Free Things, Fun Things, and Adult Things to Do in Galveston
There are so many things to do in Galveston. This island isn’t just a cruise port or just a place with beaches.
This 32-mile city has year-round entertainment for solo travelers, couples, family and group vacationers, and Galveston cruisers who are either looking for fun things to do in Galveston Island, things to do with family, or things to do in Galveston for adults.
In this post, we’ll explore how you can plan your next trip and help you discover some things to do in Galveston that you may know a little or not much about.
If you’re ready, let’s get started!
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.
Fun Things to Do in Galveston Island
Let’s take a look at some unique and fun things to do on Galveston Island. Keep in mind that some will also fit in family and adult things to do as well.
Carriage Haus Rentals
🛺 Instead of getting a rental car, get a vintage car! Think about how much fun it would be to take a nostalgic ride around Galveston with an ahooga horn!
Carriage Haus Rentals offers 5 and 8-seat Ford 1908 Model T golf cart replicas that you can rent for 1-4 hours or for the entire day. Not only is this a fun thing to do in Galveston, but it’s also a unique way to tour the island.
Relax on a Galveston Beach
🌊 Since Galveston is an island, it has over 20 beaches along the Gulf waters. I’ll only mention two of the beaches in this post, Stewart Beach and East Beach.
Stewart Beach is a family-friendly beach (no alcohol permitted) with volleyball courts, concessions, and beach gear rentals. East Beach is known for its live concerts, volleyball, horseback riding, and hosting the Galveston Sandcastle Festival.
Ride the Galveston Duck Tour
🦆 The Galveston Duck Tour is one of the most unique and fun things to do in Galveston Island because it’s a 60-minute mix of land and sea sightseeing on a bright yellow restored WWII DUKW amphibious vehicle.
On a Duck Tour, you can see the Seawall, island landmarks, colorful historic homes and architecture, and waterfront scenes for a land-and-sea tour that literally rides and floats into Offatts Bayou!
Galveston Trolley
If you’re not up to driving around different parts of Galveston, that’s okay, because you can ride the Galveston Island Trolley for just $1 per ride (and if you need a transfer, let the driver know).
You can ride the Trolley, which operates along the Seawall and downtown routes going to and near Moody Gardens, Pleasure Pier, The Strand, and the Historic District.
🚋 Click HERE to check the route, current schedule times, and days of the week.
Visit the Galveston Surf Museum and Discover Island Surf Culture
Galveston has so much history, and that includes surfing. You can learn about Galveston’s surfing history by visiting the Galveston Surf Museum, which is inside the Pleasure Pier complex.
Once inside, you’ll learn how Texas surfers rode the waves long before the coast became a tourist favorite. The museum showcases vintage boards, local legends, photos, and surfing stories from early surfers.
🏄 If you want to test the waters after your museum visit, stop by Ohana Surf & Skate to rent a board or take a beginner lesson for one of the best fun things to do on a sunny day in Galveston Island.
Galveston Sea Ventures
If fishing’s your thing, you’ll enjoy Galveston Sea Ventures as one of the fun things to do in Galveston.
Instead of fishing on a pier or along the shore, you’ll board a deep-sea fishing charter and have an experienced captain with a crew as your guides.
🐟 You’ll need to purchase a fishing license (there’s a nearby Walmart in Galveston), but you’ll be provided with gear (rods, reels, tackle, and bait), and there is a cooler with ice on board.
Don’t worry if you’re not as experienced as you’d like to be, so beginners are in good hands.
Get ready for an opportunity to be guided to the best fishing spots to catch kingfish, mahi-mahi, red snapper, and even shark fishing.
Going on a cruise, but you still want to fish? If you come before embarkation day or stay in Galveston after your cruise, you can book half–day and full–day trips that leave from Pier 19 near the cruise terminal. This makes it a good pre- or post-cruise excursion.
🎣 Pro Tip: Book in advance, especially in the summer months, because it’s red snapper season.
Galveston Slingshot Rentals
Galveston Slingshot Rentals offers three-wheeler open-topped vehicles so that you can drive and tour Galveston. Each rental includes helmets, Bluetooth sound systems, and mapped routes.
