Galveston was discovered by Spanish explorers in 1523, but it's being re-discovered today by thousands of tourists who have flocked to its peaceful shores. Once they arrive, they find all kinds of activities just waiting for them, both on and off the water.
Parakarting - Galveston has all the usual water sports, like swimming, fishing, surfing, wind surfing, and kite surfing, and the favorite beach activities like shelling, volleyball, and sunning. But now there's a new kid in town - a sport called parakarting or kite buggying that has deep roots in Galveston. Parakarters ride on a cart that is powered by a giant kite, sometimes right on the beach. The gulf breezes are perfect for filling the "sails." This is great fun to just watch! Check out one of the local races!
Biking - Galveston offers guided bike tours of several historic landmarks, providing the history behind each. The weekend tours start from the beach and end in the historic downtown Strand District with lunch. If you want to bike on your own but didn't bring your wheels, you can rent one in Galveston. The bike rental agency will even pick you up from your hotel! Check out Seawall Boulevard, the longest continuous sidewalk in the U.S. - over 10 miles of wonderful cycling and great scenery.
Bird watching - Galveston is for the birds. In fact, it's one of the top birdwatching locales in the country. Over 500 species can be found here during the year, including the year-round birds and the migratory species passing through in the fall and spring. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to spot a reddish egret. These birds nest only in Texas, Florida, and Louisisana, and it's estimated there are only about 1,000 pairs in existence. The best spots to see water birds, shore birds, and rare birds is at the Galveston Bay estuary and Crystal Beach.
Horseback riding - C'mon! You can't go to Texas without climbing into the saddle! Horseback riding on the beach is available year round on the weekends at West Beach. What more appropriate way to enjoy the Texas shore? Special rates are provided for groups.
Dolphin watching - Galveston was named a "hot spot" by dolphin aficianados, meaning that the playful sea mammals love this place! One of the best places to see them up close is from the deck of the Crystal Beach ferry. In fact, they usually escort the vessel the entire trip!
Tours - Hop aboard a 50-ft. motor vessel and take an Historic Harbor tour. This is not only fun and relaxing, it's also educational - a painless way to learn the area's history from knowledgeable guides. Another amazing tour that kids or anyone interested in sea creatures will love is the Hands-On Marine Biology tour, where passengers trawl for fish and other marine life, then study them on board. Folks interested in the oil business can take an educational tour of offshore oil rigs - a true Texas experience. If you don't want to think while you're on vacation, just sit back and enjoy the twilight sky from a sunset cruise.
Johnson Space Center - The center is 1,680 acres of self-guided attractions. You can visit the Starship Gallery, the Destiny Theater, and the Martian Matrix. Children will love the Kids' Space Place, with stuff just for them. A tram will take you for a peek behind the scenes at the old Mission Control, formerly the control center for the entire U.S. space program.
These are just a very few of Galveston's activities and attractions. There are many, many more. You'll find activities for every budget, every age, and every interest. Most activities are available year round, too. No matter when you visit, Galveston will be ready when you are!
This guide to Galveston was brought to you by Holle Abee