Galveston, which is less than an hour’s drive from Houston, is a popular destination for Texans as well as visitors all throughout the year due to its historic downtown and stunning beaches.
Although the majority of visitors, particularly during the summer months, come to Galveston for the purpose of lounging on the beaches. The city also provides a plethora of other things to do, such as taking a tour on the Galveston Trolley, participating in water sports like fishing and parasailing, and bird-watching, as well as visiting museums and indulging in wonderful dining.
Check out our list of the best attractions and activities in Galveston to get some more inspiration on how you may spend your time there.
Parasailing in Galveston
Crystal Beach is a community located on the Bolivar Peninsula in Galveston County, Texas, USA. It is situated on the Gulf of Mexico and is known for its beautiful beaches, parasailing, fishing, and recreational opportunities.
People from all over the world visit Crystal Beach to enjoy its natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere.
If you wanted to experience parasailing in Galveston, then Third Coast Parasail is one of the best parasailing operators in the city of Galveston, Texas. You can book a parasailing tour for yourself and for your family with Third Coast Parasail at a very affordable price.
The Beaches of Galveston
A seemingly endless expanse of soft sand that attracts throngs of people here during spring and autumn is bordered by a shallow body of water that is colored turquoise.
There is plenty of freedom to choose your own piece of sand and space to play in the water that is not very deep and is usually quiet. Thanks to the Seawall, which stretches along the beach for more than ten miles.
Along this stretch, at varying intervals, there are a number of restroom facilities, and beyond the beach, there is a collection of restaurants, stores, and hotels. The Pleasure Pier serves as the epicenter of the activity along this stretch.
Near the easternmost tip of the island is where you’ll find Stewart Beach, which is consistently ranked as one of the most popular beaches. At this beach that welcomes families, in addition to public facilities and showers, you can hire chairs and umbrellas, there is a playground for children, and there are concessions available.
The Strand Historic District Galveston
The Strand Historic District in Galveston is mostly composed of buildings from the Victorian period, and a significant number of them were able to withstand the Great Storm of 1900.
It is also known as s a National Historic Landmark District. It is now home to a variety of restaurants, cafes, art galleries, and antique shops, making it a lovely area to do some sightseeing, shop, and dine.
The neighborhood extends all the way down to the bustling wharf area, where there are many historic warehouses that have been rebuilt, and it is home to a number of Galveston’s most popular tourist attractions.
In addition, this neighborhood is home to Pier 19, which is home to the Museum and Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig, as well as the Texas Seaport Museum and many restaurants with scenic vistas of the ocean.
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
The Pleasure Pier is the most eye-catching structure located along the Seawall. The roller coasters and brightly colored buildings of the pier are visible from a considerable distance along the seashore due to the pier’s protruding position into the water, which resembles a carnival on stilts.
The 1,130-foot-long pier was opened in 2012 and was constructed on the site of its predecessor, which was devastated by a storm in 1961. It has a variety of amusing rides that are suited for people of all ages, in addition to other games and activities, as well as a restaurant.
This is a wonderful activity for families to do together and a pleasant way to pass some time when vacationing in Galveston with young children. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Pleasure Pier is open every day; for the rest of the year, it is only accessible on weekends.
Dolphin Sightseeing Tour
Galveston Dolphin Sightseeing Tours are quite popular among tourists that come to the island of Galveston because the seas surrounding the city are frequented by friendly dolphins from the Gulf of Mexico.
The excursion includes a narrated boat tour that lasts for one hour and leaves Pier 21 in the port to search for pods of dolphins in the surrounding water.
The fact that the guides also give information on the ecology and marine fauna of the area surrounding Galveston Island makes the sightseeing tour a pleasant experience for the tourists.
The covered boat provides passengers with a pleasant ride in seas that provide excellent opportunities for spotting dolphins. In most cases, they will leap alongside the boat.
Galveston Naval Museum
The Galveston Naval Museum, which can be found at Seawolf Park on Pelican Island, is widely regarded as one of the city’s most priceless artifacts. The tiny museum and memorial park are both worthy destinations due to the presence of the World War II submarine USS Cavalla and the World War II cruiser USS Stewart.
If you have a few of hours to waste or are waiting for a cruise ship, this is a fantastic location to come and check out. There is a plethora of American history housed in one site, and visitors get the chance to go aboard two ships that have been maintained and played an essential role in World War II.
During World War II, a submarine named the USS Cavalla was responsible for sinking the Japanese aircraft carrier Shokaku, which had been a part of the assault on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Step aboard and descend through the cramped hallways to get a glimpse at the lives of sailors and the tasks they did during the war.
The Bishop’s Palace 1892
The Bishop’s Palace, also known as Gresham’s Castle, was constructed to serve as a private house; yet, it is often cited as being among the most important Victorian palaces in the United States. After a total of six years of labour, it was finally finished in the year 1893.
One of the most notable features is its façade, which resembles a castle and is adorned with turrets, towers, and sculpted granite, limestone, and sandstone. The ornately carved woodwork, lofty ceilings, stained glass windows, fireplaces, and luxurious furniture can be found within the impressive building’s interior.
The house has been preserved and turned into a museum; visitors are welcome to come to have a look around. You may have a more in-depth experience by signing up for a unique tour that is only offered on Saturday mornings. This trip will take you literally from the attic all the way down to the basement.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity for both residents of Galveston and visitors to the city. In addition to being one of the greatest spots in Texas for deep sea fishing, Galveston is also an excellent location for fishing from the surf and local piers, as well as fly fishing in the wetland regions.
Anglers with previous experience may come to Texas with their gear and a valid fishing license to try their luck at catching redfish and sea trout.
Galveston’s 61st Street Fishing Pier is widely regarded as one of the city’s top fishing hotspots. Fishing licences are required, and rod rentals are available immediately at the pier office. Daily fishing charges apply. In addition, bait may be purchased at the pier.
State Park Located on Galveston Island
Galveston Island State Park is located close to the western tip of the island and is a great place to go bird-watching, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, or just to enjoy the natural beach atmosphere.
Because Galveston is located along the Central Flyway, it has become a favourite destination for those who like going birdwatching because they have the chance to observe both local birds and migratory birds.
The beautiful beach on the ocean side is by far the most popular location here. A variety of hiking routes and viewing platforms may be found on the water’s edge.
Check the calendar before you travel to the park to find out what kind of events will be going on during your stay so that you can make the most of your time there. The park is also very excellent at organising and hosting activities that are geared toward families.