Just a one hour drive south from downtown Houston, Galveston is the perfect weekend getaway. The Island offers beaches, shopping and bars in the historic downtown, and copious dining options. It is also one of Winter and my favorite places, and where I went to college.
Galveston Beaches
By far my favorite part of the island is the beach. Don’t try to tell me that Texas Beaches don’t count because they are not pretty like the beaches in Destin, Miami, or Key West; the only difference is where we are located in relation to the Mississippi River. The water is very safe for swimming, fishing, or any activity you may want to do. For more information about the water quality at the beaches in Galveston, check out the Galveston Bay Foundations Water Monitoring Program.
For a quick day trip, the beaches along the Seawall are great! If you are staying a bit longer, or prefer to drive out onto the beach, head to the west end of the island! Just pick any beach access road to enjoy a nice day at the beach. If you are up for a bit of a drive, head all the way West to San Luis Pass, just before the toll bridge to Lake Jackson/Freeport.
Downtown Galveston
In addition to the beaches, the downtown area, or “The Strand”, is another must see area of Galveston. There are shops, dining, art studios, bars, antique shops, and more. Some of my favorites are labeled on the map below!
Downtown is also the location of many festivals throughout the year, including Mardi Gras in February/March, Lone Star Bike Rally in October/November, Island Oktoberfest in October, and Dickens on the Strand in December.
Dining
From waterfront dining to boutique cafes in the historic district, Galveston offers a plethora of dining options. My “cannot miss” recommendations are:
- Bronco Burrito for breakfast, be sure to order “The Bronco”. One of these will keep you full all day!
- Head downtown for a great dinner along the water at one of the many restaurants near Pier 21, including Fisherman’s Wharf and Willie G’s.
If you desire a local dining experience away from some of the tourist crowds, check out these great local spot!
- In the historic district enjoy Mexican food at The Original Mexican Cafe or go to Mosquito Cafe or Sunflower Cafe for a more unique menu. All located along 14th street.
- Gyspy Joynt is off the beaten path and a local favorite, along with the cocktail bar next door, Daiquiri Time Out.
- The Tremont Hotel, located downtown just a block away from the Strand, offers a roof top bar with views of the entire island.
When you get that sweet tooth, head over to La Kings Confectionery for a Willie Wonka style experience. Located on The Strand, La Kings make many of their candies and chocolates in house. If those are not your flavor they have a coffee bar, homemade ice cream, and shakes. Show up at the right time and you can even see the Confectioners in the candy making process.
Before You Go
Galveston offers much more than beaches and shopping. Having lived on the Island for four years, my additional recommendations for things to see and do in Galveston include:
- Galveston Island State Park
- Moody Gardens and the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat
- Schlitterbahn Galveston, open year round
- Ride the Ferry as a “walk on passenger” to Bolivar Peninsula and back (FREE)
- Fishing charters
- Tour the Seaport Museum, Ocean Star Drilling Rig and Museum, and the Seaport Museum, Bishops Palace, Lone Star Flight Museum
- Pleasure Pier Amusement Park
The Seawall and the Downtown areas have paid parking, and you can use an app (PayByPhone). Along the Seawall you can now find showers and public restrooms, all part of a new island improvement plan that is paid for by the parking fees I mentioned. They are also working diligently to bring back the trolley system, which has been out of commission since Hurricane Ike.
I don’t just travel around Texas, to read about some of my other travel experiences and get some of my tips for planning check out the travel page of the blog!