enjoy the experience. For those buying a ticket, it’s best to plan for a full day to get your money’s worth. I recommend the Cedar Fair annual passes, which can alleviate some of the pressure to pack everything into one visit.
Right next door to Schlitterbahn Galveston is…
Moody Gardens
No article about Galveston would be complete without mentioning Moody Gardens, an impressive complex that offers a blend of education and entertainment. The highlights of Moody Gardens are its three main pyramids: the Aquarium Pyramid, the Rainforest Pyramid, and the Discovery Pyramid. Each offers a distinct experience, from marine life exhibits to rainforest explorations and dynamic science exhibits.
Think of Moody Gardens as a mix of a zoo, aquarium, and science museum, all wrapped into one, complete with a conference center and hotel. Beyond the pyramids, Moody Gardens features a small waterpark, the paddlewheel boat “Colonel,” a 3D and 4D theater, and a zipline and ropes course. However, this diverse attraction comes with a hefty price tag. One-day passes that grant access to all areas start at $80 for adults and $70 for kids.
Given the cost of admission, it’s wise to plan your day by focusing on specific parts of the complex to get the best value for your ticket. Stretching the value of your ticket can ensure a fulfilling experience. While I haven’t spent much time at Moody Gardens outside of attending trade shows at the convention center, I felt it was essential to include it in this article due to its significance in Galveston. If I gather more personal experiences in the future, I’ll update this section accordingly.
The Bryan Museum
Loaded with some pretty incredible Texas history items, this little museum (located in the historic building of the 1895 Galveston Orphans Home) also has some pretty incredible western art. It’s amazing how much I drove past this place before checking it out. If the western art and/or Texas history is your thing, this is a must-see. My favorite highlights of the museum included a sword used in the Battle of San Jacinto that was used to capture Santa Anna, Jefferson Davis’ revolver, a Confederate Violin Shotgun, handwritten orders from Stephen F. Austin to Jim Bowie, a receipt signed by William B. Travis at the alamo 3 days before the battle commenced, a handwritten letter by Sam Houston, Stephen F. Austin’s dictionary, his cattle horn powder flash, and calling card (“Stephen F. Austin … of Texas.” Hahaha), the bell from the USS Texas, Dwight D. Eisenhower’s cowboy hat, Remington & Russell artwork, and countless other treasures. (I was more impressed by this museum than the Bullock Texas State History museum in Austin in every way, shape, and form.)
Plan on spending at least 90 minutes here–more if you’re a history and/or art nerd. Also note that if you have a NARM reciprocal membership, you can get into this museum for free.
Seawolf Park
Seawolf Park, located on Pelican Island just off the coast of Galveston, offers both natural beauty and history. This scenic, costal park gives visitors a chance to explore a WWII submarine (the USS Cavalla) and a destroyer escort (the USS Stewart). These historic vessels provide a tangible connection to the past, allowing guests to step back in time and see what life was like aboard these military ships. They also have a fishing pier, a picnic area, and a playground.
Ship lovers should plan on spending at least 2 hours here. You could make a day of fishing here, though—but you’ll need a fishing license.
Restaurants
Of course, there are many options for great food all over Galveston. Here’s just a few of the ones we frequent and really like.
Doc Holliday’s Roadhouse
Doc Holliday’s Roadhouse is a sports bar-style restaurant with a unique blend of beach-meets-Southwestern flair in both its decor and menu. The food is excellent, offering some pretty unique dishes that are definitely worth trying. Here’s a few appetizer highlights:
- Mac and Cheese Nachos (highly recommend with pulled pork–though the other meats are good also)
- Redneck Egg Rolls
- Pizza Pretzel
- Bam-Bam Shrimp
The menu has a wide variety, from pizza and wings to French dip sandwiches and burgers. Everything I’ve tried has been fantastic.
When I visit with my family, usually after a long day at the beach, we love to share a family buffet of appetizers and a couple of entrees. My wife and I often split a ‘monster’ sized ‘patriot’ margarita, which is perfect for the two of us. I’d argue that their prices are very reasonable for the large portions you get.
Salsa’s
On Seawall, Salsa’s is just a solid, old-school, no-frills Mexican joint with some views of the ocean (depending on where you get seated). I like the combination plates here (usually enchiladas), but don’t miss the queso here. It’s quite good. It’s pretty inexpensive, as well. You really can’t beat the location! (I’ll also throw my vote in for Salsa’s being a better Mexican restaurant than “The Original Mexican Cafe,” which isn’t bad, but not as notable, in my opinion.)
