Galveston

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau
Galveston
Galveston
Galveston
Galveston

Enjoy the quaint old downtown architecture, explore historic mansions, and visit the museums and galleries of Texas’s foremost port city. 

Galveston charms with its glimpse into the colourful history of Texas through architecture and museums. The city sits on an island 32 miles long and 2.5 miles wide. 

Walk the Strand and gaze at beautiful historic buildings preserved by local authorities for well over a century. Here you can browse souvenir shops, dine in excellent restaurants, or ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Continue exploring architectural treasures with a tour through the East End District. You’ll see classic Victorian buildings from the city’s days as a leading cotton exporter and extravagant old homes such as the Moody Mansion or Bishop’s Palace.

Galveston was officially incorporated in the 1830s. It soon grew into one of the most successful and prosperous cities in the region and even served as the capital of the Republic of Texas. Its economy was devastated by a hurricane in 1900, but throughout the 20th century it evolved into a historical and cultural holiday destination. It boasts some of the best old architecture in the country and is home to dozens of museums and art galleries.

Soak up some more history at the Texas Seaport Museum, where you’ll find the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa. Visit a real offshore oil rig and learn about the industry at the Ocean Star Drilling Rig and Museum. Aircraft lovers will want to explore the Lone Star Flight Museum. It has dozens of restored aircraft from World War II you can even organise to have a ride in one.

History buffs will also love the story behind the Pleasure Pier, built during World War II as a recreational facility for the U.S. military. Nowadays families flock here to ride the roller coasters and enjoy the games. For more fun, hit the Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Water Park. Check out the Moody Gardens to explore the aquarium, zoo, and 3-D theatre. Beachgoers won’t find sparkling waters and white sand at Galveston, but for a relaxing morning or evening stroll, drop by the Seawall or East Beach.

Galveston is a historic island destination with plenty to offer history buffs and leisure seekers alike. It’s 50 miles southeast of Houston.

Where to stay in Galveston

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West End

While visiting West End, you might make a stop by sights like Jamaica Beach and Sea Isle Beach.

West End
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Jamaica Beach

Jamaica Beach is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Jamaica Beach and Galveston Island State Park Beach while you're in town.

Jamaica Beach
Galveston Schlitterbahn Waterpark which includes rides and a waterpark as well as an individual male

Near West End

While visiting Near West End, you might make a stop by sights like Moody Gardens and Galveston Schlitterbahn Waterpark.

Near West End
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Sea Isle

While visiting Sea Isle, you might make a stop by sights like Sea Isle Beach and Terramar Beach.

Sea Isle
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The Preserve

While visiting The Preserve, you might make a stop by sights like Bermuda Beach and Pirate's Beach.

The Preserve
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Pirates Beach

If you're spending some time in Pirates Beach, Pirates Beach and Pirate's Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Pirates Beach
The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center

The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center

4 out of 5
5222 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Stay at this 4-star luxury resort in Galveston. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,040 reviews)
"Very good service, clean, friendly staff, and great food"

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center
Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center

4 out of 5
7 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM591 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
RM591
RM680 total
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Galveston. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,838 reviews)
"Great staff, close to all the amenities. Clean and quiet."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center
Quality Inn & Suites Galveston - Beachfront

Quality Inn & Suites Galveston - Beachfront

2.5 out of 5
5924 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
The price is RM352 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
RM352
RM405 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Galveston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,761 reviews)
"Stayed at this hotel because it was close to Cruise Terminal."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Quality Inn & Suites Galveston - Beachfront
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Casa Del Mar Beachfront Suites

Casa Del Mar Beachfront Suites

3 out of 5
6102 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Stay at this 3-star beach condo in Galveston. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,007 reviews)
"We had a wonderful stay with our grandchildren. The place was clean and friendly. My Mom was even pleased and that's saying a lot! We will definitely be back."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Casa Del Mar Beachfront Suites
Victorian

Victorian

3.5 out of 5
Galveston
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Galveston. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7/10 Good! (132 reviews)
"We really enjoyed the view from the balcony of the gulf. Everyone was so polite and friendly. Out of the 3 times we have been to Galveston, this has been our best of them all."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Victorian
Pleasure Pier Retreat

Pleasure Pier Retreat

4 out of 5
2511 Bernardo De Galvez, Galveston, TX
Stay at this 4-star vacation home in Galveston. Enjoy a picnic area, furnished patios, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Port of Galveston and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"Good communication about adding an additional person at the last minute, great atmosphere, super clean unit and a very quiet neighborhood. Only downside is parking, besides that we had a great time and will be booking with this company again."

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

Pleasure Pier Retreat
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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