Galveston Texas
The Galveston Trolley makes a stop in historic downtown
Cruising Seawall Boulevard near Pleasure Pier
Exploring the decks of 1877 Tall Ship Elissa
Aerial view of historic Pleasure Pier jutting into the Gulf of Mexico
The whimsical pyramids of exciting educational attraction Moody Gardens
Enjoying the sunset from Galveston Harbor
Enjoying the sun and sand on Stewart Beach
A mural by artist Reginald Adams titled “Absolute Equality” pays homage to Galveston’s diverse history
A peaceful birdwatching excursion at East End Lagoon Nature Preserve
A beautiful day along the Galveston Seawall, the longest continuous sidewalk in the USA
- States:
- Texas
Long Gulf beaches and storied architecture, sprinkled with a dash of Southern hospitality
Sunny Seaside Stretches
This charming island city on the Gulf of Mexico is known for its gorgeous beaches. Home to 52 kilometers of sunny shorelines, Galveston practically guarantees that you’ll find your own little slice of paradise. Soak up the sun on the beach, or dive into the turquoise waters for a refreshing swim.
Want to enjoy Galveston’s epic Gulf views without getting sandy and salty? Head to the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. With carnival games, classic American bites and a 70-meter-tall Ferris wheel, the pier provides old-school fun for the whole family. Another option is to make your way to the Seawall, a 16-kilometer coastal promenade featuring some of the coolest restaurants, shops and attractions in town.
Admirable Architecture
Visitors will discover that there’s far more to Galveston than just its blissful beaches. Eye-catching architecture from a variety of eras can be found in the Historic Downtown Neighborhood of this Texas town, which was incorporated in 1839. Greek Revival homes sit adjacent to Italianate libraries and Victorian-style shops. Today, discover locally owned boutiques and award-winning restaurants tucked into these historic buildings. Don’t miss out on an evening performance at the Romanesque Revival-style Grand 1894 Opera House.
Another architectural hot spot, the East End Historic District is home to dozens of Victorian mansions. Stroll down the streets and admire the stately homes, and be sure not to miss the 1892 Bishop’s Palace. Take a tour of this castle-like structure, from the stained glass-filled chapel to the attic, which boasts amazing Gulf views.
Galveston’s architectural innovations didn’t stop in the 19th century. Moody Gardens, an educational theme park of sorts, is home to three stunning glass pyramids. Built in the 1990s, these eye-catching structures are now filled with thousands of animals, from sleepy sloths to waddling penguins.
Captivating Museums
Dive into history with visits to Galveston’s fascinating museums. The Bryan Museum is the most all-encompassing one, with exhibits showcasing everything from Native American arrowheads to a forgery of the Texas Declaration of Independence. The Renaissance Revival-style building it’s housed in has quite a storied history of its own, including being home to an orphanage for 100 years.
As befits a thriving coastal destination, Galveston has a long and rich maritime history. At the Galveston Historic Seaport Museum, learn all about the trade routes that led to the city and tour the 43-meter-long tall ship Elissa, which was built in 1887 and is one of the oldest ships sailing today. If you prefer travel by land, make the short trip to the Galveston Railroad Museum, a former Santa Fe Railroad station filled with dozens of historic locomotives.
Fun Fact
Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States, was started in Galveston.
Photo: Visit Galveston
Galveston is home to Texas’s main cruise ship terminal as well as the second largest immigration port in the USA.
Photo: Visit Galveston
Galveston survived the Great Storm of 1900, the worst natural disaster in U.S. history.
Photo: Rosenburg Library