Where To Stay in Galveston (Top Picks For Every Traveler!)
Discover the best places for every budget when choosing where to stay in Galveston — beachfront resorts, family hotels, unique stays, and cruise port shuttles.
Planning your Galveston itinerary? Whether you’re here for a sun-soaked beach getaway, a family adventure, or just spending the night before your cruise, Galveston offers a variety of places to stay — from budget-friendly motels to luxurious beachfront resorts.
I’ve rounded up the best places to stay in Galveston for every type of traveler (and budget), plus a few tips on where not to stay, so you can make the most of your trip.
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Where To Stay in Galveston
Not only is Galveston known for its history, seafood, and beaches, Galveston has beautiful hotels for just about any budget and preference!
Are you ready? Let’s explore where to stay in Galveston, TX!
1. Best Overall Place to Stay
No matter your reason for your Galveston visit, and no matter your travel style or budget, you can enjoy great locations and comfort, with some of the top-rated traveler reviews.
📍Budget Option – The Baymont by Wyndham Galveston is a clean and affordable option that is within walking distance to the Seawall and the Golden Corral Buffet Restaurant!
If you dine at Golden Corral, when you return to your room, you’ll have a refrigerator and microwave just in case you have leftovers.
There is a free continental breakfast, free WiFi, free parking, an outdoor pool, and it is a smoke-free hotel.
The Baymont by Wyndham Galveston is just three miles from The Strand district and Stewart Beach, so fun in the sun is never far away!
Book your reservation for the Baymont by Wyndham Galveston by clicking here.
📍Mid-Range Option – Holiday Inn Resort Galveston – On the Beach is a smoke-free hotel that has oceanfront rooms with balconies.
Although breakfast is not included, there are three onsite restaurants, and children eat free (check the hotel for details). There is complimentary water, a coffee/tea maker, an in-room safe, and a mini refrigerator.
There is a fee for overnight hotel parking. If you are going on a cruise, there are cruise packages that include shuttle service for up to four people and parking for one vehicle for the duration of your cruise, but you must reserve the cruise shuttle service.
Book your reservation for the Holiday Inn Resort Galveston by clicking here.
📍Luxury Option – The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center is a 32-acre spa resort with beautiful Galveston Island beachfront views. If you want luxury, this indeed is the place!
There are multiple award-winning restaurants to satisfy any palate, and family activities to keep everyone entertained.
There are many room types, including options for a private balcony. Whether you are going on a family getaway, a solo-traveler solitude, or a pre- or post-cruise indulgence, the San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center is the luxury spot for any occasion.
Click here and book your San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center reservation.
2. Where to Stay in Galveston on the Beach
Want to stay in a hotel with beachside options with the beach just steps away? If your goal is the beach and an ocean view is at the top of your list, here’s a list of where to stay in Galveston on the beach.
📍Budget Option – Casa Del Mar Beachfront Suites offers budget and family-friendly suites with a full kitchen, private balconies, two outdoor pools, and free WiFi. There is paid self-parking (check the hotel for details).
Casa Del Mar Beachfront Suites is conveniently located across the Seawall and within walking distance. Babe’s Beach is 1.3 miles away, Pleasure Pier is 2.5 miles away, and if this is a pre-cruise getaway, the Port of Galveston is 4.4 miles for close access to the Galveston cruise port!
Book your Casa Del Mar Beachfront Suites reservation by clicking here.
📍Mid-Range Option – worth mentioning again, the Holiday Inn Resort Galveston – On the Beach is another option for a mid-range, family-friendly hotel with oceanfront balconies, spacious rooms, and the beach is just steps away!
Click here to book your Holiday Inn Resort Galveston-On the Beach reservation.
📍Luxury Option – a luxury that can’t be mentioned enough, The San Luis Resort is a luxury full-service beachfront resort with spa and restaurants with beautiful views of the Gulf, concierge service, pre-cruise packages, upscale dining, multiple pools, and spa – all without leaving the property!
Book your San Luis Resort reservation by clicking here.