📸 Photo idea: Don’t get so excited that you forget to take a photo next to your parked Slingshot.
Explore Turtles About Town
🐢 Turtles About Town is a turtle conservation effort by the Turtle Island Restoration Network and Artist Boat.
Each turtle sculpture tells a story to highlight marine life preservation and to raise awareness for marine life protection. To date, there are more than 60 colorful sea turtles creatively scattered from The Strand to Seawall Boulevard and throughout the island.
As you walk or drive around Galveston, and especially if you’re with your children, try to see how many sea turtles you can find (sea turtle statues that is). Click HERE for a self-guided tour map.
📸 Photo idea: Take a “shelfie” with your favorite turtle sculpture.
Galveston Island Horse and Pony Rides
You’ve seen the photos taken in Florida and the Caribbean with people riding horses along the seaside and at the shoreline. Well, you can do that in Galveston, too.
🐎 Galveston Island Horse and Pony Rides provides gently guided beach rides and pony rides for children.
📸 This is a great way to have a sunset tour by the water’s edge, and they offer photo opportunities so that you can have a keepsake.
Explore the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Even if you don’t ride a single ride, Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is a great seaside stop for one of your fun things to do in Galveston Island.
You can play midway carnival games, walk the pier, and eat at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. with oceanfront views. If you want to extend your fun, you can ride on any one of the 16 rides, like the Texas Star Flyer, Galaxy Wheel (Ferris Wheel), or the 100-foot drop Iron Shark Roller Coaster.
🎠 You can read more about Pleasure Pier in my post, Pleasure Pier in Galveston: The Ultimate Guide.
👉 Click HERE to get your Pleasure Pier passes online to skip the line!
Dolphin Tours and Cruises
Yes, dolphins are in Galveston, and they are known for being playful, so that alone makes this one of the fun things to do in Galveston.
You’ll see them out and about anyway at the Pier 21 harbor, but if you want a closer look, you can reserve a tour or cruise with a guide.
Tours are about 45-60 minutes and are typically available year-round, offered by Galveston Harbor Tour and Dolphin Watch, and Baywatch Tours, but are dependent on the weather.
🐬 Insider Tip: Morning and late afternoons are better to see the dolphins, and you’ll probably see more dolphins in warmer months.
Scallywag Air
As you’ve read in this post so far, and as you continue to read, you’ll find that Galveston has a lot of vintage things to see and do, and Scallywag Air is another to add to the list.
You can actually board a vintage-style open cockpit aircraft for an aerial sightseeing tour of Galveston.
✈️ Think about how it would be to fly over historic landmarks and major attractions like Pleasure Pier and Moody Gardens, and no, you won’t be the pilot.
You’ll have a pilot who will give you Galveston insights while you’re learning about Galveston and looking at scenic views of beaches, the cruise port, and the harbor. Weather conditions can cause slots to fill fast.
✈️ Click HERE to reserve your Scallywag Air Tour in advance.
📸 Photo idea: Take a selfie after you’ve put on your flying googles and retro flying cap (provided for the flight).
Discover Galveston’s Art Scene
🎨 If you’re an art lover, then Postoffice Street Arts District is for you. On Postoffice Street is the creative district. It’s where you’ll find boutique galleries and colorful murals.
This is where the two-day ARTOberFest is held, and as its name suggests, it’s each October, and you can enjoy great food as you see over 100 artist booths along with the artists themselves.
Aside from Postoffice Street, you can see 28 oak Tree Sculptures carved by local artists from the damage sustained from Hurricane Ike that are throughout the East End Historic District. You can drive or walk for a self-guided tour to see oak tree carvings of dolphins, angels, mermaids, frogs, dogs, and more.
Eat Your Way Around Galveston
You can’t visit Galveston without trying local restaurants, and there are plenty to choose from.
🍤 There’s Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant that has been serving fresh seafood since 1911. You could try Shrimp N’ Stuff, a casual seafood restaurant, or Blvd Seafood restaurant. There’s also The Spot if you’d prefer burgers with an ocean view.
