Galveston

Galveston is a beach resort town in the Houston area. Every summer and spring break, Houstonians crowd the beaches of Galveston as well as tourists from all over the United States (notably the South). Other than beaches, Galveston also has many attractions such as a pleasure pier, the Schlitterbahn water park, and Moody Gardens (a resort complex). Galveston is home to East Beach which is known for being a "party beach". Many famous artists perform occasionally and special events take place. People looking for a good time crowd East Beach. Galveston also has many nightclubs. For people looking for family fun in the sun, Stewart Beach is the premier family beach in the Houston area. Volleyball tournaments and sandcastle competitions take place on Stewart Beach. Apart from sunbathing and clubbing, Galveston is also home to a wide range of shopping. Seawall Boulevard has many shops for beachgoers such as surf shops, sunglasses, sim wear, sunscreen, and souvenir shops as well as boutiques, clothing stores, and so on. Dining is also a big deal on the island, as Galveston is known for having some of the freshest seafood. There are also many burger shops and restaurants of all kind. Many restaurants are located on the beach.

• Climate - Semi-tropical; averaging 57°F in the winter months and 81°F in the summer months.

By plane

• Scholes International AirportThis is the only airport in Galveston, but only serves private and chartered flights.

• William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) One of two airports in Houston providing scheduled commercial flights into the metro area, and the closest commercial airport to Galveston. It is directly connected to Galveston by Interstate 45; the drive takes about 45 minutes. Hobby Airport is dominated by Southwest Airlines.
• George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) Also in Houston, and dominated by United Airlines. Take US Route 59 south into downtown Houston and exit into Interstate 45 south; you will pass by Hobby Airport en route. Allow at least 90 minutes to drive from IAH to Galveston, probably more during rush hour. IAH asks returning passengers to arrive 2 hours before check-in.

By car

• I-45 South is the easiest route from Houston to Galveston Island. The freeway becomes Broadway St. on the island.
• The San Luis Pass-Vacek Toll Bridge offers access to Galveston Island from Surfside Beach along State Highway 87. State Highway 288 connects the Greater Houston area to this route.

By bus

The Island Express, an inter-agency bus transfer, runs three times per weekday from Houston, for a total of about $9 each way.

By boat

• Bolivar Peninsula - Galveston Island Ferry is a free service that regularly runs between the island and Port Bolivar - located on mainland east of Galveston. For travel between Galveston and New Orleans, the ferry can save 30-40 minutes by avoiding Houston. The ferry is run on a first-come first-served basis, and there are often moderate waits during rush hour, and very long waits (on the order of 2-3 hours) on major holidays. Weekend evening waits also tend to be long.

By train

The national railroad operator Amtrak provides a Thruway bus service from Longview, connecting with its Texas Eagle. This train runs daily between Chicago and San Antonio, with through cars to and from Los Angeles three times per week. Additionally, the Sunset Limited, running three times per week between New Orleans and Los Angeles calls in nearby Houston. The bus stop is at 123 Rosenberg Street, next to the city's transit center.

The island is small enough that walking can take you most places, although it is not recommended in all neighborhoods, particularly outside the historic district, the Strand, and the Harborside district.
Seawall Blvd. is one of the busiest parts of Galveston, especially during the summer. Since Galveston streets are in a grid it is easy to find a less-busy parallel street to travel on, but watch out for unexpected one-way streets.
Metered street parking is available throughout the city, so bring change. The city operates a replica streetcar service, which operates in the historic district and parts of Seawall Blvd. Pedal cars are also available to rent from various vendors for use along the Seawall and the Strand. Island Transit offers limited bus service for the city.
Get taxi information or order a cab online or call Yellow Cab company of Galveston +1 409-763-3333

• Moody Gardens

  address: One Hope Blvd
  Botanical garden, indoor rainforest, aquarium, 3D movie theater, 4D special FX theater, water park, hotel, and golf course in one complex. The complex is made up of several large pyramids. Great place to take the kids for a whole day.

• Galveston Railroad Museum

  phone: +1 409-765-5700
  address: 2602 Santa Fe Plaza
  All sorts of railway things to see. It's in the old Galveston Railway Station, and the lobby is a huge period display. A large model train layout is also located in the museum.

• Haak Vineyards and Winery

  phone: +1 409-925-1401
  address: 6310 Ave T, Santa Fe, Texas
  Galveston County's only winery.

• Lone Star Flight Museum

  phone: +1 409-740-7722
  address: 2002 Terminal Dr
  Historic aviation legends. The museum has 40 historic operable aircraft and a large collection of other aviation artifacts.

• Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum

  phone: +1 409-766-7827
  Housed in a retired oil platform. Interesting exhibit for someone unfamiliar with the drilling process.

• Seawolf ParkHome of USS Cavalla and USS Stewart are berthed on Pelican Island.

