The Perfect 3 Day Galveston Itinerary: Expert Picks
The perfect 3-day Galveston itinerary awaits you!
Whether visiting Galveston for leisure, a vacation, or a pre- or post-cruise adventure, you can explore and enjoy these expert itinerary picks for a relaxing and fun-filled escape to Galveston, Texas!
Having visited Galveston frequently as a child and now resuming in my adulthood, I have found and still find Galveston to be one of the most convenient options for a seaside weekend, and a pre- and post-cruise getaway!
Galveston Island offers 32 miles of history, local charm, beaches, palm trees, seafood, and the opportunity to cruise from Galveston from the 4th busiest cruise port!
This page contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of the links, Galveston Cruise Destinations may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read the disclaimer for more information.
Galveston Itinerary: 3 Day Overview
Embark on a land adventure before you embark on a cruise adventure for the perfect blend of coastal rest and relaxation while soaking up beach life, enjoying seafood, dolphin watching, revisiting history, guided tours, and all while making lasting memories!
➡️ Day 1: Mansions, Beaches, and Strolling the Historic Strand
➡️ Day 2: Pyramids, Dolphins, and Seafood, Oh My!
➡️ Day 3: Historic Ships, Shopping, and Scenic Adventures
Day One: Welcome to Galveston Island – Historic Vibes and Beachfront Fun
Day 1’s expert pick is filled with experiencing Galveston’s coastal charms.
The perfect island welcome begins with a cozy, inviting breakfast before you relax on the beachfront to soak in the sun, stroll The Strand, tour one of Galveston’s beautiful historic mansions, and end your day by enjoying fresh seafood and sunset views while walking along the Seawall.
Morning
Start your morning at the Sunflower Bakery & Café to mingle with the early bird locals and taste a fresh and flavorful breakfast, which is now served all day! Open Wednesdays – Mondays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
After breakfast, it’s time to stroll The Strand in downtown Galveston!
The Strand Historic District
The Strand Historic District offers 19th-century charm filled with boutiques, local art, historic buildings, museums, and coffee shops.
Historic Markers on The Strand
As you walk along The Strand, you’ll see historic markers, like these, throughout the district.
These historic markers tell the history of the 19th-century buildings on The Strand.
They are reminders to locals and tourists alike that Galveston was once known as the “Wall Street of the Southwest” in the 1800s, and although it is not as it was in the past, the island is still a thriving and exciting destination.
Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum
If you’re a museum connoisseur or just curious, venture towards Pier 19 (adjacent to Pier 21), just blocks from The Strand, and take a peek at the unique Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum at Pier 19 and see why this museum receives predominantly 5-star reviews!
Find out about the offshore rig platforms that you see on Galveston’s shore by stepping aboard a jacked-up drilling rig that was converted into a museum.
By touring the Ocean Star Offshore Ocean Drilling Rig Museum, you can learn about the oil and gas industry that Texas is commonly known for.
Experience interactive exhibits. Learn the basics of geology exploration. From drill bits to piping, environmental to well-servicing, and production systems.
You’ll gain an overview of the full circle from beginning to end, along with life on a rig and how oil is transported and used in everyday products that you would least expect!
Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum
2002 Wharf Rd.
Galveston, TX 77550, USA
Web: https://www.energyeducation.org/museum Phone: 409-766-7827
*Contact the museum for the most current hours and admission prices.
*Admission prices:
Children – age 6 and under: free
Students – ages 7-18: $8
Senior adults – age 55+ and Military – $10
Adults: $12
Family package: $35
Last ticket sold at 4 p.m. and can be purchased in-person or online.
*Museum hours:
Wednesday-Sunday: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Monday-Tuesday: Closed
*Subject to change
Afternoon
Time to eat!
Stop by Shrimp N Stuff for lunch and see why it is considered the locals’ and tourists’ seafood stop for a relaxed atmosphere that is a Galveston tradition.
If you’re a history buff, after lunch, it’s time for a glimpse of elegance from the past.
Moody Mansion
Tour the Moody Mansion to see one of Galveston’s historic architectural jewels.
Nearly 30,000 square feet, the Moody Mansion was built in 1895, and is now a Texas historic landmark. You can enjoy a self-guided audio tour and explore up to 20 rooms that have the original furniture and décor of one of the wealthiest Texas families.
There is free onsite parking when you visit, Monday-Sunday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
➡️Click Here To Book Your Moody Mansion Tour!
Galveston Beaches: Ready to relax on the beach? But which one?
That depends on what you prefer. If you’re traveling with your children, then Stewart Beach is great for families compared to East Beach, which is on the far east of the island, and is known for a lively beach party atmosphere.
Whichever you choose, you will have options to relax, eat (Stewart Beach: food trucks, East Beach: concession stand, ice cream, snow cones), and rent chairs and umbrellas. There are also covered picnic areas, volleyball courts, and playgrounds.
Stewart Beach
201 Seawall Blvd
Galveston, TX 77550
Directions
East Beach (R.A. Apffel)
1923 Apffel Rd
Galveston, TX 77550
Directions
There are vehicle admission fees $15 (cash or credit – one entry – no re-entry), paid parking, and limited free parking.
Vehicle admission fees are subject to change. Hours vary and are based on season and events.
Evening
After a relaxing day at the beach of your choice, enjoy a sunset dinner on the Seawall at Gaido’s or The Spot.
Afterwards, continue to enjoy the evening with a peaceful walk along Seawall Blvd before ending your first evening in Galveston.
If you choose to eat at The Spot, and you are staying at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites on the Seawall, you can walk next door to return to your hotel! Gaido’s is 0.4 miles away, so both are close!
Day Two: Galveston Adventure Meets Nature
Ready for adventure mixed with the ambience of nature?
Day 2’s expert pick begins with an adventurous morning at Pleasure Pier, or if you’re not feeling that adventurous, opt for an exploration date at The Bryan Museum, followed by a beachside lunch and mid-afternoon to evening marine life exploration.
You’ll enjoy glass pyramids, a rainforest, and a dolphin watching tour or a sunset cruise!
Morning
Rise and shine! It’s the second morning to try another restaurant for another great breakfast!
Located on the Seawall and a short distance away from Pleasure Pier, Miller’s Seawall Grill has an all-day breakfast menu included in their menu to satisfy any morning appetite.
You’ll enjoy the atmosphere of the Victorian-style home turned restaurant that is open from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
It’s time to make your way to Pleasure Pier!
Enjoy 5D theatre, teacup rides, bumper cars, carousels, roller coasters, and midway games and prizes!
Please be aware that Pleasure Pier has varied hours.
Sometimes amusement park hours begin at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., and even 4 p.m.!
Ticket purchases will correspond with availability. It’s best to be flexible with your itinerary when planning your visit.
If you’re looking for more of a relaxed activity, you can visit The Bryan Museum and tour multiple exhibits, including special, rotating, and permanent exhibit galleries.
Museum Hours: Wednesday-Monday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Closed: Tuesday.
Both are the same distance (1/2 mile) from Miller’s Seawall Grill!
➡️Click Here for Your Entry Tickets to Pleasure Pier or Click Here for Your Entry Tickets to The Bryan Museum
Afternoon
After your morning excitement at Pleasure Pier or The Bryan Museum, it’s lunch time!
If you chose Pleasure Pier and want to remain there for lunch so that you can enjoy it longer, you can eat at Bubba Gump, or if you’ve had enough excitement or chose to visit The Bryan Museum, try dining at Fish Tales.
Fish Tales is a seafood restaurant along the Seawall and directly across the street from Pleasure Pier. Fish Tales restaurant provides a menu of fresh seafood from the Gulf, steaks, and pasta with patio ocean and Pleasure Pier views.
Your next stop is Moody Gardens!
Moody Gardens is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (view schedule here and property map here).
