Galveston, Texas, is one of those beach towns that manages to be equal parts historic, quirky, and fun. From century-old mansions to penguins, ghost stories to colorful sea turtle art, Galveston blends Gulf Coast charm with just the right amount of Southern hospitality. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a full vacation, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy. Here are some of the best things to do in Galveston.
Explore The Strand Historic District
Start your visit in the Strand Historic District, Galveston’s lively downtown. This area is brimming with shops, restaurants, galleries, and gorgeous 19th-century architecture. It’s the perfect place to stroll, admire restored storefronts, and imagine what life was like back in Galveston’s Victorian boom.
This is also where you’ll catch your exciting ocean cruise, including Carnival, NCL, Disney, Princess, and Royal Caribbean.
Breakfast at Star Drug Store
Fuel up at Star Drug Store, the oldest drug store in Texas. It’s now a retro-style diner serving hearty breakfasts, sandwiches, and its famous egg cream. Sitting at the counter feels like a step back in time—and yes, it tastes just as good as it looks.
Dive Into Moody Gardens
Moody Gardens is one of Galveston’s top attractions, with its trio of pyramid-shaped museums. Inside, you’ll find a rainforest adventure, a discovery museum, and the wondrous Moody Gardens Aquarium, where penguins are the star of the show. It’s entertaining, educational, and an excellent option for all ages.
Plan to spend about four to five hours at this impressive gem.
If aquariums and gardens are your jam, have a look at the incredible offerings in Atlanta, Georgia.
Tour the Moody Mansion
If you love history, the Moody Mansion is a must-see. Built in 1895, this 28,000-square-foot home belonged to one of Galveston’s most powerful families, who made their fortune in cotton and banking. Today, you can tour its beautifully preserved rooms, learn about the Moody family, and soak up the Gilded Age grandeur.
All-access tours (two hours) run around $40, but self-guided tours (one hour) are significantly less expensive.
Check into the Grand (Hotel) Galvez
Known as the “Queen of the Gulf,” the Grand Galvez has been welcoming guests for more than a century. It’s famous for its gorgeous weddings, luxurious spa, and ghostly tales—paranormal tours here are a hit with thrill-seekers.
Whether you stay the night or stop in for a drink, this AAA 4-diamond hotel property is a beautiful landmark and a Galveston icon.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the Hotel Galvez was the temporary White House for Franklin Delano Roosevelt?
Walk the Seawall Interpretive Trail
Galveston’s Seawall Interpretive Trail stretches for miles along the Gulf and is perfect for walking, biking, or just enjoying the ocean views. Don’t miss renting a surrey bike for a breezy ride—it’s a fun, family-friendly way to explore the shoreline.
Spot Colorful Sea Turtles
As you wander the island, keep your eyes peeled for the Turtles About Town art installation. These brightly painted Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle statues are scattered around Galveston, each decorated by local artists to raise awareness for sea turtle conservation. We had a similar art installment in Vero Beach, Florida.
Play at the Historic Pleasure Pier
For old-school fun, head to the Historic Pleasure Pier. The highlight is the Galaxy Wheel, a Ferris wheel built during WWII, but you’ll also find carnival rides (coaster, swings, pirate, etc.), a 5D theater, games, and plenty of nostalgic boardwalk treats.
Restaurants include Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, Fish Tales, and Rainforest Cafe to name a few.
Swim in the Gulf
Of course, no trip to Galveston is complete without a dip in the Gulf of America (or Mexico, or whatever we are calling it today). The beaches here are lively, sandy, and perfect for everything from sunbathing to splashing around with the kids.
Eat and Drink Around Town
- Sunflower Bakery & Café – Start your morning with a Mexican-inspired breakfast, fresh pastries, and locally roasted coffee.
- Hey Mikey’s Ice Cream – Treat yourself to a homemade scoop (or two!) after a day in the sun. I prefer to splurge on the Ultimate Naughty Nacho.
- The Tremont House Jazz Bar – Cap off your evening with live jazz, craft cocktails, and an elegant setting inside one of Galveston’s most beautiful historic hotels.
Ride the Ferry
One of the best free things to do in Galveston? Hop aboard the Galveston-Bolivar Ferry. It runs 24/7, takes about 20 minutes each way, and is a prime spot for spotting dolphins, shorebirds, and sweeping coastal views.
Plan Your Galveston Getaway
Galveston is more than just a beach town—it’s a destination that mixes history, culture, fun attractions, and Gulf Coast beauty in one easy-to-love package. From the grandeur of Moody Mansion and Grand Galvez to the simple joy of a ferry ride with dolphins on the horizon, this island city has something for everyone.
Read more of our Texas travel posts:
San Antonio Must-See Attractions
Where to Eat in Irving (Dallas suburb)