🍽️ The list above is definitely not all of the restaurants in Galveston. I’ve listed a few more in my post, Where to Eat in Galveston: 12 Best Restaurants in Town.
Things to Do in Galveston with Family
Sometimes it’s hard to find things to do that everyone in the family will enjoy. Well, if that’s your dilemma, this section may help you or at least steer you in the right direction as you plan.
Visit Moody Gardens
When I think of things to do in Galveston for the entire family, Moody Gardens comes to mind, and here’s why.
🎟️ Click HERE to purchase Moody Gardens general admission to the Aquarium and Rainforest Pyramids
Moody Gardens has three glass pyramids with each offering a unique experience: the 🐠 AquariumPyramid (with colorful coral reefs, fish, penguins, seals, stingrays, jellyfish, and sharks), the RainforestPyramid (home to exotic plants, monkeys, and tropical birds 🦜), and the Discovery Pyramid (features rotating music, art, and science exhibits).
So, with the pyramids and all of the other attractions that Moody Gardens has, this would be ideal for each family member.
🎟️ Click HERE to purchase a Moody Gardens One Day Value Pass
If you visit during the holiday season, you’ll have an opportunity to purchase tickets to experience Holiday in the Gardens with ice skating, the Festival of Lights, and ICE LAND.
🏨 Looking to stay overnight at Moody Gardens? Click HERE to search Moody Gardens Resort availability.
Splash Around at Schlitterbahn Waterpark
When it’s hot and the Texas sun is blazing in the summer, think of Schlitterbahn Waterpark to beat the heat.
There are water coasters, shaded cabanas, lazy rivers, kids’ zone, and splash zones.
Schlitterbahn is seasonal. So, if you’re planning your trip to Galveston, make sure to check the Waterpark’s schedule and hours.
💦 Pro Tip: Bring water shoes and sunscreen because the pavement can get hot in the summer!
Tour the Texas Seaport Museum and Tall Ship ELISSA
If you’re a history lover, and even if you’re not, why not experience a little piece of history for yourself at the Texas Seaport Museum?
You and your family can visit the Texas Seaport Museum and come aboard the fully restored 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA to imagine, step back in time, and “sea’ what sailing life was like centuries ago.
⚓ Fun Fact: Galveston had a key role in early Texas trade and immigration and was known as the “Queen City of the Gulf.”
Stroll the Strand Historic District
Another fun thing to do in Galveston is to visit downtown Galveston’s Strand Historic District.
🧭 Strolling The Strand is a way that you and your family can see Victorian architecture, historic buildings, antique stores, boutiques, souvenir shops, and candy stores.
🍭 If you want to experience a nostalgic 1920s setting, try La King’s Confectionery, where you can have homemade ice cream and old–fashioned taffy that you can watch as it’s being pulled.
Galveston Railroad Museum
This is your chance to learn about Texas rail history, but in a fun way, because you can actually climb aboard vintage locomotives at the Galveston Railroad Museum.
You can take pictures in a real caboose, explore restored passenger cars. There are also statues displayed to honor 1950s travelers, interactive exhibits, and a model train room.
If you’d like, you can even stay the night in the Bonnie Rail Hotel!
🚂 Click HERE for details and reserve a stay at the Bonnie Railroad Hotel.
🚂 Click HERE to visit the Galveston Railroad Museum for current hours and admission prices.
Explore the Galveston Island State Park
🌾 There are plenty of outdoor activities at Galveston Island State Park. You can fish, hike, kayak, birdwatch, and picnic with ocean views.
🌿 There are ranger-led nature tours for families and programs for children, and there’s also an area for RV camping.
💡 Pro Tip: You might be able to spot a few dolphins off the coast during a morning walk.
Free Things to Do in Galveston
Who doesn’t love free? Thankfully, Galveston has a number of free things to do that will make you stop and enjoy the simple side of life and embrace some culture along the way.
Walk or Bike Along Seawall Boulevard
If you like to walk or bike, you can see a sunrise or sunset from Seawall Boulevard. The Seawall is 10 miles, and is the United States’ longest continuous sidewalk.
