10 Reasons Why Galveston Is Worth Visiting (+ Why It’s Not)
Discover 10 reasons why Galveston is worth visiting—from beaches & seafood to history & cruises—plus honest drawbacks every traveler should know.
So, you’ve heard about Galveston, and you’re thinking of planning a trip to the Texas Gulf Coast, but you’re wondering: Is Galveston worth visiting?
The answer is, yes.
Travelers who enjoy Galveston keep in mind that they are not visiting the Caribbean, which means the waters aren’t turquoise, crystal-blue, or crystal-clear.
Travelers visit and keep visiting Galveston for the small-town charm, the great seafood, the family-friendly entertainment, the history-rich culture, and, yes, although not the Caribbean, the sandy beaches.
As you consider Galveston as an option for your next vacation or pre- or post-cruise destination or itinerary, in this post, we’ll explore 10 reasons why Galveston is worth visiting, and we’ll also look at a few reasons why some travelers may not consider it worth visiting.
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Is Galveston Worth Visiting?
Based on my visits, I consider Galveston worth visiting. I also know that it depends on what a traveler is looking for and their preferences for their next destination.
I visit Galveston because it is a coastal getaway that I and many other travelers consider a hidden gem for its combination of history and uniqueness for family-fun, pre- and post-cruise activities, history buffs, seafood lovers, and beach-goers alike.
10 Reasons to Visit Galveston
There are many things to do in Galveston. Here are 10 reasons why Galveston is worth visiting so that you can determine if visiting Galveston is the best choice for you before planning your Galveston itinerary.
1. Beaches in Galveston
This may or may not be obvious; not all islands have beaches, but Galveston Island has beaches, and, yes, more than one!
Galveston beaches offer preferences for every visitor.
If you prefer festivals, events, live music, and concerts, the East Beach is known for its lively and vibrant atmosphere.
But…if you’d like a more family-friendly atmosphere that is a little more on the calmer side, then try Stewart Beach.
For an even quieter and more relaxed setting, beaches on the West End tend to be more private and exclusive.
2. Historic Downtown Galveston and The Strand
A visit to Galveston is an invitation to revisit history.
Galveston’s historic downtown district is like stepping back in time. As you stroll The Strand, you will encounter historic markers that give the history of some of Galveston’s historic 19th-century buildings.
As you see the beautiful 19th-century Victorian architecture, you can visit local boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, and coffee shops that make strolling The Strand a great morning, afternoon, or evening outing.
There are also annual festivals and seasonal events, like Dickens on the Strand, when Galveston’s charm is met with lively and entertaining holiday celebrations.
3. Moody Gardens Attractions
Some consider Galveston worth visiting just to see Moody Gardens! Moody Gardens truly is a family-friendly, must-see attraction.
Moody Gardens is known for its beautiful glass pyramids. The Aquarium and Rainforest pyramids are home to live habitats and exhibits for an interactive and unique encounter with exotic and endangered species.
For art and music lovers and curiosity seekers, there’s also the Discovery pyramid, which exhibits musicians, painters, and creators for a blended art and music experience.
Not only are there glass pyramids, but Galveston visitors can enjoy 3D and 4D theaters, the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, seasonal events like the Festival of Lights, and Moody Gardens Spa and Resort, which makes Moody Gardens a full-day attraction!
➡️ Book your stay at Moody Gardens Spa and Resort here!
4. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Picture a boardwalk-style attraction with carnival rides, midway games, oceanfront roller coaster views, and nostalgic seaside fun, and you’ll have the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier!
The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is a blend of seaside amusement with a carnival atmosphere for adults and children. You can stay for a while or stay for a day, but either way, you’ll have plenty of fun and ocean views!
5. Best Places to Eat in Galveston, Texas
Galveston Island is full of local eats and fresh seafood. I’ll name a few that you’ll want to try when you visit Galveston.
