Galveston Attractions

Galveston Island is one of the most beautiful places in Texas. Teeming with gorgeous beaches and palm trees, you can’t go wrong with any side of the island. Take a stroll down Seawall Urban Park, which stretches across 10 miles of beach, or visit the quieter Pocket Parks on the city’s West End.

There’s something for every family in Galveston. Ride the world’s tallest water coaster at Schlitterbahn Water Park or visit the immersive Moody Gardens, where you can explore the ocean and wildlife in the attraction’s famous pyramids. If you’re looking for something low-key, spend a day fishing with your family at 61st Street Fishing Pier. History buffs can rejoice because there is no shortage of museums and architecture to marvel at. Galveston is world-renowned for its 19th-century buildings, which have remained intact after devastating hurricanes. Spend a couple hours at the Lonestar Flight Museum, the Galveston Railroad Museum, or the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum and learn about the industries that have made Galveston the thriving city it is.

Things to Do

61st Street Fishing Pier 0.2 mi
Seawall Urban Park 0.2 mi
Schlitterbahn Waterpark 2.4 mi
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier 2.8 mi
Moody Gardens 3.1 mi
Moody Mansion 3.6 mi
Galveston Railroad Museum 4.1 mi
Galveston Arts Center 4.4 mi
Strand Historic District 4.4 mi
Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum 4.7 mi

Dining

Rita's Italian Ice 0.2 mi
Taco Cabana 0.2 mi
Rainforest Cafe 0.7 mi
Olympia Grill 1.0 mi
Daiquiri Time Out 3.9 mi
Gypsy Joynt 4.0 mi
Galveston Coffee Roasters 4.1 mi
Rudy & Paco Restaurant and Bar 4.2 mi
Mama Teresa’s Flying Pizza 4.2 mi
Taquilo’s Tex-Mex Cantina 4.3 mi
Hubcap Grill 4.4 mi
Mario’s Seawall Italian Restaurant 4.4 mi

Shopping

Southern Spears Surf Shop 0.2 mi
Galveston Place 0.3 mi
Kroger 0.5 mi
Galvez Shopping Center 2.0 mi

 

Featured Attractions

Moody Gardens

Moody Gardens is the ultimate family-friendly destination in Galveston! Dive into the deep blue sea at the Aquarium Pyramid, where you can see penguins, seals, sharks, and more. Next, immerse yourself in the rainforests of Asia, Africa, and the Americas at the Rainforest Pyramid. You may even meet a Saki Monkey or two! The park offers a variety of other attractions, like 3D and 4D theaters, ropes courses, a science museum, and a paddleboat cruise. You can spend a whole day at this must-see attraction!

Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston

Enjoy thrilling water slides, coasters, and wave pools at Galveston’s own waterpark! Schlitterbahn is the perfect destination for families and groups of friends who want an element of adventure on their vacations. Cool off in the summer heat at this award-winning attraction. If you’re feeling brave, you can ride the world’s tallest water coaster! The MASSIV Monster Blaster stands at 81 feet tall and is the length of 3 football fields. Are you up to the challenge?

Strand Historic District

No visit to Galveston is complete without the Strand! Hailed as a National Historic Landmark, this downtown historic district offers access to the best shops, restaurants, art galleries, museums, and attractions in the city. Enjoy a leisurely stroll down the promenade and marvel at the beautiful, centuries-old architecture. Enjoy award-winning desserts at La King’s Confectionary, peruse the wares of the family-owned boutique Strand Brass, and learn something new at the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum.