This island, when first explored by Europeans, was an Akokisa Indian settlement and was used by the Karankawa Indians as a hunting and fishing site. Pirate jean Laffite established a settlement here in 1817 and it was used as a port for the Texas Navy during the Texas Revolution. In 1838, following the war, a group of investors founded a permanent town, which was incorperated into Texas the following year. Galveston Island has 32-miles of beach and many historic attractions.
Things to do in Galveston
Aquarium Pyramid
This pyramid houses more than 100,000-square-feet of exhibit space and nearly two million gallons of water, which showcases the ocean waters of the North pacific, the Edge of the Antarctic, the tropical Pacific's Great Barrier Reef and the Caribbean. Visitors can view the ocean habitats from two separate levels, a shoreline view and a view from above water.
Ashton Villa
This Historical Foundation can be found in a restored 1859 Italian house-museum that reflects the opulence of the era in which it was built. Visitors can take guided tours of the Gold Room and the elegant family quarters. Located at 2328 Broadway. Open Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm and Sunday noon - 4pm.
Bishop's Palace
Galveston's most celebrated landmark is the State's only structure on the list of the nation's 100 outstanding buildings by the American Institute of Architects. The "Palace" was built as a private home by Colonel Walter Gresham in 1886 and then purchased in 1923 for the Bishop of the Galveston-Houston Diocese. Located at 1402 Broadway Boulevard. Open daily noon - 4pm during winter; Summer hours are Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm and Sunday noon - 5pm. Call 409-762-2475 for more information.
Center for Transportation and Commerce (Railroad Museum)
At these once-active tracks, visitors can view more than 35 vintage railroad cars and steam engines. The historical Santa Fe depot has been restored to its 1932, art-deco style. One exhibit is a People's Gallery with dozens of life-sized figures that re-create a busy depot scene right out of the 1930s. Open daily 10am - 5pm. Located on Rosenberg Street at foot of the Strand.
Colonel, Excursion Boat
This modern triple-deck paddle wheeler recaptures the romance of the 19th-Century river steamboats on daily 1-hour sightseeing cruises of Galveston Bay and the port. Evening dinner cruises and moonlight dance cruises are available on Saturday nights. Sightseeing trips include interpretive narration, a live band, buffet on dinner cruises and rooms for private parties. The Colonel departs from Moody Gardens at One Hope Boulevard. Call 409-740-7797 for more information.
Discovery Pyramid
The second in a trilogy of unique glass pyramids. NASA's Johnson Space Center and the non-profit Moody Gardens teamed up to bring all the wonders of space into amazing focus for the guests of Moody Gardens. This pyramid also has three IMAX Ridefilm Theaters, offering visitors a thrilling motion-based space film they won't soon forget. Space travelers strap themselves into their seats and hold on for a moving and shaking ride across the cosmos while their senses are enhanced by a 180-degree wraparound screen.
Ferry Rides
This diesel ferries operate every 20 minutes between Galveston and Port Bolivar. The ferries are part of the Texas highway system, operated toll-free by the Texas Department of Transportation.
Fishing Piers
Surf fishermen try their luck almost anywhere along beach. Free municipal jetties and rock groin piers can be found along Seawall Blvd. at 10th, 17th, 30th, 37th, and 61st Streets. Commercial fishing piers are located on Seawall Blvd. at 25th, 61st, and 90th Streets and at Seawolf Park on Pelican Island. Flanking the ship channel between Galveston and Bolivar Peninsula are South Jetty (extreme east end of Galveston Island), and North Jetty (from Bolivar Peninsula). Fishermen catch flounder, speckled trout, redfish, croaker, tarpon, sheep head, catfish, and other species.
Fishing, Deep-Sea
Exciting varieties of food and game fish are found in the Gulf waters off Galveston Island. Fishermen may join one of the many party boats for bay or offshore action. You will find many free public and commercially operated launching ramps and marinas for private craft available. Offshore species are sailfish, marlin, ling, wahoo, king mackerel, bonito, pompano, red snapper, warsaw, dolphin, and other big league species. Reservations at Piers 18, 19 and Galveston Yacht Basin are required.
Fort Crockett
This fort was a primary artillery defense installation that was built in 1897. The fort was closed in 1947, however several buildings remain in use by Galveston College, Texas A&M University at Galveston and the National Marine Fisheries Service. Massive coastal artillery bunkers can still be seen here but most have been incorporated into the foundation of the nearby hotel and conference center. Located at Seawall Blvd. between 45th and 53rd Streets.
Galveston County Historical Museum
This museum showcases displays from one of Texas' most historic cities plus a variety of changing exhibits. Housed in the former private bank building of W.L. Moody Jr., circa 1919. Located at 2219 Market Street. Open Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm; Sunday noon - 4pm.
Galveston Harbor Tours
Visitors can board the M/V Seagull for a 45-minute narrated boat tour of the Port of Galveston. Get a close-up look at the working waterfront and local marine life. Special bird watching cruises are available. The tours depart from Pier 22 at the north end of 22nd Street. The schedule varies so please call in advance. Located at Pier 22 at Harborside Drive. Call 409-765-1700 for more information.
Galveston Island Beach
Galveston offers visitors thirty-two miles of sandy beach washed by the Gulf of Mexico. This beach is located within the city and is surrounded by hotels, condos, restaurant and amusement attractions. Parking fees are charged at certain beach recreation areas. Free parking is available elsewhere along the 32-mile beachfront. Call 409-762-3278 for more information.
Galveston island Municipal Golf Course
1700 Sydnor Lane, Galveston, TX
Galveston Island Outdoor Musicals
The 1,700-seat outdoor theater in Galveston Island State Park alternates different Broadway musicals nightly at 8pm, except Sunday, from early June through late August. Free park admission for theater visitors. Located six miles south on FM 3005 at 13 Mile Road. Call 409-737-3440 for more information.
Galveston Yacht Basin
The yacht basin offers complete marina services and has slips for hundreds of pleasure craft. Marina service includes gas, repair services, fishing tackle and bait shops, radar weather reports and 24-hour security guards.
Garten Verein
This octagonal structure, circa 1870, is still used as a city recreation building. Victorian accents are evident in the trim of the two picturesque roof levels. Located at 27th Street & Avenue O.
Grand 1894 Opera House
This performing arts hall, built in 1894, was a multimillion-dollar restoration project that has returned this beautifully ornate building to its original grandeur. The 73rd Legislature named it the Texas Official Opera House. Stage productions are frequently scheduled. Open daily for self-guided tours. Located at 2020 Post Office Street. Call 409-765-1894 for more information.
Great Storm
This award winning, multi-image presentation uses historic photographs and special effects to re-create the aftermath of the 1900 hurricane that devastated Galveston. The 27-minute program shows on the hour. Open Sunday - Thursday 11am - 6pm; Friday and Saturday from 11am - 8pm. Located at Pier 21 at the North end of 21st Street Call 409-763-8808 for more information.
Historic Churches
There are numerous historic churches to view in Galveston. The First Lutheran Church, founded in 1850, is located at 25th and Winnie. The First Presbyterian Church, built in 1873, is located at 19th and Church. The Grace Episcopal Church, founded as the mission of Trinity Church in 1874. The Opposite Bishop's Palace is located at 14th Street and Broadway. St. Mary's Cathedral, built in 1848, is located at 21st and Church Streets. The Trinity Episcopal Church, built in 1857, located at 22nd at Winnie Street.
IMAX Theater/Visitor Center
Projects 3D films on a 6-story screen. Located within the complex is the Visitor Center and the Gardens Restaurant overlooking the Gulf waters and a nightly presentation of Dancing Waters.
Lone Star Flight Museum
The golden age of aviation is recalled by more than two dozen vintage aircraft, from a meticulously restored B-17 Flying Fortress to spindly liaison aircraft. There's a razorback P-47 Thunderbolt, a P-38 Lightning, a Spitfire, plus other bombers, trainers and wartime executive aircraft, all in flying condition. Located at the Scholes International Airport at 2002 Terminal Drive. Open daily 10am - 5pm except major holidays.
Mardi Gras Museum
This colorful museum exhibits historic costumes, crown jewels and memorabilia to tell the story of Galveston's carnival celebrations. Located at 2311 Ships Mechanic Row. Open Monday - Friday 10am - 8pm; Saturday 10am -10pm; Sunday 10am - 6pm.
Menard Home
The Michel B. Menard Home, built in 1838 by Galveston's founder in the days of the Republic of Texas, is Galveston's oldest home. It was host to the city's first Mardi Gras celebration. The mansion has been restored and furnished with an outstanding collection of Federal and American Empire antiques. Open weekends, but hours vary. Call ahead for information. Located at 1605 33rd Street. Call 409-762-3933 for more information.
Moody Gardens
This 156-acre, eight phase project of the Moddy Foundation includes the Aquarium Pyramid, the Discovery Pyramid and the Rainforest Pyramid among other features. Located at One Hope Boulevard. Open daily 10am - 5pm(4pm in winter). Call 409-744-4673 for more information.