3. Where to Stay with Kids
Family vacations and family fun start with the right accommodations. Knowing some options for where to stay with kids in family-friendly hotels makes traveling with kids a lot easier. Here are a few great choices for traveling with kids:
📍Budget Option – as mentioned earlier, The Baymont by Wyndham Galveston is an affordable, budget-friendly option, and is also family-friendly. The hotel is not only economical (remember breakfast and parking are free), but it is conveniently near Schlitterbahn Waterpark and other attractions!
Book your Baymont by Wyndham Galveston reservation by clicking here.
📍Mid-Range Option – TownePlace Suites by Marriott Galveston Island is a smoke-free hotel that has spacious rooms with kitchenettes, a pool with cabanas, an on-site restaurant, a fitness center, and complimentary on-site parking.
Click here to book your TownePlace Suites by Marriott Galveston Island reservation.
📍Luxury Option – Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center – Prepare luxury with a resort feel! At Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center, your family can experience not just a hotel, but a destination in itself, with three unique attractions that feature an aquarium, rainforest, and a discovery pyramid made of glass!
You and your children can enjoy waterworks beyond the beach with a seasonal waterpark right next door. There’s much more to offer at Moody Gardens, and this family-friendly luxury stay is one you won’t want to miss! For pre-cruise travelers, cruise packages are also available.
Click here to book a reservation for Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center.
4. Unique Places to Stay in Galveston
Looking for a one-of-a-kind experience or something with a little more personality? Try one of these unique spots that offer accommodations with unique charm, character, and something different:
📍Budget Option – Airstream or Tiny Home Rentals (Vrbo) – If you’re a solo traveler or on a couple’s getaway, there are fun and affordable rental alternatives that are well-equipped and often located near the beach or downtown!
Click here to search and book your rental.
📍Mid-Range Option – Coppersmith Inn Bed and Breakfast, a historic Galveston gem, is a beautifully newly restored historic bed and breakfast that was originally constructed as a private residence in 1887.
A stay at the Coppersmith Inn Bed and Breakfast includes daily breakfast, free WiFi, free parking, cable television, and individually controlled temperature.
You’ll enjoy the ambience of 14-foot ceilings, stained glass windows, carved staircases, a French courtyard, a heated pool with waterfalls, and a beautiful garden for an unforgettable, warm, and inviting atmosphere.
Please note, the Coppersmith Inn Bed and Breakfast does not accommodate children or pets.
Book your reservation for Coppersmith Inn Bed and Breakfast by clicking here.
📍Luxury Option – The Carr Mansion is a 19th-century, beautifully and carefully restored Greek Revival mansion that is one of Galveston’s historic gems. Just minutes from the cruise port, you’ll enjoy elegant rooms, gourmet breakfasts, and upscale amenities.
Some amenities include daily morning tea and coffee, indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, and 24-hour property access to common areas. The Carr Mansion does not accommodate guests under 21 years old.
Book and secure your reservation for The Carr Mansion by clicking here.
Enjoy a Night Aboard a Rail Hotel in Galveston, TX!
📍Unique Option – For a truly unique stay in Galveston, you and your family can enjoy a night on a 1949 rail coach! Jackie Gleeson once used the Bonnie Brook railcar, and you can experience luxury as well.
Includes free breakfast, WiFi, air conditioning, and is pet friendly.
Book your reservation for The Historic Bonnie Brook Rail Car by clicking here.
5. Where to Stay Before a Cruise Out of Galveston: Hotels Near the Galveston Cruise Port
If you’re cruising out of Galveston, these hotels offer easy pre-cruise stays and some include shuttle services:
- Best Western Plus Seawall Inn – Budget-friendly, complimentary breakfast, microwave, refrigerator, free parking, smoke-free hotel with cruise port approximately 1.9 miles away!
Click here to book a reservation for the Best Western Plus Seawall Inn.
- Harbor House Hotel & Marina at Pier 21 – Just 0.5 miles from the Galveston cruise port, pre-cruisers will find accommodations convenient and within walking distance to the cruise terminal. Offers paid self-parking, microwave, refrigerator, and daily complimentary coffee.