At Moody Gardens, you’ll see glass pyramids, yes, glass pyramids, and three to be exact!
Choose from the Aquarium Pyramid, where you can explore ocean and marine life, the Discovery Pyramid for art and music, or the Rainforest Pyramid for exotic plant species and animal exhibits.
For an interactive experience, you can see penguins and otters for public and private animal encounters!
Need time to sit and relax? Enjoy 3D and 4D films with Texas-sized screens and surround sound.
There are many things to see and do at Moody Gardens, and each attraction has its own unique experience!
If you are looking for a bite to eat or something to drink, there are concessions, a restaurant in the Visitor’s Center, and a food court at the lower level of the Aquarium Pyramid.
Depending on the time of year, you can enjoy a dinner cruise on the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat!
Evening
Unless you had a bite to eat at Moody Gardens, it’s dinner time!
You decide when and where you want to eat.
About six miles from Moody Gardens is Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar, for a casual atmosphere with gumbo, seafood platters, and more!
Or you can treat yourself to an upscale dinner about four miles from Moody Gardens at Number 13 Prime Steak and Seafood, and enjoy the ambience of waterfront dining.
Afterwards, and if you didn’t experience the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, finish the second evening of your perfect 3 day Galveston itinerary with a sunset cruise or dolphin tour to unwind, relax, and enjoy the Galveston Bay.
➡️Click Here to Book Your Dolphin-Watching Cruise or Click Here to Book Your Baywatch Dolphin Tour!
Day Three: Galveston Hidden Gems and Island Life
Expert pick day 3 finishes your 3 day Galveston itinerary with a relaxing discovery of hidden gems in Galveston.
Begin with coffee and nature as you take in the salty, fresh sea air. Scenic views of the Gulf await you by way of the Bolivar Ferry.
Take a little of Galveston with you by souvenir shopping before or after lunch or your maritime history tour of the ELISSA.
End your perfect trip with a bay view dinner.
Morning
Breakfast time!
This morning, it’s time to try a new dining venue and eat breakfast at ShyKatz (opens at 8 a.m.), or since you’re familiar with a few Galveston restaurants, you can revisit a preferred venue, or try breakfast at a restaurant where you’ve already had lunch or dinner!
But…if you’re not in the breakfast mood and would like to just have coffee or a muffin, scone, or breakfast sandwich, visit MOD Coffeehouse as early as 7 a.m.
Galveston Island State Park
There’s so much to see and do at Galveston Island State Park!
You can enjoy nature around you by birdwatching (over 300 species in the park), kayaking, walking the trails, or simply and quietly relaxing to the sounds and sights of nature that surround you!
Galveston Island State Park is open daily from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m., and reservations made either online or by phone are strongly recommended due to the park frequently reaching capacity. Reserve by phone: (512) 389-8900
Galveston Island State Park
14901 FM 3005
Galveston, TX 77554
Entrance Fees
Adult: $5 Daily
Child 12 Years and Under: Free
Galveston to Port Bolivar Ferry
Ready for a unique experience? Take a free, scenic ferry ride and maybe get a glimpse of dolphins!
The Galveston Ferry operates 24 hours daily, and the transport to and from Galveston to Port Bolivar is approximately 60 minutes; however, wait times vary. For more information, call: 409-795-2230
Galveston Ferry Port Address:
1000 Ferry Road N.
Galveston, TX 77550
Afternoon
You’ve had a great morning! Now, it’s time to go into town to BLVD Seafood for a great lunch!
Blvd Seafood serves lunch Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Although not required, if you prefer, you can make your reservation by clicking here.
After lunch, revisit The Strand for some last-minute must-have souvenir shopping, or just stroll The Strand for one last view!
Your next stop is historical. Galveston is filled with history, and if you’re a history lover, you might enjoy touring this local hidden gem…the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA at the Texas Seaport Museum.
The Tall Ship ELISSA is one of the oldest of three historic vessels. She serves as a floating museum that actively sails with over 40,000 annual visitors!
