Travel south on I-45 through Texas long enough, eventually you’ll get to the end and it will spit you out in Galveston. Galveston is an enjoyable island situated where the coast of Texas meets the waves of the Gulf of Mexico. Founded in 1839, Galveston has survived hurricanes, fires, pirates, and the mafia. With such close proximity to the water, being filled with museums, and boasting one of the largest, historically significant populations of 19th century buildings. Use this guide so that when you get here, you won’t have to ask “This is Galveston, Tx? What’s there to do”?
Galveston has a population of approximately 50,000 full time residents and on weekends and holidays it can balloon to 150,000, but don’t worry, it won’t run out of things to do, see, eat or stay. While we’re on that subject let’s move on to just what exactly there is to do while you’re in town.
Are you the type of person that reads the end of the book first? If so, then go ahead and click the links below. If you’re a normal person who likes a little anticipation, keep on scrolling baby!
Cheat Sheet
What to do in Galveston, TX
- Museums! Boy do we have museums.
- Fancy a walk and see historically significant buildings.
- Did you know that we have over 30 miles of beaches!
- Spooky haunted places.
- People who like spills and thrills.
- Places to stay (zzz).
- Places to eat (burp).
As long as you’re coming down here don’t forget to pick up you Galveston Island Pass and save 40% on attractions!
What to do in Galveston, TX How to Get Here
Galveston is 50 miles south of Houston and is easily accessible from the two international airports in town.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Get your luggage, go out the door, get on your rental car shuttle, and get your car. Set your GPS to your hotel on Galveston and leave the Airport. If your GPS is worth anything it’ll tell you to go south on I-45 towards Houston. Intercontinental is about 20 miles north of Houston so you’ll get to see plenty of construction on your way down. Stay on I-45 for about an hour and when you get to the first stop light (a stop light on the interstate?), breathe in that wonderful Gulf air, you’re here.
William P Hobby Airport
Hobby Airport is about 10 miles south of Houston and is also on I-45, so see above.
Driving
Load the kids, beach supplies, bikes, and kayaks into your Yukon/Expedition/Sequoia/Armada and head to I-45 south in Houston, once you get there, see above above.
What to do Galveston, TX Museums
Historic homes, trains, tall ships, oil wells, and even history museum, they’re all here. Spend the morning at the historic Moody Mansion, and then hop on over to Bishops Palace for the afternoon. The Elissa is a Tall ship from the 1800s that you can explore and pretend you’re Jean Lafitte (actual Galveston resident), just don’t throw the staff overboard. Want to know more? Check out our Museums post.
What to do Galveston, TX Historic Homes
Galveston was founded in 1839, but Michel Menard must’ve know something because he built his house in 1838! Actually that’s a trick, he’s the one who founded Galveston. But his house is still standing, and it’s the oldest house in Galveston, you can rent it for weddings, or other special events. Other homes, from the 1800s to funky cool mid century homes line the streets. Bonus, if you want to see as many as you can but don’t want to walk miles? Well, you’re in luck my friend because you can check out one of the many Segway tours around town. Feeling even lazier than that? Then look! Pictures in our historic homes gallery.
What to do in Galveston, TX Beaches
Bring your pop up tent, kids, dogs and grills, they’re all allowed on Galveston Beaches, I think kids need to be on a leash though… no wait, that’s dogs. With miles and miles of beaches, you can do anything that you’ve ever wanted to do on a beach, except for that, keep your clothes on. You’re asking “with all that beach front how do I know which one to go to?” Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our beach guide.
What to do in Galveston, TX Haunted Houses
Haunted hotels, homes, and grave yards, we’ve got them. What about a hearse driving ghost hunter, you ask? We’ve got that too. However you want your spookiness served up you can find it in Galveston. You can even get the sheet scared out of you when you do the haunted stay and scare at The Hotel Galvez. Want to know more? Right here.
What to do in Galveston, TX Excitement
From chartering an offshore fishing trip to the worlds tallest water slide there’s plenty of excitement to be had in Galveston. Bike rental shops line the seawall, drop in and rent a bike, surrey, stand up paddle board, or hang five and get a surf board. Rent a helicopter ride by Stewart beach, or unleash your back-to-the-future-self and rent a hoverboard. That’s not enough you say? Well we’ve got a guide right here. Click.
What to do in Galveston, TX Where to Stay
Want to get pampered? Stay at a luxury hotel like The San Luis or The Tremont House. Feeling a little earthy? Want to get back to nature, make a reservation at the Galveston Island State Park. What I’m trying to say is that whatever your budget or style is, you can find a place to stay on the Island. Get on over to your favorite hotel booking site and start searching. Want to know a little more before you book? Look!
What to do Galveston, TX Where to Eat
We are a coastal island, in Texas, you’re going to be eating plenty of Sea Food, Tex Mex, and Tex Mex Seafood. But don’t worry, I hear that there are other things to eat than above (I’m not sure why you need more than that, but whatever). Italian, American, Steakhouses, and even burger joints are all around the island. What else you ask? Well, Guess what, we’ve got a guide for that.
What to do Galveston, TX How to get Around
Yellow cabs, brown shuttles, pink vans, and white taxis, whatever color of cab that you want is available and they all are pretty prompt. Want to be a little hipper and Uber, they’re here too. Rental cars are available. Jump a ride on the $1 trolley to get between the seawall and the Strand.
