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If you’re visiting the area, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to know there are lots of Galveston things to do during your stay. From the delicious cuisine to the many beach activities and tours, there’s something for everybody.
The weather is always around 90°F (32°C), and you’re guaranteed to find all vacation rentals, resorts, and hotels nearby numerous attractions.
This list is family-friendly, suitable for couples and even solo travelers. These fun things to do are also near other major cities in Texas like Houston, should you just be stopping through on your way. Enjoy!
Fun Things to Do in Galveston
Is Galveston worth visiting? Yes, it is! Check out our Galveston things to do for both adults and children alike:
The Galveston Island State Park
For outdoor activities and recreational fun, stop by the Galveston Island State Park. But what are the top things to do on Galveston Island? You can participate in bird watching, enjoying the fishing pier, kayaking, hiking, camping, and swimming.
You can also explore any of the 66 campsites that are available to enjoy, or you can visit the nearby beach. One of the most fun activities there for kids is the possibility to become a Junior Ranger.
They simply stop by the Nature Center and grab a Junior Ranger activity journal and the Explorer Pack. Once they complete all of the tasks inside, they’ll receive a badge.
Enjoy picnics and fun in the sun with friends, family, or alone at the Galveston Island State Park. It’s one of the best amusement parks in the city.
The Moody Gardens
At this fun location, there are three pyramids full of attractions for visitors and locals alike. The Moody Gardens features the Aquarium Pyramid, which lets visitors see what life is like underwater.
Guests love the Rainforest Pyramid, which showcases the rainforests of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. The Discovery Pyramid has multiple museum exhibits in rotation.
You can also find golf courses, a water park, a movie theater, the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, ziplines, restaurants, the Moody Mansion, and more at Moody Gardens. Value passes and tickets to the individual attractions are available for your convenience.
Tour The Strand Historic District
The Strand, also known as Downtown Galveston, is one of the liveliest areas on the Island. You get the chance to go sightseeing and visit numerous shops up and down the streets to purchase souvenirs, clothing, shoes, knick-knacks, and lots of food!
There’s even a specialty ship, La King’s Confectionery, which kids everywhere adore. There’s a limitless candy display and several arcade games to enjoy while you look around.
You can always take a break from shopping and hit the beach at any time for the many water activities that you can enjoy while you’re strolling the Strand.
The Historic Pleasure Pier —Seawall Boulevard
The Historic Pleasure Pier on Galveston Island has roots during the World War II era. It was known as a facility for recreational activity, but it eventually became a notable vacation destination.
Pleasure Pier has 15 rides, including a 5D theater-style ride, roller coasters, and smaller rides for kids. There are souvenir shops all around the pier, as well as carnival games and food.
The view is also spectacular, boasting a beautiful sunset each evening. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is a treat for all who visit and one of our favorite Galveston things to do.
The East End Tree Sculptures
After the 2008 Hurricane that wreaked havoc on the trees within the city, artists took the time to carve these tree sculptures by hand. It serves to be a reminder of the city’s resilience after the incident.
This activity can be a sort of scavenger hunt to indulge in because there are more than 20 sculptures throughout the East End Historic District and a few more around the city.
You might even be able to find some artists in the process of carving out the next tree stump for display as you’re wandering through the city!
1892 Bishop’s Palace
This 19th-century Victorian-style house is over 19,000 square feet and was previously the Gresham’s Castle. The national historic landmark has large, gorgeous stained-glass windows, galleries, and wood carvings.
The Bishop’s Palace is open to the public for tours and is sure to be a memorable experience. Many locals say that this is one of the most popular attractions on the island, so be sure to check it out!
The Bryan Museum
The Bryan Museum carries one of the world’s largest collections of historical artifacts capturing the essence of Texas during the height of the American Wild West.
J.P. Bryan has always had a particular interest in Texas’s history, stemming from his family’s involvement in the Texas Revolution. Interestingly enough, when J.P Bryan was just ten years old, he procured the first two artifacts for the museum that he would later found.
After acting on his dream, the Bryan Museum quickly amassed a collection of artifacts that spans 12,000 years of history. Visitors come to explore the deep past of Texas and America as a whole with the help of unique permanent exhibits.
What’s more, self-guided scavenger hunts or virtual reality are used to facilitate in-depth learning about the history of Texas.
The Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum
Constructed in 1969, The Ocean Star was built for the Ocean Drilling and Exploration Company. In 1997, the rig made a transition to operate as a museum.
Going to the Ocean Star Museum allows participants to learn what it was like to extract oil and gas. You have a chance to explore a retired jack-up rig in Galveston harbor, and with the help of hands-on experiments and activities, you can learn about the oil industry with hands-on experience.
The museum has plenty of workshops and programs that even children can join; moreover, the museum has three stories of interactive displays and exhibits that will entertain you and your family for the entirety of your visit.
Schlitterbahn Water Park
In 2006, the Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark was opened, and it holds the Guinness Book of World Records title for the Tallest Water Coaster.
If you and the family love water parks and the pools, activities, and rides that come with them, then the Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark is the place for you and the family to get their fix on thrilling enclosed water slides.
Not only this, but there’s a lounging pool with inner tubes, a surfing area, extreme water slides, a lazy river, and even family water slides!
Furthermore, the park has luxury loungers and cabanas for anyone desiring a bit of family privacy as they relax. They even have special programs and events to make the moments and memories even more exciting.
The Galveston Railroad Museum
The Galveston Railroad Museum resides in the Strand, the most popular historic district. This museum opened in 1983 at the 1932 Santa Fe Depot and railyard.
Galveston grants the rare opportunity to experience riding in an old-fashioned train which is sure to be a treat. The Harborside Express, which is in the Galveston Railroad Museum, is an open-air caboose that transports you along Harborside Drive for a total time of 15 minutes.
On another note, the diesel and steam are available for viewing at their permanent exhibits within the museum.
The museum features other attractions apart from the trains, such as the re-created Santa Fe Depot from 1932, an outdoor exhibit space, and even model trains.
The Porch Café
The Porch Café resides on the East End of the island. It is the perfect place to settle down after an eventful day with the children and have a beautiful dinner.
It is never a good idea to leave a coastal town without tasting the cuisine they offer, and the Porch Café is no exception to this rule. Moreover, it’s a good bet their seafood will not disappoint since the city’s economy and livelihood revolves around water.
So don’t be remiss, and be sure to check out some of the Porch Café’s delicious and decadent seafood dishes.
Additionally, make sure to take in the view while you’re there and take a stroll down to the beach and enjoy a nice walk on the beach.
Venture Out Into Galveston On Your Vacation
If you ever find yourself in the area, there will be no shortage of Galveston things to do as you set out to enjoy your getaway!
There are plenty of unique things to do in Galveston for all different kinds of groups or purposes. You can also check out other great places not mentioned above, like the Grand 1894 Opera House, the Texas Seaport Museum, Seawolf Park, the Port of Galveston, Stewart beach, East Beach, or the vast art galleries available.
The historians in the group will enjoy the museums, and the kids will love the water parks, scavenger hunts, and candy stores. And, of course, there’s always fresh seafood from the Gulf coast at the beachfront restaurants if you want an excellent dining experience.
While in Galveston, be sure to stop by these recommended tourist attractions; you won’t be disappointed!
Featured Image Credit: By Mark Taylor Cunningham