• Strand National Historic Landmark DistrictAll sorts of old buildings and historical markers.

• Texas Seaport Museum

  phone: +1 409-763-1877
  address: Pier 21, Number 8
  Also home to several historic ships, including the 1877 tall ship Elissa.

• Schlitterbahn Galveston Island

  phone: +1 956 761-1160
  address: 100 Padre Blvd
  Next to Moody Garden and Scholes International Airport, this extension of the Schlitterbahn brand is an indoor/ outdoor water park for year-round entertainment. The indoor Wasserfest section is open year-round, while 2 outdoor sections are open during the summer. Most rides start from a river that runs from the highest point in the park to the lowest, with a conveyer belt to take tubers back to the top.

• Bolivar FerryFree ferry for automobiles and pedestrians between Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula. The ferry ride is about 25 minutes, but waiting times for the ferry can be considerably longer, especially on busy weekends. If the vehicle line is long, a good option is to stay in the right lane on Ferry Road, park your car, and walk on the ferry to ride it across and back. Good views of the bay, ship traffic, and sometimes wildlife. Children will have much fun feeding anything edible to sea gulls at the stern of the ferry.

• Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston

  phone: +1 409-770-9283
  address: 2026 Lockheed St

• San Luis PassOffers fishing, bird watching and boating. Amenities are offered at the San Luis Pass County Park, across the toll bridge, on the Brazoria County side. Tide levels here seem more prominent and can vary by almost 2 feet in height. Wading or swimming may not be allowed here due to dangers.

• Galveston Island State ParkJust a short drive west of Galveston's business district. While the Gulf shore campground and visitors center were destroyed by Ike, the park has reopened on a limited basis for day visitors.

• Cruise line travelCarnival and Princess cruise lines (perhaps others) have regular cruises which depart from Galveston.

• Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

  phone: +1 409-766-4950
  address: 2501 Seawall Blvd

The University of Texas Medical Branch is the island's major university. There is a significant "college town" feel to the section of the Strand nearest the university. It provides mostly postgraduate medical education.
Texas A&M University at Galveston, located on Pelican Island, is a branch campus of Texas A&M University. Its main fields of study include Marine Sciences, Marine Engineering, and Maritime Transportation. It is home to the Texas Maritime Academy.

The two largest employers on the island are UTMB (University of Texas Medical Branch) and ANICO (American National Insurance Company)

The Strand is an historic district near the docks with a variety of unique shops.

Budget

Mid-range

• Casey's Seafood Restaurant

  phone: +1 409-762-9625
  address: 3828 Seawall Blvd
  Casey's shares the same kitchen with Gaido's. Casey's offers the same dishes more inexpensively in a more casual atmosphere.

• La Estacion

  phone: +1 409-762-4262
  address: 2428 Ball St
  Arguably one of the best Mexican restaurants in town, serves breakfast and lunch only.

• Fisherman's Wharf

  phone: +1 409 765-5708
  address: Pier 22
  Great seafood restaurant located right next to the 1877 tall ship Elissa. Try the shrimp kisses.

• Fishtales

  phone: +1 409-762-8545
  address: 2502 Seawall Blvd

• Mosquito Cafe

  phone: +1 409-763-1010
  address: 628 14th St
  Fresh Homemade American Fusion

• Original Mexican Cafe

  phone: +1 409-762-6001
  address: 1401 Market St

• Olympia Grill

  phone: +1 409-766-1222
  address: 4908 Seawall Blvd
  Awesome Greek food.

• The Phoenix Bakery & Coffee Shop

  phone: +1 409-763-4611
  address: 2228 Mechanic St

• Rudy & PACO Restaurant

  phone: +1 409-762-3696
  address: 2028 Post Office St
  Quality Italian food

• Salsas Mexican & Seafood Restaurant

  phone: +1 409-621-2011
  address: 4604 Seawall Blvd

• Yaga's Tropical Cafe Club

  phone: +1 409-762-6676
  address: 2314 Strand St
  American food

• Olympia the Grill at Pier 21

  phone: +1 409-765-0021
  address: Pier 21 and Harborside
  Great Texas Gulf Seafood

Splurge

• Gaido's Seafood Restaurant

  phone: +1 409-762-9625
  address: 3828 Seawall Blvd

• Luigi's

  phone: +1 409 763-6500
  address: 2328 The Strand
  Best Northern Italian food anywhere near the Greater Houston metropolitan area. Highly recommended.

• Ocean Grille & Beach Bar

  phone: +1 409-974-4508
  address: 1228 Seawall Blvd
  Seafood, exciting over-the-water dining experience along the seawall

• Saltwater Grill

  phone: +1 409-762-3474
  address: 2017 Post Office St
  Fresh, original seafood dishes.

• Sky Bar Steak & Sushi

  phone: +1 409-621-4759
  address: 2107 Post Office St
  Sushi bar & grill.