Miller’s Seawall Grill
Though it can be hard to get into, Miller’s is an establishment in Galveston. It’s really known for it’s breakfast / brunch fare, though they offer a good selection of seafood as well. The portion sizes are pretty generous, so take it easy on your order. (One “Moby Dick” breakfast plate feeds our family of four.) The price of the food is quite reasonable here.
Mosquito Cafe
While we’re on the topic of breakfast-brunch places, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the Mosquito Cafe. This is a charming little place (in a historic 1870 building that survived the 1900 Galveston hurricane). It’s cozy and quaint. Portion sizes aren’t as large as Miller’s, but still quite ample. I’d argue that the Mosquito is perhaps a tad fancier than Miller’s. (Here’s an example: If you want Eggs Benedict, the Mosquito’s version is going to have sautéed shrimp, mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and fresh asparagus on their version. The Miller’s version is going to be way more of a classic Benedict, and about $8.50 less expensive.) The food here is on the high side of reasonable–pretty expensive, but not prohibitively so.
Riondo’s Ristorante
Located on the Strand, Riondo’s Ristorante offers an authentic Italian dining experience with a touch of elegance–which can be on the unusual side down on the Strand. The restaurant has a formal feel and would be perfect for a special night out, though I’d feel pretty comfortable ducking into the restaurant for lunch wearing a t-shirt and shorts. Most local Italian places in Texas are pretty marginal. (Arguably the greatest ones–Carrabba’s from Upper Kirby in Houston and Romano’s Macaroni Grill Northwest of San Antonio–were franchised.) I feel like Riondo’s is kind of an exception to this rule–the food is pretty darn solid for a local Italian place. The menu has pretty classic Italian dishes, and the homemade pasta is a standout. Prices are very reasonable, making it accessible for a variety of occasions.
Mario’s Seawall Italian Restaurant
Moving back over to the Seawall, Mario’s is a bit more casual. The restaurant is in a building that has a little leaning tower of Pisa facade that is built above the entrance atrium of the restaurant. Like Riondo’s, it’s better than most local Italian places in Texas, though it is notably more casual than Riondo’s. (They also have their own parking lot, which makes it a bit more accessible). Also different than Riondo’s is that the restaurant offers panoramic view of the ocean over Seawall boulevard, which is a really nice to have feature as well.
Like many of the other restaurants on this list, Mario’s is quite popular with the locals and I’ve had a harder time getting into Mario’s than some of the others on this list. (It’s also a lot more accessible for families with younger children.) To avoid an extended wait, I’d strive to try and beat the dinner crowd and get to the restaurant on the earlier side of dinner time.
Papa’s Pizza
While I’m on the subject of (non-chain) Italian food on the strand, I have to mention Papa’s Pizza. It’s independent, pretty great, and reasonably priced. I specifically recommend their pepperoni rolls–they are delicious (though I do recommend some of their ranch to dip the rolls in). And you can’t beat the location. (Sometimes, if it is really full, you my have a hard time trying to park, but can easily walk from a number of hotels nearby–most notably the Home2 / Tru by Hilton immediately behind the restaurant.
The Others
Of course there are many more–including chains and such. Given the proximity to Houston, there’s a lot of Landry’s restaurants (as well as the previously mentioned Pleasure Pier, which is completely owned by Landry’s and has a Bubba Gump’s location immediately at the entrance to the pier). One notable Landry’s-related oddity, though, is the Rainforest Cafe immediately next to the Hilton on Seawall. It’s a standard Rainforest Cafe, but they also have a “dark ride” boat ride that you can purchase (overpriced) tickets for. It’s delightfully campy, so I’d recommend doing it once if you think that sounds like a good time or if you have a child that would love really, really basic animatronics which probably aren’t quite up to Chuck-E-Cheese snuff. (Fear not–you won’t get wet on the ride.)
Festivals
With all of the tourists coming to visit the beach, the rich history of the island, and all of the attractions scattered about, it should follow that they have quite a few festivals that are worth checking out. (It seems like every weekend that I visit, something new and different is going on.) These 2 festivals I can vouch for:
Mardi Gras
Galveston’s Mardi Gras festival is the 3rd largest Mardi Gras event in the country. It encompasses the whole island, though is slightly more focused on the Strand and Seawall. Unsurprisingly, the festival features lively parades, elaborate floats, and some great “throws” which every kid loves. (That is, until one hits them in the face when they’re not paying attention. I’m happy to announce that my son made a full recovery!)