Click here to book a reservation for the Harbor House Hotel & Marina at Pier 21.
- Gaido’s Seaside Inn – Located just 3 miles from the Galveston cruise port. Gaido’s Seaside Inn offers beachfront access, onsite restaurants, a hot tub and waterfall, complimentary breakfast, free WiFi, and complimentary cruise parking with security cameras when you stay the night before your cruise.
Click here to book a reservation for the Gaido’s Seaside Inn.
Where to Stay in Galveston: Hotels Near Galveston Cruise Port with Shuttles
Cruising out of Galveston, and need transportation to the Galveston cruise port? You may ask yourself, “How do I get from a hotel in Galveston to a cruise port?” or “Is there a shuttle service to the Galveston cruise port?”
Many hotels in Galveston provide hotel cruise packages that offer cruise parking or shuttle service to the Galveston cruise port either for free, as a promotional offer, or for a cost.
Listed below are Galveston hotels and whether they offer cruise parking or a cruise shuttle service.
- Avenue O Bed & Breakfast – Nearly 2 miles from the Galveston cruise port, the Avenue O Bed & Breakfast offers free cruise ship parking and shuttle (must be approved, subject to availability). This historic bed and breakfast has three guestrooms with numerous high-end amenities, free WiFi, complimentary fresh homemade breakfast, freshly ground coffee, and several special packages to including chocolate-covered strawberries.
Click here to book a reservation for Avenue O Bed & Breakfast.
- Comfort Inn & Suites Beachfront – Affordable and 3 miles from the Galveston cruise port, with a surcharge for shuttle and parking for cruise passengers (check hotel for details). Complimentary breakfast, airport shuttle available with surcharge, and free WiFi.
Click here to book a reservation for Comfort Inn & Suites Beachfront.
- Courtyard by Marriott Galveston Island – Just 7 miles from the Galveston cruise port and located along Seawall Blvd, The Courtyard Galveston Island by Marriott includes cruise parking. Round-trip transportation to the Port of Galveston for up to 2 registered guests. Enjoy two on-site restaurants, free WiFI, smoke-free premises, and complimentary on-site parking.
Click here to book a reservation for Courtyard by Marriott Galveston Island.
- Hilton Galveston Island Resort – Nearly 4 miles from the Galveston cruise port, the Hilton Galveston Island Resort is located along Seawall Blvd. Cruisers can enjoy parking included for up to 7 nights – limited to 1 vehicle per room. There is a shuttle service for all registered guests to and from select airports or cruise ports. Enjoy an on-site restaurant, free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center in this smoke-free resort.
Click here to book a reservation for the Hilton Galveston Island Resort.
- San Luis Resort – A little over 3 miles from the Galveston cruise port, the San Luis Resort and Spa, in addition to previously mentioned luxuries, offers extended parking up to 7 nights included in their cruise package, and pre- and post-transportation to and from the Galveston cruise ship terminal.
Click here to book a reservation for the San Luis Resort and Spa.
- The Tremont House – Provides southern historic charm in historic downtown Galveston, and is less than a mile from the Galveston cruise port. Cruisers can park one car for up to 7 days, and receive transportation to the cruise terminal for a fee for up to 4 registered guests.
Click here to book a reservation for The Tremont House.
If your preferred hotel does not offer shuttle services to and from the cruise port or the airport, reserve shuttle or transfer services with Get Transfer by clicking here.
Pro Tip: No matter where you stay, book early — especially during summer, festival weekends, and cruise season — because Galveston hotels can fill up fast!
Where Not to Stay
While Galveston has many wonderful places to stay, to truly enjoy your time in Galveston, and to make the most of your stay, there are a few things to avoid, such as:
- Low-rated motels far from the Seawall or downtown.
- Outdated accommodations or properties with repeated cleanliness or safety complaints in reviews.
- Bargain hotels and locations with limited access to restaurants, beaches, or the cruise port, or that are so far from attractions, you’ll spend more on transportation.
