Getting to Galveston, Texas (an island jutting into the Gulf of Mexico) may require several methods of transportation. It really isn't that big of a deal, because you can fly, drive, hop on a bus, or if you're like the President of the United States fly aboard your own helicopter.
One of the advantages of being the President means you don't have to figure out how you're going to get somewhere. Considering that you don't have the Secret Service guarding you, or a private secretary arranging your transportation needs, just consider this article your secretary. It has all the information you'll need to get to and around on the Island of Galveston. (By the way, this article doesn't make coffee, but it does expect a present on Secretary's Day!)
FLYING
Flying to Galveston is simple enough by accessing one of three different airports in Texas. You can fly into Galveston and land at Scholes International Airport. But most of the air traffic into and out of this small airport is by charter only.
William P. Hobby Airport is located in Houston and is 35 miles away from Galveston, which means you would have to rent a vehicle to drive to Galveston. George Bush International Airport is located in Houston--that is 45 miles away from Galveston. Again, you would have to rent a vehicle or ride a bus, the 45 miles into Galveston.
DRIVING
You could drive your own vehicle to Galveston, or rent a vehicle from one of the many car rental agencies. Depending on how far you live from Galveston this might be the better option, because you still have to drive from an airport. Renting a car is easy with Internet access, enabling you to have your vehicle ready and waiting when you get there. Just in case you need a phone number, here are two rental agency phone numbers: Enterprise 1-800-RENT-A-CAR, and Hertz 1-800-654-3131.
TAXI
Once in Galveston you will need a taxicab to get to all wonderful places and activities Galveston has to offer, such as the Strand Landmark Historic District, and the 32 miles of exciting beaches. You have several choices: Busy Bee 409-762-8429, Yellow Cab 409-763-3333, and Tropical Taxi 409-621-4000. Most national taxi companies service the William P. Hobby Airport and the George Bush International Airport, and can get you from those airports to Galveston Island.
ISLAND TROLLEY
From the late 1800's until 1938, trollies took passengers for a leisurely ride around Galveston. Revived in 1988, this super cheap ride, in authentic trolleys, carries passengers from the Seawall to Galveston's Strand Landmark area, to Pier 21, and the University of Texas Medical Branch. Relax while viewing the Victorian homes, and the beautiful stores of the Strand.
SHUTTLE
For travelers who are unable (due to disability) to use regular fixed curb service Island Transit supplies a shuttle called Dial-A-Ride. You just have to call ahead and they will pick you up in the shuttle. Their phone number is 409-797-3909. Don't call until you are ready, though, because they will only wait five minutes outside your door.
WALKING
You most certainly want to walk the Strand Historic District to see all the beautiful Victorian homes. You'll want to tour Moody Mansion with all its original furnishings, and Ashton Villa is an architectural delight. If it isn't too hot and muggy outside, you'll want to stroll among the quaint shops, and perhaps buy some pretty artwork. You'll want to walk on as many beaches as possible to see how they are all different from one another. A romantic walk in the evening holding each other close, as the warm breeze takes you back in time, will certainly spice up your life.
CARRIAGE RIDE
Take a romantic carriage ride, or hop in and let the horse take you to your next destination. What a soothing, relaxing way to travel, with the clip-clop of the horses' hooves, and the comfort of the carriage. View the Strand District, and all it has to offer.
When you're done pet that pretty horse, and maybe give him a sugar cube.
FERRY
Take a ferry across Galveston Bay to Crystal Beach. Bolivar Ferry operates it, and it's a fun, comfortable way to get around. By the way it won't cost anything either, the ride is free. Watch the dolphins frolic in the water from the comfort of this boat. They will swim along side, as they jump out of the water, all the while talking to each other. Get a great view of the bay and the different boats that pass through here every day.
BICYCLING
Rent a bike and tour the island, or go on a guided tour with Island Bike Rentals. They are located at 1808 Seawall Boulevard, and you can rent any kind of bike here. They have mountain bikes, kids bikes, tandem bikes, and road bikes. What a cool way to see all the sights on Galveston Island, and with hardly any effort needed.
Every kind of transportation method is available on Galveston Island, with taxis, trolleys, a ferry, bikes, carriage rides, and walking. The challenge might be trying to figure which method to use because there are so many. Getting here doesn't have to be challenging, it just takes a little planning before hand, but will be worth it to experience all that Galveston Texas has to offer.
This Galveston travel guide was brought to you by Kate Johns.
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