• 3rd Coast Bar

  phone: +1 409-765-6911
  address: 9th and Seawall Blvd

• 21

  phone: +1 409-762-2101
  address: 2102 Postoffice

• Garza's Kon Tiki

  phone: +1 409-765-5805
  address: 315 Tremont

• JuJu Hangout & Bar

  phone: +1 409-765-9300
  address: 2408 Strand

• O'Malley's Stage Door Pub

  phone: +1 409-763-1731
  address: 2022 Postoffice

• The Press Box

  phone: +1 409-765-5958
  address: 2401 Postoffice

• Yaga's Cafe and Bar

  phone: +1 409-762-6676
  address: 2314 Strand

• Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe

  phone: +1 409-762-9199
  address: 413 20th St
  Come try Galveston's own Star Bock beer.

Budget

• Beachcomber Inn

• Best Value Inn & Suites

• Mariner Inn

• Gaido's Seaside Inn

• Ramada Limited Galveston

• Sandpiper Motel

  phone: +1 409-765-9431
  address: 201 Seawall Blvd
  A motel along the beach consisting mostly of private rooms. A couple of rooms have been converted into dorm rooms under the Hostelling International brand. Private rooms can be booked online, but call the motel directly to book a hostel bed.

Mid-range

• Avenue O Bed and Breakfast

  phone: +1 409-762-2868
  address: 2323 Ave O
  Avenue O offers uniquely themed rooms with double jacuzzis, private decks, TV/DVD players, refrigerators and microwaves. A full breakfast is served daily

• Best Western

• Commodore on the Beach

• Seascape

• By the Sea Condos

  phone: +1 409 740-0905
  address: 7310 Seawall Blvd
  24-hour security desk. All condos feature a balcony with a "million dollar" view of the Gulf of Mexico.

Splurge

• The Tremont House

  phone: +1 409-763-0300
  address: 2300 Mechanic St
  A historic Galveston hotel with modern amenities and rooms with marble baths, towel warmers, and elegant furnishings.

• Hotel Galvez And Spa

  phone: +1 409-765-7721
  address: 2024 Seawall Blvd
  A renowned AAA 4 diamond historical hotel featuring a brand new full service spa.

• Victorian Condo Hotel Resort

  phone: +1 409-740-3555
  address: 6300 Seawall Blvd

• San Luis Resort

  phone: +1 409-744-1500
  address: 5222 Seawall Blvd
  Huge hotel on the gulf, very popular for weddings.

• Moody Gardens Hotel

  phone: +1 409-741-8484
  address: 7 Hope Blvd

Vacation rentals

• Sand 'n Sea Pirates BeachA great selection of vacation rental accommodations on beautiful West Galveston Island

• The Olive Cottage

  phone: +1 409-762-0347
  The Olive Cottage is a nine room historical home. In 2004 it was featured in the Galveston Historic Homes Tour. The cottage offers its guests a comfortable setting to vacation and relax.

• 3 Beach Houses

  phone: +1 281-338-9800
  Unbelievably reasonable accommodations with an ocean view!

RV parks and campgrounds

• Bayou Shores RV Park

  phone: +1 409-744-2837
  address: 6310 Heards Ln

• Dellanera RV Park

  phone: +1 409-797-5102
  address: 10901 San Luis Pass Rd

• Galveston Island RV Park

  phone: +1 409-744-5464
  address: 2323 Skymaster

• Galveston Island RV Resort

  phone: +1 409-200-2745
  address: 23700 San Luis Pass Rd

• Galveston Island State Park

  phone: +1 409-737-1222
  address: 14901 FM 3005
  There are 66 camp sites in the park, with fees from $15 to $35 per night for the site, plus a $2 per-person activity fee, and applicable taxes.

• Maravilla Resort Condominiums

  phone: +1 409-740-1245
  address: 9520 Seawall Blvd

• San Luis Pass County Park

  address: 14001 CR 257, (Bluewater Highway) Freeport, TX 77541
  Across the San Luis Pass Bridge from Galveston Island, in Brazoria County.

• Stella Mare RV Resort

  phone: +1 409 632-7017
  address: 3418 Stella Mare Ln
  Stella Mare RV Resort is the premiere Galveston RV park!

Like any other tourist city, it is safe, but petty crime does happen. Use common sense, locking your car is a must. Bums will often hang out in the middle of the intersections.
Water currents can be a danger along any part of the island. Swimming near lifeguard stations and obeying safety signs may offer some assurance.
Straits have treacherous waters, largely due to murky water and fast moving currents: many drownings occur in the vicinity of the San Luis Pass compared to other areas off of nearby beaches.
Water current dangers are more prominent up to about one mile away from island straits not protected by a jetty. Entering the water is not allowed in many of these areas.

• Jamaica Beach
• Kemah
• Surfside
• Texas City