Ready for breakfast or brunch? The Sunflower Bakery & Café has fresh seafood, homemade sandwiches, and dessert items. Located in the East End of Historic Galveston, and open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Wednesday to Monday, you can enjoy a host of items, including all-day breakfast and brunch menus!
Craving seafood? Shrimp N Stuff is a local favorite with a casual dining atmosphere. If you want a more classic or upscale ambience, try Gaido’s Seafood, located on Seawall Blvd.
You may be in the mood for Cajun cuisine …yes, Galveston has gumbo. At Little Daddy’s Gumbo, you can eat red beans and rice, crawfish étouffée, boudin, jambalaya, beignets for dessert, and of course, gumbo! In Galveston, you can satisfy your seafood and Cajun taste buds at Little Daddy’s Gumbo.
Bring your appetite, Galveston restaurants are ready, and make another good reason why Galveston is worth visiting.
6. Schlitterbahn Galveston Waterpark
Come and see why Schlitterbahn Galveston Waterpark is a family favorite in the summer.
Known for its relaxing lazy rivers, water slides, and wave pools, you and your family will have an entertaining and refreshing way to cool down and splash around while beating the Texas heat!
7. Galveston’s Rich History and Museums
It’s been said that Galveston is steeped in history, and it’s true. The historic landmarks, museums, and Victorian homes make for an unforgettable Galveston visit. The Texas heritage and island culture that preserves Galveston’s past, which forged Galveston’s future, make Galveston worth visiting.
Moody Mansion
When you visit Galveston, you can learn why certain attractions bear the name Moody by visiting the Moody Mansion and learning about the Moody family’s Galveston history.
The Moody Mansion is beautifully preserved with 20 rooms of the original Moody family’s furniture. As you tour the Moody Mansion, you will relive early 20th-century Galveston life, learn about the Moody family’s influential roles in philanthropy and business in Texas, and see just how resilient Galveston Island became after the catastrophic 1900 storm.
The Bishop’s Palace
Moody Mansion isn’t the only mansion in Galveston. The Bishop’s Palace was a Victorian residence built in the late 1800s. Its stained-glass windows, elaborate woodwork, and elegant furniture reveal Galveston’s past affluence.
Make Bishop’s Palace another stop on your Galveston itinerary to enjoy a self-guided audio tour of this beautiful Victorian residence, also known as the Gresham House.
The Galveston Railroad Museum
It’s time for another historical reason to visit Galveston by touring one of the most interesting and engaging attractions for history enthusiasts and curiosity seekers.
While touring the old Santa Fe depot, you’ll step aboard historic trains and see beautifully restored locomotives and vintage passenger cars for an educational, yet fun and interactive stop at the transportation hub that highlights Texas history.
The Bryan Museum
The Bryan Museum is yet another must-see for Galveston history seekers.
Formerly a historic orphanage, the Bryan Museum was beautifully restored to house rare Texas and Western artifacts.
You’ll see large collections of artwork, rare maps, frontier relics, and documents that bring a depth of storytelling of the American West, the story of Texas, and a culture shaped by the generation.
8. Unique Things to Do in Galveston Island
Besides a rich museum history of resilience from events of the 1900s, Galveston experienced devastation from Hurricane Ike in 2008 that influenced history as well.
Galveston Tree Sculptures
From the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, among much of the tragic loss, there were many damaged oak trees. Tree sculptors transformed the damaged trees into a unique collection of tree carvings.
As you walk or drive through Galveston’s historic neighborhoods, you’ll encounter tree sculptures of angels, animals, and mermaids that remind locals and tourists of Galveston’s ongoing resilience, the ability to turn tragedy into creativity, and the thriving artistic spirit that is beautifully displayed in the transformation of once storm-damaged oak trees into stunning works of art by local sculptors.
Dolphin-Watching Tours
Who doesn’t love dolphins? Catch a glimpse of their energetic, playful nature by watching dolphins swimming along while aboard a dolphin-watching boat tour.
You’ll depart from the Galveston Harbor as a tour guide shares the harbor history and facts about local marine life.