The festival boasts a mix of family-friendly activities and more adult-centric entertainment, ensuring fun for all ages. The bead-throwing tradition, dazzling costumes, and live music performances create an electric atmosphere. The Strand district becomes a mini-French Quarter (though notably a FAR more family friendly one than it’s New Orleans counterpart).
With its historic backdrop and coastal charm, Galveston’s Mardi Gras festival offers a unique and unforgettable experience, making it a must-visit event for anyone looking to experience a great Mardi Gras festival without shelling out a ton of cash and dealing with all of the craziness of the Big Easy at the same time. It’s great fun, and I’d argue a fairly well kept secret.
ARToberFEST / Oktoberfest
As zany as it is quaint, ARToberFEST is a fun, fall outing. Unlike a lot of the other festival-type stuff, it’s situated in the historic “Downtown” area of the island, south of the strand, more towards the middle of the island. The local artists have their offerings on display, all of which are fun to look around. There’s a very eclectic offering of art to choose from set up in booths in the middle of the street, coupled with some of the interesting store fronts which make up the downtown Galveston area. (Oktoberfest is, of course, an Oktoberfest about the same time of year–though I can’t offer any additional details yet, as I haven’t been able to go to Galveson’s Oktoberfest… yet.)
The Others
There’s more that I haven’t discussed here, mostly due to the fact that I haven’t experienced them… yet. In any case, here’s a link to Galveston’s website which discusses the other festivals.
Shopping
There’s not a ton of shopping on the island, but there are a few places worth mentioning.
- Salt Water Soul / Galveston Island Dry Goods Company – Located on the strand, this place has higher quality, more unique souvenirs available than any other location on the island that we’ve found. (I purchased our family’s Shibumi Shade here, so that should tell you something). Many of the items here parody (if not directly rip-off) those of The Seaside Style in Seaside, Florida.
- Gracie’s – On the same block as Salt Water Soul / Galveston Dry Goods Company, this store has more stuff for ladies, but a nice men’s area also. I think it’s owned by the same folks as Salt Water Soul / Galveston Dry Goods. Their stuff is really nice.
- The Admiralty on the Strand – Another cool shop on the strand, this time more focused on home items and toys for the kids. I mention it because it’s just fun to poke around in. (In 2020, right before the beginning of COVID, my son got one of his most beloved stuffed animals here.)
- C-Suite – Kind of like a small “Alvin’s Island” type store (from the Florida panhandle), this is mostly a beachware store with some fun stuff for the kids, sunglasses, and Reef flip flops (which I highly recommend).
- Christmas on the Strand – A nice Christmas store on the strand–but open year round. My wife loves it.
- Buc-ee’s Texas City – Not really on Galveston Island, but it’s a good idea to stop here on your way down. This is a standard, huge Buc-ee’s with more costal / water fun items available for the kids: beach shovels, soakers, bathing suits, metal detectors, beach cabanas, beach chairs–you name it. This location has it.
- Tanger Outlets Houston – Also not really on Galveston, but convenient to it: this is an okay outlet mall. It isn’t worth going out of your way for (at least for Dallasites like me–there’s identical shops in the DFW area for everything here), but if you need something while you’re visiting Galveston, this is a great place to go. In that same vein…
- Baybrook Mall – Generally a big mall that isn’t notable, but the outdoor shops are on the nicer side. If you want to hit REI and check out the local “yard sale” items, there’s a good one here that I’ve had good luck at.
Lodging
I’ll start this by saying that there’s a few options available that are huge standouts with a huge price tag that I won’t get into here (as I haven’t been able to justify the price at staying at them–yet), but this includes places like the Tremont and the cool looking VRBO at the aforementioned Galveston Railroad Museum. In most of my trips to Galveston luxury properties have taken a back seat while convenience to the beach and suitability for family generally “calls shotgun.”
With that disclaimer out of the way, here’s a general list of hotels around Galveston that I have stayed in, in order of my preferences. Note that ALL of these hotels are on Seawall Blvd, facing the ocean.
