A Guidebook to Galveston
Sightseeing
As Galveston Island’s premiere attraction, Moody Gardens offers your family opportunities for fun in the sun, as well as indoor learning experiences.
Any one of the pyramids provides hours of entertainment, but there is much more to discover with the rest of the attractions. There are two state-of-the-art theaters offering an exciting combination of entertainment and education. The IMAX 3D Theater features the largest screen in Texas, and projects the latest and best documentaries on science and nature. The 4D Special FX Theater, which supplements its showings with a wide array of real-life sensory effects, giving viewers a much fuller experience of the films on the screen.
Beginning in early spring, the Colonial Paddlewheel Boat takes passengers on an hour-long cruise around Galveston Bay. Passage is included day passes, and there’s no better way to take a break from exploring the rest of the park than a leisurely cruise through the waters of Galveston Bay.
During the summer months, Moody Gardens offers its visitors even more activity, with the Palm Beach water park and its popular series Bands on the Sand, featuring both local and regional musicians—not to mention fireworks—every Friday and Saturday night!
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Moody Gardens
1 Hope BlvdAs Galveston Island’s premiere attraction, Moody Gardens offers your family opportunities for fun in the sun, as well as indoor learning experiences.
Any one of the pyramids provides hours of entertainment, but there is much more to discover with the rest of the attractions. There are two state-of-the-art theaters offering an exciting combination of entertainment and education. The IMAX 3D Theater features the largest screen in Texas, and projects the latest and best documentaries on science and nature. The 4D Special FX Theater, which supplements its showings with a wide array of real-life sensory effects, giving viewers a much fuller experience of the films on the screen.
Beginning in early spring, the Colonial Paddlewheel Boat takes passengers on an hour-long cruise around Galveston Bay. Passage is included day passes, and there’s no better way to take a break from exploring the rest of the park than a leisurely cruise through the waters of Galveston Bay.
During the summer months, Moody Gardens offers its visitors even more activity, with the Palm Beach water park and its popular series Bands on the Sand, featuring both local and regional musicians—not to mention fireworks—every Friday and Saturday night!
Schlitterbahn Waterpark is a definite on your Galveston "to-do" list, perfect for all ages. Built on 26-acres of land, this vast waterpark has it all. If you have small children, the Wasserfest Kids Area is the place to begin. Age-appropriate slides, gentle waterfalls and a setup perfect for parental surveillance makes it a fun and easy place to take the little ones. The Torrent Beach Kids Area is where it's at for the older kids, where they can enjoy wave pools, deeper water and faster waterfalls. Teens will enjoy the many adrenaline-inducing water slides, while adults can indulge in an "adult" frosty beverage at the heated pool and swim-up bar.
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Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark
2109 Gene Lucas BlvdSchlitterbahn Waterpark is a definite on your Galveston "to-do" list, perfect for all ages. Built on 26-acres of land, this vast waterpark has it all. If you have small children, the Wasserfest Kids Area is the place to begin. Age-appropriate slides, gentle waterfalls and a setup perfect for parental surveillance makes it a fun and easy place to take the little ones. The Torrent Beach Kids Area is where it's at for the older kids, where they can enjoy wave pools, deeper water and faster waterfalls. Teens will enjoy the many adrenaline-inducing water slides, while adults can indulge in an "adult" frosty beverage at the heated pool and swim-up bar.
For waterfront fun and entertainment, there is no other destination like the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. This historic landmark features family-oriented attractions including rides, midway games, a wide selection of food venues and retail shops. It is known as one of the largest amusement piers in the country, with 17 rides and a just shy of a dozen midway games.
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Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
2501 Seawall BlvdFor waterfront fun and entertainment, there is no other destination like the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. This historic landmark features family-oriented attractions including rides, midway games, a wide selection of food venues and retail shops. It is known as one of the largest amusement piers in the country, with 17 rides and a just shy of a dozen midway games.
Johnson Space Center is the training base and home to our nation’s astronauts and the site of Mission Control.There are multiple experiences that you may enjoy based on which iconic locations you want to visit and the amount of time you have available.
On the NASA Tram Tour, you will be guided through different historic locations on the base. Every tour has the option to visit Rocket Park, where an actual Saturn V rockets is displayed, along with other rockets that propelled space exploration.
Visit the iconic Christopher C. Kraft Mission Control and discover the Apollo Mission Control Center from which NASA led Gemini and Apollo missions, including the momentous first lunar landing mission as well as early space shuttle missions.
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Johnson geimmiðstöðin
2101 E NASA PkwyJohnson Space Center is the training base and home to our nation’s astronauts and the site of Mission Control.There are multiple experiences that you may enjoy based on which iconic locations you want to visit and the amount of time you have available.
On the NASA Tram Tour, you will be guided through different historic locations on the base. Every tour has the option to visit Rocket Park, where an actual Saturn V rockets is displayed, along with other rockets that propelled space exploration.
Visit the iconic Christopher C. Kraft Mission Control and discover the Apollo Mission Control Center from which NASA led Gemini and Apollo missions, including the momentous first lunar landing mission as well as early space shuttle missions.
Galveston Island State Park protects 2,000 acres of upper Gulf Coast barrier island ecosystem. This is the last undeveloped land on Galveston Island that allows public access from the beach and Gulf waters, through the coastal prairie, and into the wetlands toward the bay. Come to the island to stroll the beach or splash in the waves. Or come to the island to fish or look for coastal birds. No matter what brings you here, you’ll find a refuge at Galveston Island State Park. Just an hour from Houston, but an island apart!
