Best Areas to Stay Around Galveston

Clock Icon 9 minutes read
Update Icon Nov 18, 2021

Galveston is a small island city on the Gulf of Texas. It is the most popular destination on the gulf coast. The island is so small that most places are a walking distance of each other and are filled with fun activities for all ages and backgrounds, Galveston Island has duly earned its title as the “Playground of the South”.

About Galveston Island

Galveston Island (Photo Credit: robert thigpen Flickr CC2.0)

Galveston is home to impressive attractions, many illustrious hotels, and the one and only Pleasure Pier. It’s also known for its sprawling sandy beaches, a haven for the sun-lovers. Some of the best beaches in the USA are on Galveston Island and leading the way is none other than Stewart Beach. The beach hotels here are world-class.

The boat trips and rental yachts are also popular among sailing enthusiasts. If you want to try out sailing for the first time, you can easily get a travel guide for the best areas to stay around Galveston.

The “Playground of the South” lives up to its name by having many amusement parks and water parks, making it a family favorite destination. All the adults who love a good drink will also enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Galveston that offers both variety and safety at whatever hour of the night.

A summary of the greatest highlights in Galveston:

  • Sophisticated nightlife scene
  • Exceptional bars, cafes, and restaurants
  • Palm beaches
  • Iconic tourist attractions
  • Outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, camping, etc

But What About Accommodation?

If you plan to visit Galveston for three days to even a week, you need to choose where you will stay carefully. It does not matter whether it is for work or pleasure; it needs to be a place with quality services from bedding to free wifi and free parking.

It also needs to be a convenient distance away from the attractions, beaches, and social amenities like fitness centers. The vacation rental you check-in in needs to be safe and affordable. The good thing is that Galveston hotels are top tier.

Best Areas To Stay Around Galveston

Here are a few places in Galveston that you can check out and book today.

Downtown

(Photo Credit: – Adam Reeder – Flickr CC2,0)

Topping the list is Downtown Galveston. Also known as “Downtown Historic District”, Downtown’s appeal is the array of cultural attractions such as Victorian houses and museums. These impressive monuments have been preserved in pristine condition and are free for all to enjoy.

Downtown is also home to a vibrant culinary scene with cuisines from all over the world and indigenous specialties. The active bars are accompanied by an equal number of coffee houses to help you clear out that hangover after a fun night out. From food to drink, Downtown has it all.

The neighborhood Downtown is where most tours depart. The bridges to Pelican Island and Mainland are also closest to Downtown out of all the best areas to stay around in Galveston. This means most of the roads are conveniently placed within and around Downtown. This positioning is one of the best attributes of Downtown for short-term visitors and vacationers.

Jamaica Beach is one example of a Galveston attraction that is easy to reach from Downtown. You will also love passing by Pelican Island, Tiki Island, and Virginia Point for the beaches and breathtaking scenery.

There are countless vacation rentals as well, even during the peak holiday seasons. They may be fairly priced, but they do not compromise quality for cost. Downtown rentals are friendly and feel just like home. Some even have outdoor pools and are pet-friendly. Even when it’s off-peak season and holiday inns are closed, many short-term rentals remain open.

Rental cars are also easy to find at affordable prices. You can even get some with private balconies. Considering the short distance you would have to travel, the cost of traveling from place to place in Galveston will be reduced.

East End

Historic Home, Galveston, Texas (Photo Credit: Ken Lund Flickr CC2.0)

Although East End has a Historic District just like Downtown, that is not its main attraction: the atmosphere is. East End is a laid-back area with chill restaurants that are appropriate for younger members of the family. Most children love the environment here.

However, the Historic District is not without charms. You can take a stroll through the area and enjoy the old shop facades and quirky boutiques there. You can also get a real feel of the spirit of the East end and meet locals by visiting local seafood markets.

The East End is where many local students reside. For this reason, most amenities are budget-friendly.

If you have a little more to spare, a visit the port of Galveston would be ideal for you then. You can hire a wide array of vessels for the day and enjoy the ocean waves under the warm sun. If the water is not for you, then you can go horse riding with the family and spend a day frolicking with the magnificent creatures.

