10 Best Things to Do in Galveston

Galveston Island State Park covers just over 2,000 acres of land, in which you’ll find a wide range of ecosystems. From beaches to estuaries, sand dunes to ponds and wetlands, the park offers many chances to get to know the area’s flora and fauna in unique ways.

You’ll find camping on both the bay and beach sides of the park, as well as fishing. The park has paddling trails for kayakers and miles of hiking paths for those who prefer to go on foot. Geocaching is also a popular activity at Galveston Island State Park. Make sure to visit the onsite nature center if possible, though it opens only on weekends from 10 am to 2 pm.

The Moody Gardens is an educational tourist attraction in Galveston. While that might not sound terribly exciting, the complex's massive scale, incredible glass pyramids housing attractions, a famed golf course, and high-end accommodations options quickly show just how much fun it can be.

One of its most popular attractions is the Aquarium Pyramid, which helps you explore oceans, especially on the Gulf of Mexico, the South Atlantic, the Pacific, and the Caribbean. You'll find 3D and 4D theaters, Discovery Pyramid and Discovery Museum, as well as opportunities for a ride on an authentic paddlewheel boat.

The Rainforest Pyramid is technically part of Moody Gardens, but its sheer size and the $25 million renovations in the wake of Hurricane Ike, make it a destination in its own right. You'll find 10 floors of the Rainforests of the World exhibit to hike through, all enclosed in a massive glass pyramid that rises high above the surrounding gardens.

The pyramid houses over 1,000 plant and animal species, from exotic trees to giant Amazon sea otters and saki monkeys. Travel through the rainforests of the Americas, Africa, and Asia, peek into bat caves, listen to thundering waterfalls, and examine ancient Mayan ruins all in one place.

No visit to Galveston is complete without spending time in the Strand Historic District. Covering 36 square city blocks, you'll find around 100 shops, museums, eateries, nightlife venues, and other small businesses. It's also home to stunning Victorian buildings found nowhere else in the city.

The Strand Historic District doubles as a National Historic Landmark and the island's shopping and entertainment center. You can walk or ride a horse-drawn carriage, enjoy a movie, sip a cocktail at one of the local watering holes, or take the trolley to explore the district.

Galveston’s Own Farmer’s Market is not just the place to connect with local growers and ranchers. It’s also a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting the community to local foods through year-round markets. Here, you’ll find an incredible range of hand-made, locally grown foods and other products.

Stroll between the vendor stalls and enjoy a goat-milk popsicle, sample authentic Pakistani food, pick up some fresh-ground coffee, or learn more about grass-fed beef and free-range chicken. Vendors offer raw pet food, sustainably grown produce, hand-made pastries, and so much more at Galveston’s Own Farmer’s Market. 

The Moody Mansion is a fully restored Romanesque mansion on Broadway Street, right in the heart of Galveston. Originally built in 1895, it offers 31 rooms (20 of which are accessible to visitors), each filled with authentic furnishings and decor. For a small fee, you can take a self-guided tour with accompanying audio. Guided tours are available on Fridays and Saturdays.

Along with period furniture, you’ll get a firsthand look at some of the technology of the day, such as speaking tubes, elevators, heated laundry drying racks, and a dumbwaiter.

Galveston is an island city, which means one thing – plenty of access to sandy beaches and the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico! You’ll find plenty to enjoy, and there’s a beach to suit just about any preferences.

Head to Galveston Beach if you want to explore the promenade, buy souvenirs, and be within easy reach of tourist attractions and amusement rides. Porretto Beach is quieter, but still offers a snack bar and water equipment rentals. East Beach is another popular destination in Galveston – it’s the largest in the entire state and hosts festivals and concerts throughout the year.

The Galveston Fishing Pier on Seawall Boulevard is one of the most popular destinations for anglers or anyone who just wants to enjoy the sun and water. Built in 1971, it’s the longest privately-owned fishing pier in the eastern half of the nation, and several world-record fish have been caught here. Of course, there’s more here than just fishing opportunities.

While you can fish right from the pier, others might prefer checking out its extensive bike and board rental options. You can also surf right beside the Galveston Fishing Pier. Hungry? Thirsty? Jimmy’s has food and coffee available.

The Bryan Museum is just a few blocks from the beach, within the historic Galveston Orphans Home. The museum boasts one of the world’s largest collections of artifacts, documents, and artwork related to the American West, including both historical and modern content.

Explore the Orientation Gallery, the Spanish Colonial Era Gallery, learn about the Texas Frontier, and explore Texas history through its integration with the Union and into the present day. The Orphans Home exhibit is also an eye-opening experience. Art is on display from past Texas masters, as well as modern artists. 

Saengerfest Park is a great place to take a quick break from exploring the Strand. This small and square park was created in 1990 to give people a place to relax, unwind, and come together while still being within steps of everything the Strand Historic District offers.

A giant chess set is Saengerfest Park's most iconic landmark, but you can also take a seat in a giant compass, take selfies at London-style phone booths, or take a breather on wooden benches. An onsite stage hosts musical acts and other entertainment throughout the year, while vendors often set up tents to sell their wares.