Moody Mansion and Museum
This home, build in 1892, is a great example of transitional Victorian architecture. It is the former home and center of business for Texas entrepreneur W.L. Moody, Jr. Collections include antiques, silver, photographs and other works of art. Open Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm and Sunday 1pm - 4:30pm. Closed on Monday January - March. Located at 2618 Broadway. Call 409-762-7668 for more information.
Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum
The Offshore Energy Center operates a state-of-the-art facility giving the visitors a better understanding of how oil and gas is produced offshore. Visitors can tour the refurbished jack up and learn about drilling procedures and production, marine transportation, and environmental protection. Open daily 10am - 5pm and until 4pm in winter. Call 713-464-0510 for more information.
Palm Beach
This beach is Texas' only white sand beach. It has freshwater swimming lagoons, whirlpools, volleyball pits, a 400-foot pier/dock and paddleboats. The Yellow Submarine and Octopus Slide features a 30-foot submarine with fully operational periscope, water gun and dive horn. Open weekends in May and daily mid-May - Labor Day. Call 800-582-4673 for more information.
Pelican Island
Located just across the channel from the Port of Galveston is Pelican Island, home to significant industrial and recreational development. On the south edge is Newport Corporation and Texas A&M University at Galveston. On the northern side is Seawolf Park and scenic palms and banks of oleanders.
Port Of Galveston
This was the first major port in Texas and was Texas' commercial link to the rest of the world. The now modern port handles ships from throughout the world and is so successful that it is the only major port facility in the United States not supported by public funds.
Rainforest Pyramid
Rising 10 stories above the ground the pyramid represents the rain forests of Asia, Africa, and South America. Visitors can experience the exotic rain forest; waterfalls, cliffs, caverns, Mayan Colonnade and an ever-changing array of tropical plants. Clear, blue pools are filled with tropical fish. The Bat Cave turns night into day so visitors are able to see 60 fruit bats behind large glassed-in cave. Open Sunday - Thursday 10am - 6pm and Friday - Saturday 10am - 9pm from Labor Day through Memorial Day. Open during the summer from 10am - 9pm. Call 800-582-4673 for more information.
Rosenberg Library
This free and public library was the first of its kind in Texas. It contains many original manuscripts and letters of Samuel May Williams, Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin and other prominent figures in Texas history. Located at 2310 Sealy Avenue. Open Monday - Saturday, 9am - 9pm; Sunday 1- 5pm from August - May. Closed Sunday June - July.
Seawolf Park
This picturesque location provides a close look at the ocean-going vessels entering and departing the port and yacht basin. Excellent fishing can be enjoyed from the commercially operated pier. The striking three-level pavilion offers a snack bar, picnic facilities and a children's playground. The main attraction is a naval exhibit featuring tours of the USS Cavalla, the USS Stewart, a Navy jet and military vehicles. Open daily on Pelican Island. Call 409-797-5114 for more information.
Texas Heroes Monument
This monument is a gift to the State of Texas from Galveston philanthropist Henry Rosenberg. It commemorates the great achievements of the men and women of Texas. It is 74 feet high with four monolithic granite columns rising to support the 22-foot bronze figure of Victory. Erected in 1900 it stands at the intersection of Broadway and Rosenberg Avenue.
Texas Seaport Museum
This museum is home of the Elissa square-rigged, 400-ton barkentine, which was built in Scotland in 1877. Though just a visitor in her sailing days, Elissa has now returned as a museum of 19th-century maritime technology. Open daily 10am - 5pm. Located on pier 21. Call 409-763-1877 for more information.
The Strand
This area was once the Wall Street of the Southwest and today is one of the finest concentrations of 19th-Century iron-front commercial buildings in the U.S. The Strand is lined with gaslights and features art galleries, studios, specialty shops, restaurants, pubs, delicatessens, historical exhibits and even an old-fashioned candy factory within a 36-block area. Often the site of annual city festivals, especially Dickens on The Strand each December and Mardi Gras celebrations in early spring. This National Historic Landmark District is located on Strand and Mechanic Streets between 20th and 25th Streets.
Trolley Cars
These nostalgic trolley cars connect the beach at the seawall to the historic Strand/Bay area. They are replicas of 1900 vintage cars and glide for 4 1/2 miles along tracks much like those in the city's early days. Schedule can be found posted along the route.
Visitor Information Centers
Here visitors can find details on activities, events, tours, recreation facilities and historic sites Free maps and literature can also be obtained here. Located at Moody Gardens at One Hope Blvd., and also in the Strand Historic District at 2016 Strand.