📸 There are plenty of no-cost scenic views, so grab your camera (or phone), walking or jogging shoes, or a bike for a morning outing on Seawall Boulevard.
Find Turtles About Town and Public Art
I know I mentioned this earlier as a fun thing to do, but Turtles About Town is also a free thing to do in Galveston.
🐢 Just in case you haven’t already, you can download a map HERE so that you can spot sea turtle statues as a free self-guided scavenger hunt.
Tour Galveston Tree Sculpture Exhibits
After Hurricane Ike in 2008, many of Galveston’s oak trees were damaged. The local island artists and other artists sculpted the damaged oaks into beautiful carvings of dolphins, mermaids, angels, animals, and more, symbolizing Galveston’s resilience.
The tree sculpting tour is a fun, free, and unique thing to do in Galveston, as a self–guided tour through Galveston’s East End Historic District.
East End Lagoon Nature Preserve
🌾 Nature lovers and photographers will truly enjoy the East End Lagoon Nature Preserve.
There are birdwatching areas, coastal wildlife, salt marshes, and a walking trail in this 685-acre preserve located near the eastern tip of Galveston Island.
You might see fiddler crabs, marsh rabbits, herons, and pelicans, which is great for enjoying nature and taking pictures.
This is a great alternative to beaches that can draw more crowds because the preserve gives you a chance to enjoy the quiet surroundings and the peaceful sounds of nature.
📸 Photo idea: Sunrise and early morning offer a better chance of seeing more wildlife and cooler temperatures.
Relax and Enjoy the Beaches
There are multiple beaches on Galveston Island, and some are open to the public, so you can pick and choose which one or ones you prefer.
🏖️ Porretto Beach is privately owned and operated, and Pirates Beach is within a private residential community, but East Beach and Stewart Beach are free to enter without a vehicle (there are vehicle entry fees).
If you park in certain zones by the Seawall before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m., some zones have free street parking (but make sure you check parking zones and times by clicking HERE).
There are public access areas along the Seawall, so that you can reach the Gulf shoreline.
Wander The Strand
Window shopping has always been free, and the best place to do just that is The Strand!
As you window shop, you’ll see 19th-century Victorian architecture, street performers, historic storefronts, and if you walk by La King’s Confectionery, you can step inside to see how saltwater taffy is made the old-fashioned way (you might be able to taste a sample).
Visit Historic Churches and Landmarks
If you admire historic landmarks, then you’ll enjoy visiting St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica, which is the first Catholic cathedral in Texas, and St. Joseph’s Church, which is the oldest German Catholic church in the state.
⛪ Both are open to the public, and you can see the beautiful architecture on a free self-guided tour.
Watch the Sunset
Sunsets are truly free and mostly everyone enjoys them. Galveston has great viewing spots to see sunsets over the Gulf.
You can see sunsets from most anywhere, but Fisherman’s Wharf Pier and the Pleasure Pier overlook are great spots. So, keep your camera or phone close!
💡 Pro Tip: You can make a day of free things to do in Galveston by walking the Seawall, finding turtle statues, strolling The Strand, and finishing your day by watching the sunset by the pier!
The Galveston Artwalk
Galveston is not only a city full of history, but it is also a city full of art exhibits and public art. The Galveston Art Walk is sponsored by the Galveston Arts Center on The Strand.
It’s a free monthly event that is open to the public on second Saturday evenings. Click HERE to view a printable map of the Galveston ArtWalk art spaces.
Things to Do in Galveston for Adults
If you have children, most of the time your travel planning is based on what is child-safe, fun, and enjoyable for them. Of course, safety and fun apply to you too, but what you enjoy may put your little ones to sleep or cause them to fidget or become restless if nothing else.
In this section, we’ll look at some things that you may enjoy and can also combine with the previous things to do sections in this post.
Stay in Island Style
Galveston has plenty of hotels that can meet your preference for getting Galveston Island’s beach atmosphere or elegance, and if you want a little of each, you can have both.
Specifically, The Mansard House is a Victorian home that was restored (by Michael and Ashley Cordray, HGTV’s Restoring Galveston) as an adult-only inn with a boutique hotel setting.