This will be an unforgettable, family-friendly, entertaining, and educational adventure as you experience dolphins in their natural habitat, which is undoubtedly one of the unique reasons that Galveston is worth visiting!
The Galveston Railroad Museum
The Galveston Railroad Museum has a unique way of showcasing transportation through its interactive exhibits from the golden era of rail travel.
Experience first-hand by imagining the travels and journeys across Texas by rail, or spend the night aboard a rail car hotel, the Bonnie Brook Rail!
➡️ Book Your reservation for an overnight stay at the Bonnie Brook rail car by clicking here
9. Cruise Port of Galveston
For cruisegoers and potential cruisers, the cruise port of Galveston is by far one of, if not the top reason, that makes Galveston worth visiting.
At the time of this post, the cruise port of Galveston serves six major cruise lines: Carnival, Disney, MSC, Norwegian, Princess, and Royal Caribbean, making it the 4th busiest cruise hub in the United States.
Of the six cruise lines, many conveniently depart to destinations in the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico.
Because Galveston is about an hour from Houston, those ready to set sail or enjoy a pre- and post-cruise getaway find that Galveston is the gateway to cruises and is definitely worth visiting.
10. Hidden Gems in Galveston
Beyond the history, beaches, attractions, eateries, and cruise port, there are many hidden gems in Galveston waiting to be discovered.
East End Historic District
Whether choosing to stroll or drive through the East End District, you will find Victorian homes, gardens, and the tranquility of a quiet, beautiful neighborhood for the perfect opportunity for scenic photos of Galveston’s rich past.
Seawolf Park
Want to do some fishing or have a picnic with a playground for a beautiful island view? You’ll find your fishing spot on Pelican Island at Seawolf Park with the opportunity to explore naval history.
See the WWI tanker, S.S. Selma, the WWII submarine, the USS Cavalla, and the USS Stewart at the Galveston Naval Museum.
Explore Pelican Island before you explore the island by clicking here for a virtual tour.
➡️ Book Your S.S. Selma Concrete Shipwreck tour by clicking here
Galveston Tree Sculptures
Not only are the Galveston tree sculptures a unique experience, as previously mentioned, but because of the origin and history of the creations, the artwork is considered a hidden gem as well, making Galveston worth visiting.
Artist Boat’s Kayak Adventures
Combining nature and art, Artist Boat Kayak Adventures is a unique, one-of-a-kind eco-tour that blends kayaking and painting sessions for learning about the environment and promoting an appreciation for preserving and restoring marine life.
Beginner and experienced kayakers are welcome to explore, with adventures available daily in the summer and on weekends in the spring and fall. Kayak equipment and instructions begin on land, and pre-registration is required.
The Bryan Museum Grounds & Garden
Earlier, we explored the rich history within the Bryan Museum. What is just as intriguing are the grounds and garden. Many overlook the sculptures, plants, and calming gardens outside of the museum. Take a stroll either before or after your tour for a calming, relaxing atmosphere.
Galveston Island State Park
Even though some of the Galveston beaches may be a little more crowded than you’d like, you can escape to Galveston Island State Park to enjoy fewer crowds and still have bayside and beach views!
Take a swim, kayak or canoe, hike, fish, have a picnic, and see over 300 species of birds while escaping and relaxing in nature.
Star Drug Store
The oldest drug store in Texas, the Star Drug Store, first opened in the late 1800s and is a true Galveston gem and treasure.
With a history of resilience, the Star Drug Store has weathered many storms and rebuilt to maintain the nostalgic atmosphere. You’ll see a vintage soda fountain, enjoy a classic milkshake, malt, and dinner while stepping back in time.
Ashton Villa (1859)
Another elegant mansion with intricate architecture and ironwork, Ashton Villa was built in 1859 and stands as an important hidden gem in Texas history.
Historically known as the symbol of Juneteenth celebrations, the Villa is a powerful Civil War-era reminder of the end of slavery in Texas, which was 2 years later than in other states.
