Why pack a suitcase--just stuff a few pairs of shorts, couple of t-shirts, sandals, tennis shoes and some towels and sunscreen in an overnight bag, and head off for sun, sand and surf! I live about 4 1/2 hours from Galveston, which is great when I want to take an impulsive getaway weekend. We try to squeeze a few "let's do it now" weekends in every year. And we are never disappointed with our mini vacations to the Texas Island.
Because we go to Galveston several times a year many people ask us what we like best? Everyone wants to know what are the best attractions the "Texas Tourist Mecca" offers to folks coming to rest, relax and spend hard earned money? I always answer that it depends on what you want to do in Galveston.
BEACHES, BEACHES,& MORE BEACHES
EAST BEACH, is the party beach where alcohol is allowed and concerts can be found. It has an outside patio beach bar, public pavilion and plenty of bikinis to watch! This beach also is the site of the annual AIA (architects and designers) Sandcastle Design Contest, which I highly recommend you go and see(so plan your trip in June when it is held). You will really not believe the sand castles these people build!
WEST GALVESTON ISLAND BEACHES are more picturesque and secluded. They are where you find the lovely expensive designer seaside homes of the island. Two beaches are open to the public Pocket Beach #1 and Pocket Beach #2. World class fishing abounds off this coastal seascape and Audubon says that this part of Galveston Island is one of the top Birding locations in America. Grab your beach chair, sunscreen and a stocked ice chest then relax without being overwhelmed by thousands of tourists on these mellow beaches.
STEWART BEACH, the popular tourist venue, is perhaps Galveston's most famous beach. It is 10 miles long and runs parallel to the historic Galveston seawall. The Galveston seawall was built years ago(after the devastating Hurricane of 1900) to protect the thriving gulf town from ocean flooding and hurricanes. Many hotels and vacation condos sit back off the edge of the beach seawall and allow easy access to the sand and sea. Restaurants and boutiques line the streets which run up and down the length of the beach seawall and you can rent sun shade umbrellas and chairs at many beach stations making this the #1 family and tourist beach. It is also famous for the rows of sand volleyball nets and endless games that go on until darkness covers the view of the ball.
PALM BEACH at MOODY GARDENS, is the white, white, white sand and fresh water swimming playland of Galveston. Here you will find all the attractions the kids want to see and do. Moody Gardens is well worth a look-see. Have you ever been in a pyramid? There are 3 main pyramids to visit: the Aquarium...the Rain-forest in a pyramid...and the Discovery Pyramid of hands on science. I love this place and it is not just for kids!
NATURE LOVERS' PARADISE
If you are a back-to-the-earth kind of person you must go and ramble around Galveston Island State park. The 2,000 acre park is found on the west side of the island and offers you a chance to get off the beaten path and spend your vacation time with an affordable "back to nature" sojourn. The park offers camping, birdwatching, nature study, hiking, bike riding, fishing, and beach swimming (unsupervised beaches).It is also a dog friendly park, so take the dogs with you, don't leave them in a kennel! This state park is a must do for anyone who is bird watcher, as it is a migratory site for many unusual birds you will not find in your backyard.(Our personal non-touristy place on the island!)
FAMILY ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO FOR YOUNG or 'OLDER' FOLKS
If you get tired of the sand and sun, or are just not a true sun-worshiper, Galveston has many things to do and see away from the sea and sand. If you want to do the "touristy things", I always recommend the Lone Star Flight Museum because it has about 40 airplanes you only see in movies and it is FREE! Plus it is next to Moody Gardens and the Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark. Everybody in the family will love the planes and the waterpark.
The small island has a wealth of art galleries and museums. Check out the Mardi Gras Museum of costumes and memorabilia, then take the family to the Texas Seaport Museum and visit a sailing legend the "Tall Ship" Elissa. If you are a art lover stroll the "Strand", a 5 block downtown of refurbished historical Victorian buildings and spend a leisurely afternoon visiting boutiques, bistros and galleries. You will also find an unusual game at Saengerfest Park nestled alongside the "Strand": a life size chess board and pieces stand waiting for human players to move them to their next squares.
If you love visiting interesting buildings and learning about historical architecture go see St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica. This historic church is one of the few buildings to make through the famous and devastating Galveston Hurricane or 1900. It was built in 1847 and mass is still held there 6 days a week. History buffs will enjoy other buildings with unusual architecture and interesting histories like Ashton Villa, Bishop's Palace and Moody Mansion.
Two of the nightlife attractions we enjoy each time we go to Galveston are the Strand Street Theater and the Grand 1894 Opera House. Something is usually playing at one of them that catches our interest. And you might take a romantic carriage ride after the show around the "the Strand" boulevard ending at a late night cafe for dessert!
I must mention one other "to do" attraction Galveston offers. Deep sea fishing boat excursions, which are something you must try once in a lifetime. You can reserve 4 hr, 8 hr or 12 hr trips and be sure to take an ice chest packed with your favorite refreshments!
Galveston with its semi-tropical weather is a joy to visit anytime of the year and there is much to do and experience on the gulf island no matter if you are going for a romantic weekend, or an impulsive getaway, or a family vacation. Casual restaurants or fancy resorts..party beaches or secluded beaches...art galleries or waterparks--there is something for all ages and all types of people to enjoy!
This guide to a Galveston getaway was brought to you by Pam Uher.