The East End is an exclusive and exciting place to spend a short holiday with the family. Book a treat for them, or your friends today and have the best time of your life.

San Jacinto

San Jacinto (Photo Credit: – Adam Reeder – Flickr CC2.0)

San Jacinto is the heart and soul of Galveston’s tourism scene. The area is the hottest in the region and has the most beaches in Galveston. This is a dream destination for all the sun-lovers out there who want the best the Gulf of Mexico can offer.

San Jacinto is the perfect place for romantic getaways such as honeymoons and it also does well as a destination for a trip with a group of friends. The holiday inns here are also ideal.

Not only is San Jacinto blessed with pleasant weather and beaches, but also a summer-long festival. The fun activities throughout the summer are accompanied by the delicious international cuisine that is found in numerous restaurants throughout San Jacinto.

After having fun and trying out a new meal, you can take a short walk around some of San Jacinto’s attractions. The most prominent of them being the Galveston Seawall Boulevard. You would not want to forget your camera for this activity; the scenery was created for exquisite photos. You would also enjoy riding hired bikes along the Seawall Blvd at affordable rates.

San Jacinto also has a museum with Texan artifacts right from the pre-Columbian era. The fantastic assortment of Texan exhibits will surely keep you fascinated for an hour or two. You can then visit a spa and convention center to pamper yourself after all the walking about.

The beautiful scenery in San Jacinto luckily does not end at the Seawall.

The short-term rentals for vacationers also have scenic views. San Jacinto is the perfect place to get that coastal condo vacation rental you have always been dreaming of. You can get all this without paying the exorbitant fees of 4 or 5-star hotels. These sophisticated housing options are one of the greatest highlights of visiting San Jacinto.

Book a vacation rental in San Jacinto today, a coastal condo if you can, and see what all the hype is about for yourself.

Kemah

Kemah Boardwalk (Photo Credit: Norm Lanier Flickr CC2.0)

Kemah is halfway between Houston and Galveston. It is well known for its boardwalk that has amusement parks and restaurants. You can also take a relaxing boat ride on the bay then enjoy a classic carriage ride through the streets.

Speaking of streets, you would also enjoy the walking tours through the historic haunted Kemah Lighthouse District with your family. These activities also make Kemah the ideal site for a short trip with your friends from high school or college.

This family-friendly is also known for its affordable accommodation and easy accessibility to the beaches. Plan your trip to Kemah this summer and have the time of your life.

League City

Gazebo, League Park (Photo Credit: Patrick Feller Flickr CC2.0)

League City is a suburban area with many families and young professionals. It is located between Houston and Galveston; on the south shore of Clear Lake.

This is a good choice to seek a short-term rental apartment if you plan to get some work done as you rest. The environment is still relaxing, but there is less festivity in the air and the nightlife is not as vibrant. The people of League City are very laid-back and most lead ordinary, busy lives.

However, this is relative to the aforementioned locations. League City still has numerous recreational activities to enjoy such as a League City Historic District, museums, nature walks, gardens, and others. It also has a decent number of conference centers and is a short distance from Galveston Bay.

One advantage of league city is that there are many parks that you can take a stroll in to relax. The security is also above average given the number of families that settle there.

Book a vacation rental today to use as a workstation. Everyone needs a change of environment; it helps ease fatigue.

Start Planning Your Galveston Vacation

What are you waiting for? Book a stay in Galveston today! The best areas to stay around Galveston are easy to find.

If you have come this far, then it’s certain: you want to go on a trip. Galveston is the best place for you to go for one.

If you love beaches and vibrant communities, then this is the place to be. Bookings do not run out fast but why spend all that time thinking about visiting an affordable place with sandy beaches, diverse restaurants, and even fishing and yacht rides?

It is easy to book a ride to Galveston or rent a vehicle. All the best places are well known to you as well. Book your trip to Galveston today.

Featured Image Credit: By Henryk Sadura