Another boutique hotel option is The Tremont House, located in historic downtown Galveston. It’s not an adult-only hotel, but it has modern luxury.
There’s also The Grand Galvez (Hotel Galvez or “Queen of the Gulf”), which is a beachfront hotel that has luxury and elegance along with a beach atmosphere.
🏨 Click HERE to check hotel availability in Galveston.
Set Sail on a Sunset Cruise
A great way to end your day would be aboard a riverboat. The Bay Queen Riverboat is a paddlewheeler that leaves from Galveston’s Historic Harbor and offers sunset cruises.
While aboard the Bay Queen, you’ll, of course, see the sunset, but with live music and harbor views.
Galveston Carriage Tours
You can see Galveston while riding in a horse-drawn carriage. Galveston Carriage Tours offers public and private rides from The Strand Historic District and tours that ride past Victorian mansions and historic churches.
The guide will share island stories so that you understand the history behind what you see.
If you have an evening carriage ride, you’ll also ride along the downtown lights and gaslight-style streetlamps, making it great for a date night or if you’re looking for proposal ideas.
📸 Even if you’re not on a date or proposing, you can take some great photos from the carriage ride.
💡Pro Tip: Depending on the time of year, evening rides can be cooler, so take a sweater, just in case.
Step Inside Galveston’s Mansions
Mansions are beautiful, and if you’ve never seen or been inside a mansion, now’s your chance.
The Bishop’s Palace (a National Historic Landmark with stained glass and intricate woodwork) and Moody Mansion (a Victorian home that is 28,000 square feet) are two of Galveston’s historic mansions that showcase Galveston’s 19th-century art and local history.
🏛️ You can schedule a tour of one or both of these beautiful mansions that were built in the 1800s.
The Grand 1894 Opera House
It’s one of the oldest and beautifully restored continuously operating theaters in Texas, and it’s also a National Historic Landmark.
The Grand 1894 Opera House (The Grand) has year-round Broadway shows, ballets, concerts, and performances within its historic Victorian-era architecture, and the acoustics make this visit a must for cultural lovers.
If you’re not going to a show, think about taking a tour so that you can see its history and design.
The Grand tours are available as self-guided ($5 per patron) and guided ($8 per patron) and are reserved directly with The Grand.
🎭 Click HERE or call (409) 765-1894 for tour times and the most current fees located on The Grand’s website.
Enjoy Nightlife and Fine Dining
In Galveston, many restaurants are Gulf-to-table, meaning they have fresh seafood from the Gulf.
If you’ve been on The Strand and saw the numerous restaurants available for dining, and you’re having a hard time deciding, you could try Riondo’s Ristorante.
At Riondo’s you’ll eat coastal Italian cuisine in a restored 19th-century building, and afterwards you can walk and see nightlife on The Strand.
Extend Your Trip: Cruises from Galveston
If you haven’t cruised from Galveston, you should consider it.
If you live near Galveston, it may be a more budget–friendly travel option, rather than flying to another cruise port.
At the Port of Galveston, you have a choice between six cruise lines, like Disney, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival. Of the six, many sail to the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean, and many other destinations.
🚢 Search for Galveston cruise deals by clicking HERE.
FAQ
What is the best time of year to visit Galveston Island for ideal weather?
The best times of year to visit Galveston Island are around March to May or even September to November, because of the temperatures.
During those times, the weather is between 70°F and 85°F without the Texas humidity/sauna feeling.
It’s also a good time because crowds might be a little smaller because of visitors’ schedules (except for Spring Break crowds).
The only drawback may be that the water temperatures might be a little cooler for you and your little ones, depending on how early you visit in the Spring.
The Spring might bring a little more of a crowd as well because of the festivals, but there’s always the Fall, where you can expect temperatures to be somewhat warmer than the Spring, and hotels may have lower rates too, with fewer crowds (depending on events).
What are some dog-friendly things to do in Galveston?
You’ll notice that Galveston is very dog-friendly. There are outdoor patios at restaurants, beaches, parks, and hotels that allow leashed dogs and service animals, provided that you make sure that you clean up after your pet. So, remember to bring pet waste bags.