To come aboard the ELISSA, visit the Texas Seaport Museum, which is located by the harbor at Pier 22, Number 8.
The Texas Seaport Museum is open daily from 10 a.m.to 5:30 p.m. with the last admission at 4:30 p.m. Operational hours are subject to change during the holidays. For more information, call: 409-763-1877.
Evening
It’s your final evening of your 3 day Galveston itinerary!
You’ll enjoy a relaxing waterfront dinner at Waterman’s Restaurant, a local hidden gem for cuisine. From outdoor dining to an inside casual lodge dining atmosphere, you’ll take in bayside views as you reflect on your 3 day Galveston experiences.
Before you return to your hotel, end your evening with one last walk on the beach. A beachside walk will help you unwind and view the sunset to finish an eventful, yet relaxing, visit to Galveston!
Where To Stay
With so many beautiful hotels, it can be difficult to choose where to stay in Galveston. Below, you’ll find options close to the Seawall, some that are budget-friendly, and others that include onsite attractions.
If you’re still undecided, use the optional Trivago search tool below. Trivago lets you search and compare multiple hotel rates for the best location and price for your budget and convenience.
📍Best Budget Spot – Best Western Plus Seawall Inn and Suites – The Best Western is located just 0.2 miles from the beach, is budget-friendly, has a complimentary full breakfast, and has a Spa for relaxation!
📍Best Mid-Range Spot – Holiday Inn Express and Suites Galveston Island on the Seawall has beachfront access, is next to The Spot restaurant, and is an 11-minute walk from Pleasure Pier! Breakfast is included!
📍Best Luxury Spot – Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa, and Convention Center has attractions on site. There are numerous eating venues, and there are optional pyramid view and balcony rooms!
FAQs
As you plan your 3-day Galveston itinerary, you will find the following frequently asked questions that many Galveston tourists find helpful!
How many days do you need in Galveston?
Galveston has so much to offer. Galveston is filled with fun, sun, and adventure, from beaches to seafood, historic sites, nature, parks, guided tours, and hidden gems.
To get the most from your visit, your Galveston itinerary should be at least 2 days.
If you are planning a pre- or post-cruise Galveston itinerary, consider coming a day or two before or after your cruise to enjoy all that Galveston has to offer.
Why is Galveston so popular?
The popularity of Galveston is based on many reasons, and each reason makes Galveston worth visiting.
Tourism is popular in Galveston due to its convenient location and its 32-mile span of beaches and seaside activities.
Also, Galveston is known for its rich history that can be discovered through a stroll on The Strand, a history-filled tour guide, and visiting one of the many hidden gems in Galveston.
Galveston is also popularly known for its beautiful hotels, Victorian mansions, marine life, and Pleasure Pier.
Of course, if you’re considering a cruise or are an avid cruiser, you know that Galveston is popular for its cruise port, which is the 4th busiest cruise port in North America.
What is hurricane season in Galveston?
According to the National Weather Service, hurricane season in Galveston begins in the Gulf on June 1st and ends on November 30th. There are peak threats along the Texas coast from August through September.
Safety first: Check weather reports before planning your visit to Galveston and before your departure.
Final Thoughts
A Galveston itinerary prepares you for discovery, sun, fun, sand, and seafood while you engage in Texas hospitality and charm!
The convenience of Galveston is that its span is 32 miles, and most of your itinerary attractions are in close proximity to each other. This means you can choose to walk, rent a bike (vendors along the Seawall), consider ride share, or, for more convenience, rent a car.
Expert Tip: When renting a car and looking for parking in Galveston, look for PayByPhone apps. PayByPhone is a very convenient way to pay for parking downtown and near beaches.
As you prepare to enjoy fun in the sun, when you pack, remember your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a sweater, just in case there are cool evenings or cool atmospheres in local venues.
You’ve dreamed of a getaway, and Galveston is calling, so answer the call. Get started by booking your hotel, rental car, and island activities today!