- Home2 / Tru by Hilton – With an ideal location and 2 (yes—2!) impressive free breakfast buffets (one on each wing of the property), Home2 and Tru are a GREAT bets for a places to stay in Galveston, and they’re both in the same building. For restaurants, you can walk to Salsa’s (tex-mex), Papa’s Pizza, and others all from right here–and you can’t find a shorter walk to the beach. The Home2 has slightly larger rooms with “suites” (which are generally just hotel rooms with a semi-transparent curtain in the middle of the room) and the Tru is more like a classic hotel room but with no carpet and a larger bathroom, in my experience. Either way, this property is probably my overall favorite in Galveston, though a case can be made for a close second…
- Hilton Galveston Island Resort – This is a pretty nice Hilton and has a pretty nice location. It’s situated right between the Galveston Island Convention Center and the Rainforest Cafe / Landry’s, so there’s some stuff to do in the area. If you’re visiting Galveston during Mardi Gras, the Hilton is an ideal place to stay. It can be a bit challenging to get to (due to the closures on Seawall), but parking here and seeing the parades here are a darn good bet. The evening parade (and I think some of the other ones!) start on the Strand about 3-4 blocks west of the hotel. The hotel generally sets up a refreshment table out front that you can take advantage of, but the parade goes directly in front of the hotel and it is early enough in the parade that you’re likely to catch better throws–and then you can head back to your room with all of your stuff. The heated pool with the “river” section that runs around a swim-up bar is a nice touch. (As of today, I think the pool is still being renovated, so hopefully the new version of the pool will retain the awesome features of the old.)
- Hampton Inn & Suites Galveston – It’s a Hampton, so it’s basic–and it’s a bit of a walk to the beach from here, but at least you’re right next to a grocery store, so you can stock up on beach snacks. This works out well for the family. Also, I’ve had good luck here in getting upgraded to larger rooms, which are generally better for my family. They’ve got free breakfast, but it pales in comparison to the Home2 / Tru, in my opinon.
- Doubletree by Hilton Galveston Island Resort – This is a pretty trendy Doubletree that almost has like a late-60’s vibe to it. It’s nice, but generally overpriced. The location is pretty good, but I feel like there are better locations. This is pretty far down Seawall.
- Grand Galvez (Hotel Galvez) – I stayed here the week COVID began, so perhaps I have a biased view. It’s a nice, historic, sophisticated location, but I feel like a lot of places listed above on this list offer more amenities (i.e. – balconies that face the ocean) at a much lower cost.
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Galveston – This property is pretty nice and seems to be newly renovated, but ultimately isn’t that special. Worse, the location on Seawall requires quite a walk across the street and past the beach nazis (Galveston Island Beach Patrol) home base to Stewart Beach, which the Beach Patrol is aggressive in enforcing in a inconsistent, frustrating manner. (No canopys, cabanas, or tents allowed! Depending on who you ask–but you’ll get hassled regardless. But if you move a few feet over to one side, you’ll be okay!) There is free parking near Stewart Beach which will get you a little closer, but even from the free parking, it’s quite a walk. Again, free breakfast here, but it’s more basic than the others.
- Holiday Inn Club Vacations Galveston Beach Resort – Removed about 10 minutes from the main stretch of the Strand, this is a great option for those loyal to IHG hotels. (There’s also a Holiday Inn Resort Galveston-on the Beach right next to the Hilton that would scratch this itch as well, but I haven’t been to this property—yet). The rooms are all tile floor and are set up in a “suite” configuration. Even the smallest 1-bedroom villa serves our 4 person family really well. The small villas have a full kitchen, full bath, and balcony and a (shared) clothes washer. In my experience, all of these amenities are available for about the same price as the other options closer into the center of the strand, often making the differential not worth it. Additionally this property is actually on the beach and doesn’t require a walk across the road. (It is, however, a fairly busy beach due to the close proximity of public beach parking in the area.) It is a property absolutely worth your consideration. However, there is no free breakfast offered at this hotel.
You’ll likely notice that this list is comprised primarily of Hilton properties. I’m normally a Marriott loyalist, but I feel like Marriott is too proud of their properties in Galveston. There are also a number of IHG properties nearby that are probably worth checking out as well, but for the price, I’d generally stick with the (primarily) Hilton list above.
In Conclusion
Galveston island offers a unique blend of history, culture, and costal charm that makes it one of my favorite weekend trips in Texas. Whether you’re exploring its rich history, enjoying its vibrant festivals, savoring delicious cuisine, or simply relaxing on the beach, Galveston has a little bit of something for everyone. Its welcoming atmosphere and diverse attractions ensure that every visit is a memorable one. Pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and discover all the wonderful and unforgettable experiences that await you on the island.
