You might think of Galveston only as a sleepy little island with a bunch of old homes. That’s so far from the truth. There are many fun things to do in Galveston.
Cheat Sheet
The Pleasure Pier
The Pleasure Pier juts out into the Gulf of Mexico over 1,100 feet, 340 meters for you people who haven’t put a man on the moon. After hurricane Ike destroyed the Flagship Hotel, which used to reside on the pier. It was announced that an amusement park would be built on the site, and it was to be called “The Pleasure Pier”. The first thought, Pleasure Pier, nudge nudge, wink wink, yeah right. Come to find out they were paying homage to the original Pleasure Pier that was on the original pier built in 1943. Those wacky mid-century people.
Anyway, the Pleasure Pier has roller coasters, thrill rides, ferris wheels, cotton candy, restaurants and probably the best view of the coast/gulf from their spinning tower thing, which after a check of their website they call it the “Texas Star Flier”. Whatever, it’s a fun time. Get your tickets at the entrance or click here and buy them.
Schlitterbahn Water Park
Home of the Worlds’s tallest water slide, Schlitterbahn, located right next to Moody Gardens is where you want to go to beat the heat. Float on the one mile long lazy river to get you to all the speed slides in a cool fashion, just remember the blue dye rumor. Don’t worry mom, they have a kids area for the youngens.
Going to be visiting the park for more than two days? Invest in a season pass. they take installment payments! Anyway, you can head over here to check out their ticket matrix which shows you the best way to purchase tickets.
Moody Gardens
There’s so much to do here they have their own hotel! They have zip lines for zipping, and a ropes course for roping. Housed in three glass pyramids are the aquarium, rain forest, and interactive exhibits. They even have penguins! Penguins, in Texas, go figure. You could easily spend two days here and not do everything that they offer. Dad’s tip, drop the kids at the Palm Beach replica beach and hit 18 on the adjacent golf course. Tickets are from $60-$85 and you can purchase them here.
Check out our guide on to where to stay on Galveston Island. Now complete with clickable links!
Shark Attack 5D Theater
Since we’re long past boring ol 3d and 4d, now you can get attacked by a shark in 5D! Located across from The Pleasure Pier it’s been thrilling some since 2016. Tickets available here.
On Shore Fishing
With a proper license you can surf fish from any beach. There are also jetties to fish from along the seawall. The two fishing piers on 61st Street and 91st Street offer license sales, tackle sales, and fishing advice for the newbies.
Off Shore Fishing
If you’ve never been offshore fishing, you’ve missed out. Galveston is a coastal city so there are plenty of fishing boats to go around. Anywhere from high people density party boats, to private charters, you decide how you want to fish. However you go, this is definitely a fun thing to do in Galveston.
Jet Ski Rental
Ah yes, who doesn’t love riding on the water at 70 mph and scaring swimmers? Get your water motorcycle fix with any of the jet ski rentals along the beach on the seawall.
SUP Lessons and Rental
SUP, or, for the unhip, stand up paddleboard, rentals can be found in most bike shops along Seawall Boulevard. They can also refer you to somebody to teach you how to SUP if necessary.
Hoverboard/Flyboard Rentals
Want to get thrown up in the air uncontrollably and slam back into the water to the delight of family and friends? Then Extreme Water Sports on Offats Bayou has you covered. They’ll give you lessons, strap you to a hoverboard or flyboard, (your choice!) and away you go. Bonus, they have kayak and paddleboard rental so you can be seen in all your glory from both on shore and off.
Boat Rental
Galveston Yacht Basin and Caribbean Breeze Boat Rental will rent you a boat. Tool along with the family in a pontoon or grab the fishing gear and rent a center console. Please bring it back with more water on the outside than on the inside.
Bike/Surfboard Rental
There are numerous bike shops throughout Galveston that will rent you bikes and surfboards. One seat not enough for you? There are also surreys available to rent.
Seagull II Harbor Tour
Get a tour of the Galveston Harbor and a different perspective of the city with knowledgeable tour guides. The highlight of this tour? Dolphins! That’s right, get up close personal with Dolphins. This is an enjoyable way to spend a sunny morning or afternoon. Tickets are $17 and available here. Cheap Bastard Alert: Want to see dolphins without paying a fee? Take the free ferry from Galveston to Bolivar Peninsula. It’s about a 15 minute ride each way, get on by car, or skip the line and bike or walk up.
Galveston Duck Tours
Get on this boat/bus in front of the Pleasure Pier, and it will take you on an informative tour around the island while the knowledgeable driver points out the various mansions and history. The highlight of the tour is when you drive from the road right into the water and you’re cruising around the backside of Moody Gardens. Purchase tickets on the east side of the Pleasure Pier, where the ducks load. Adults $30 and children $20.
“You missed the awesome Galveston beaches” you say! No I didn’t, they’re right here.
Galveston Island Pass
Want to save money on while you’re having fun? Of course you do! Head on over to the Galveston Island Pass headquarters and save up to 40% off attractions!
