When we start discussing vacation plans with our daughters they always talk about our vacation trip when we stayed at Casa del Mar. My wife is from Mexico so normally that is where we go to visit family and we use vacation as a chance to reconnect with them. However, one year we decided to be a bit selfish and indulge in a week-long getaway with our three daughters and decided we would try Galveston Island.

We had no idea of where to stay as we had never been to Galveston, but we could not have picked a better place than Casa del Mar. We arrived late in the evening hoping to be close to the waterfront so we were very pleased when we checked in and found that all we had to do was walk across the street and we were there. Our girls temporarily admitted that we were the best parents any children could have (this side effect quickly vanished when vacation ended). After unloading the car we had to venture across the street and stroll along the shore before our girls would be willing to retire to our room so we could get an early start the next day. My wife and I kicked off our shoes and walked along in the sand while our daughters galloped and romped along beside us in about 1' of water. We finally convinced them it would all be here tomorrow and we headed for our room.
 
The room was great. It had a small kitchen area, which is a lifesaver when traveling with kids, and also saved us money since our daughters usually only wanted a simple lunch so we could quickly return to vacation. We had plenty of sleeping area and the bunk beds for the kids added to the sense of adventure as they worked out a routine so that each would get the coveted top bunk. The separate bedroom with queen sized bed was a comfortable hideaway for my wife and I after a long day of herding kids and the rooms were very quiet.
 
Casa del Mar had a great staff and everyone was very helpful and gave good directions to local attractions. It is within walking distance (if you like walking) of a store to which I had to make several trips to purchase items we did not bring (even though my wife and three daughters had brought every piece of luggage we owned!) It is close to several shops, restaurants and local attractions.

In the evenings we would set out along Seawall boulevard and eat supper at one of the restaurants. Our girls favorite was the Rainforest Cafe. It was truly like eating in a rain forest and there are water falls, fish and jungle sounds to make the adventure complete. There is even a volcano which is hard to beat. The family favorite of the local attractions had to be Moody Gardens. We spent an entire day in the ridefilm theater and the aquarium and rain forest pyramids.

We have just started discussing vacation this year and Casa del Mar has already been placed high on the list. I think we may be a little self indulgent this year and return to our "ocean house!"

This family travelogue was brought to you by Bill Dover.

Casa del Mar is perfect for your family vacation.  You can play on the sand all day, and then head to a quick dinner before locking tucking the kids into bed.  And then it is all about you.  Nice. Can we come?