Pro Tip: Sometimes, hotels that are cheaper and located too far from key areas result in costly expenses, such as increased transportation costs or additional time.
FAQs
Now that we’ve explored where to stay in Galveston, you may have other questions relating to a general visit to Galveston or about traveling for a cruise from Galveston. Here are some frequently asked questions that can help with planning your visit.
What is the best month to visit Galveston?
The “best” month depends on what you’re looking for—beach weather, fewer crowds, local events, or budget-friendly rates. Here’s what each season offers:
Spring (March–May)
- Sightseeing and outdoor activities are best and more pleasant in mild temperatures with lower humidity, making it comfortable.
- Great for birdwatching, biking, and exploring The Strand.
- April is especially popular for its pleasant weather and moderate crowds.
Summer (June–August)
- Peak season for beach lovers—warm Gulf waters and long sunny days.
- Expect higher hotel prices and bigger crowds, especially near the Seawall and Pleasure Pier.
- Packed with events, making it lively and fun for families.
Fall (September–November)
- Summers can be hot, but early fall still offers beach-friendly temperatures with the bonus of fewer tourists.
- Oktoberfest anyone? October is a local favorite—less humidity, and fall festivals at lower rates.
- If you like to fish, Fall is a great time for fishing trips and exploring historic neighborhoods.
Winter (December–February)
- Mild compared to much of the country—great for escaping cold winters.
- Less swimming weather, but ideal for history tours, shopping, and events like the Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens.
- Best for budget travelers and those who enjoy a quiet getaway.
🏆 Best Overall Months: April and October
These months make the perfect balance of pleasant weather, manageable crowds, and plenty of things to do.
Which airport is best for Galveston cruise port?
Determining which airport is best for the Galveston cruise port is a matter of preference. There are two commercial airports in Houston, William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
If you are looking for the airport that is in the closest proximity to Galveston, HOU is approximately 40 miles from Galveston, compared to IAH, Houston’s largest airport, which is approximately 70 miles from Galveston.
Since IAH is approximately 70 miles, and HOU is approximately 40 miles. Generally, travel times could range from an hour and a half to two hours, depending on weather and traffic conditions.
Knowing proximity and travel times will help you determine which airport is best for the Galveston cruise port to meet your travel needs.
Which end of Galveston is best?
Galveston spans 32 miles, and Galveston Island is approximately 27 miles long. Each section or “end” of Galveston can bring a different atmosphere.
With that being said, with the information provided, you can determine what’s best for you! So, let’s look at the east, mid-island, and the west end of Galveston.
East End
- Best for those who want to be close to restaurants, shopping, and historic attractions.
- Closest to the Galveston cruise port terminals, Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, and The Strand Historic District.
- The largest beach in Texas, East Beach, known for events and festivals, is located on the east end of Galveston.
Mid-Island
- The mid-island is the Seawall area, and the central location for restaurants, hotels, and nearby attractions such as Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn Waterpark.
- Offers a variety of beach access and entertainment, and is ideal for first-time visitors who are unfamiliar with Galveston Island.
West End
- Has more of a residential, quieter atmosphere with vacation rentals and private beach houses.
- Ideal for a peaceful, calm getaway for solo travelers, couples, families, or anyone desiring relaxation.
- A fisherman’s escape and a great way to stargaze.
🏆 Best End Recommendation:
- If you’re seeking convenience and want to experience a livelier atmosphere, try the east end or mid-island.
- If you want a serene, peaceful, and scenic atmosphere, try the west end.
Pro Travel Tip: If you want to combine perfect weather and the best part of the island, try staying Mid-Island in April or October—you’ll have easy access to everything, plus great beach weather without the summer rush.
The choice is yours!
Final Thoughts
With options for every style and budget for choosing where to stay in Galveston, you’ll be ready to enjoy Galveston your way—whether that’s fun in the sun, soaking in ocean views, sunsets while walking along sandy beaches, exploring downtown, or setting sail on a cruise! Bon Voyage!