Why Not To Visit Galveston
We’ve explored plenty of Galveston itinerary-worthy reasons to visit Galveston, and although Galveston has a lot to offer, it isn’t for everyone.
Galveston Beaches
Galveston beaches are fun and have beautiful sunsets, but it’s not Florida or the Caribbean, meaning the waters can sometimes be murky due to settling organic sediments.
In the summer, lots of seaweed can wash ashore, making its appearance not as pristine as at other times.
Parking
Because Galveston Island is approximately 27-32 miles long, there can be crowded attractions and beaches (The Strand, Seawall).
Parking can be pricey, hard to find, especially at beaches, popular attractions, peak travel seasons, and festival weekends. Making it a little frustrating, to say the least.
Overly Touristy
Ever been to a really crowded theme park, and there are so many people that you can’t see and do all that you’d like to?
Well, at certain times in the year, Galveston is no exception.
Depending on the time of year, not only will parking be hard to find and crowded beaches, but you may also find that hotels and restaurants can be more expensive.
This may call for advance hotel, restaurant, and main attraction reservations, and travel budget adjustments.
Weather
History teaches us that the waterfront is beautiful, but not always ideal all year long, and Galveston’s history has shown resilience from extreme weather.
In the summer, although it is an island with multiple beaches, it can still be hot and humid. If you’ve never experienced Texas heat and humidity, the heart of the summer may not be the time to “test the waters” to find out.
This is not to say the island should be avoided when it’s hot and humid, but non islanders should be well-prepared to stay hydrated, wear appropriate summer clothing (think about including hats, umbrellas, and sunglasses), and seek indoor and shaded areas as needed.
For more extreme weather, hurricane season by far is a difficult time not only for the locals, but for tourists as well. Locals will often vacate or prepare for the heavy rain, storms, and occasional flooding.
Tourists will not be as savvy as islanders, and should be well-informed of the current and future weather forecasts before and during their Galveston itinerary planning.
FAQs
We’ve looked at 10 reasons why Galveston is worth visiting and why it’s not, but you still may have a few more questions. Here are some frequently asked questions that will help you determine whether or not you should visit Galveston.
Is Galveston good for tourists?
Yes! Galveston is good for tourists. As a matter of fact, it is very tourist-friendly, which makes it a great tourist destination.
There are plenty of beaches, museums, seafood restaurants, family-friendly activities, and fun and historic family attractions like Moody Mansion, Bishop’s Palace, Moody Gardens, and the Historic Pleasure Pier.
Let’s not forget, cruise travelers can cruise from Galveston to enjoy Caribbean destinations, and enjoy pre- and post-cruise activities in Galveston to add to their cruise getaway.
As one of the most popular vacation spots, there’s truly something for everyone, making Galveston good for tourists.
What is the prettiest part of Galveston?
It’s a matter of preference.
If you like colorful Victorian homes, the Seawall, ocean views, and sunsets, then the East End may be what you might consider the prettiest part of Galveston.
However, if your preference is more for a scenic, calming, natural atmosphere and beaches, then the West End may be what you would consider the prettiest part of Galveston.
Click here to schedule a tour of Galveston so that you can determine which end of Galveston you prefer!
Is Galveston worth a day trip?
When you consider that it is only an hour from Houston to enjoy coastal views, relaxing at one of the many beaches, fresh seafood, visiting historic downtown, and experiencing unique attractions like a dolphin-watching tour or the Galveston Railroad Museum, and still be back by evening, yes, Galveston is definitely worth a day trip.
Final Thoughts
So, is Galveston Still Worth Visiting?
After considering some of the reasons why Galveston is worth visiting and why it’s not, do you consider it worth it?
Again, it all depends on your travel expectations.
If you see and appreciate Galveston for what it is…a blend of rich history, cultural charm, local eateries, entertainment, and seaside fun, that is nearly an hour from Houston, then yes, Galveston is still worth visiting, and…you should!