How can I get around Galveston without a car?
If you don’t necessarily want to rent a car, you can still bike or drive around Galveston.
You can rent a bike from Zipp E-Bikes or a golf cart from Carriage Haus Rentals to experience a vintage ride along the Seawall or downtown.
If you booked a Galveston hotel, some may offer free shuttles to Galveston attractions, and some offer cruise packages for shuttles to the cruise port.
There’s also the Galveston Island Trolley, which will connect you to many of the major attractions, the Seawall, and the historic district for just $1 per ride.
🚋 Click HERE for the Galveston Island Trolley route, transfers, and schedule, as well as to confirm current pricing and availability.
What are some lesser-known or hidden museums in Galveston?
Some of the hidden museums are the Texas Surf Museum (mentioned earlier in the post), the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Museum (an inside, behind-the-scenes, and hands-on look at the oil industry), the Bryan Museum (a previously a 19th–century orphanage restored to a museum that gives a close look at Texas history through art and rare Southwestern artifacts), and the Galveston Naval Museum (on Pelican Island inside Seawolf Park that features the SS Selma WWI, WWII submarine, and destroyer escort).
The benefits of lesser-known or hidden museums are that there are often smaller crowds, so lines are shorter, and there may also be lower admission prices in comparison to other attractions.
What eco-friendly or nature-based activities are available on Galveston Island?
For outdoor activities that are eco-friendly or nature-based, you can register for an eco-tour with Artist Boat.
Other nature-based things to do include kayaking, fishing, hiking, and bird watching at Galveston Island StatePark.
The East End Lagoon Nature Preserve also has nature-based activities, like walking trails, free natural trail outings, and opportunities to take pictures of wildlife.
Where can I park in Galveston if I’m going on a cruise?
You have a few options for cruise parking. If you are traveling on embarkation day, you can reserve parking at the Port of Galveston at one of their secured parking lots, and there are complimentary shuttles to the cruise terminals if your parking lot is not within walking distance of the terminals.
You can also reserve a Galveston hotel that has a cruise package. Some cruise packages include cruise parking and shuttle transportation to the cruise port.
If you choose to book a pre–cruise hotel, confirm if the hotel includes cruise parking and shuttle service(one-way or round-trip), if they transport to your cruise line terminal, and the drop-off and pick-up times and locations (consider arriving at least 1-2 hours before embarkation).
Is Galveston safe for solo travelers?
Galveston’s downtown and Seawall areas are patrolled and well-lit, and this is especially true around The Strand and Pleasure Pier, so in that regard, it is generally safe for solo travelers.
With that in mind, no matter how well-lit or patrolled, always practice standard travel safety measures by staying in populated areas, particularly if you choose to go out at night, and make sure your belongings are secure.
If you choose, you can also ask hotel staff for local insider tips, common routes, and events that meet your travel needs while using discretion in disclosure.
What are the best things to do in Galveston with family?
Moody Gardens, the Seawall, the Tree Sculpture Trail, Schlitterbahn, and the Texas Seaport Museum are some great family options.
What are fun things to do in Galveston Island for adults?
Just about everything can be a fun thing for adults to do in Galveston, because with each experience, you create memories.
Specifically, there are sunset cruises, fine dining restaurants, walking on The Strand, and art tours.
Are there free things to do in Galveston?
Yes, there are a lot of free things to do in Galveston. Many visitors walk along the 10-mile Seawall on Seawall Boulevard, look at public art on Postoffice Street, and search for sea turtle statues around Galveston. There are also early morning free nature trail outings at East End Lagoon.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve reached the end of this post, I hope you’ve seen that there are plenty of free things, fun things, and adult things to do in Galveston.
As you can see (or read), Galveston is very versatile, and there are unique, historical, luxury, and budget-friendly options as a solo traveler, family vacationer, and pre- and post-cruiser that you can experience on a 32-mile island on the Gulf coast.
Whatever you’ve learned from this post, I hope you’ve learned not to underestimate the many and varied things to do in Galveston, Texas!