With both beach and bay sides, Galveston Island State Park offers activities for every coast lover. You can swim, fish, picnic, bird watch, hike, mountain bike, paddle, camp, geocache, study nature or just relax! Visit our nature center to learn more about the park and its programs. Fish in the bay area or beach-side. There are canoe/kayak launches and a fish cleaning station. Remember, you do not need a fishing license to fish from shore in a state park. Hike or bike four miles of trails through the park’s varied habitats. Stop at the observation platform or photo blinds, and stroll boardwalks over dunes and marshes.
14901 FM3005
14901 Farm to Market Road 3005Galveston Island State Park protects 2,000 acres of upper Gulf Coast barrier island ecosystem. This is the last undeveloped land on Galveston Island that allows public access from the beach and Gulf waters, through the coastal prairie, and into the wetlands toward the bay. Come to the island to stroll the beach or splash in the waves. Or come to the island to fish or look for coastal birds. No matter what brings you here, you’ll find a refuge at Galveston Island State Park. Just an hour from Houston, but an island apart!
With both beach and bay sides, Galveston Island State Park offers activities for every coast lover. You can swim, fish, picnic, bird watch, hike, mountain bike, paddle, camp, geocache, study nature or just relax! Visit our nature center to learn more about the park and its programs. Fish in the bay area or beach-side. There are canoe/kayak launches and a fish cleaning station. Remember, you do not need a fishing license to fish from shore in a state park. Hike or bike four miles of trails through the park’s varied habitats. Stop at the observation platform or photo blinds, and stroll boardwalks over dunes and marshes.
The Surfside Crabbing Pier is the spot for crabbing in the Brazosport Area. The crabbing pier is fed by Swan Lake on the marsh side of Bluewater Highway.
New to crabbing? Just tie a chicken neck on a string and drop the string in the water. When you feel a tug on the string slowly pull it out of the water and scoop it up with a net. The crabbing pier is located directly across the street from Stahlman Park.
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Surfside Crabbing Pier
2255 Bluewater HwyThe Surfside Crabbing Pier is the spot for crabbing in the Brazosport Area. The crabbing pier is fed by Swan Lake on the marsh side of Bluewater Highway.
New to crabbing? Just tie a chicken neck on a string and drop the string in the water. When you feel a tug on the string slowly pull it out of the water and scoop it up with a net. The crabbing pier is located directly across the street from Stahlman Park.
Food scene
Some people describe the Strand as Galveston's Bourbon Street, due to its diverse food and beverage scene. The Stand offers an exceptional culinary experience for "cost adverse" and "bougie foodies" alike. People watching while drinking and dining is a favorite past-time on the Strand; it does not disappoint, especially during festivals.
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Strand Historic District
2100 The StrandSome people describe the Strand as Galveston's Bourbon Street, due to its diverse food and beverage scene. The Stand offers an exceptional culinary experience for "cost adverse" and "bougie foodies" alike. People watching while drinking and dining is a favorite past-time on the Strand; it does not disappoint, especially during festivals.
Those in search of a classic Galveston dining experience can truly only be after one thing: seafood. Having been in existence since 1911, Gaido’s Seaside Inn is nothing if not a Galveston institution. In fact, ever since Sin Giacinto Gaido opened his restaurant more than 100 years ago, Gaido’s has been praised for its fresh seafood offerings. It is a reputation that it is still known for today, though the restaurant can also hold on to a few more claims to fame, such as its famous pecan pie and its signature Southern dishes. No trip to the island of Galveston is complete without a visit to one of its most beloved restaurants.
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Gaidos Seafood Restaurant
3828 Seawall BoulevardThose in search of a classic Galveston dining experience can truly only be after one thing: seafood. Having been in existence since 1911, Gaido’s Seaside Inn is nothing if not a Galveston institution. In fact, ever since Sin Giacinto Gaido opened his restaurant more than 100 years ago, Gaido’s has been praised for its fresh seafood offerings. It is a reputation that it is still known for today, though the restaurant can also hold on to a few more claims to fame, such as its famous pecan pie and its signature Southern dishes. No trip to the island of Galveston is complete without a visit to one of its most beloved restaurants.
Mario’s Seawall Italian Restaurant is located just steps away from the beach and offers stunning views of the Gulf Coast. It is the oldest Italian restaurant in Galveston. Even throughout all of its years of operation, Mario’s seems to have remained a favorite with the locals, as well as vacationers. The restaurant is well known for its unique atmosphere and exceptional service, but people come back for the food.
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Mario's Seawall Italian Restaurant
628 Seawall BlvdMario’s Seawall Italian Restaurant is located just steps away from the beach and offers stunning views of the Gulf Coast. It is the oldest Italian restaurant in Galveston. Even throughout all of its years of operation, Mario’s seems to have remained a favorite with the locals, as well as vacationers. The restaurant is well known for its unique atmosphere and exceptional service, but people come back for the food.
The Tipsy Turtle is the only true beach bar and grill on the Island! They have a beachfront view that is to die for, with a deck that's elevated over 15 feet. It is outside dining and beachwear is expected! You can enjoy great pub-like food, while sipping on your favorite beach drink, while overlooking the sand and the sea.
Listen to live music on the weekends, while playing corn hole on the deck.
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Tipsy Turtle Seaside Bar & Grill
11745 Termini-San Luis Pass RdThe Tipsy Turtle is the only true beach bar and grill on the Island! They have a beachfront view that is to die for, with a deck that's elevated over 15 feet. It is outside dining and beachwear is expected! You can enjoy great pub-like food, while sipping on your favorite beach drink, while overlooking the sand and the sea.
Listen to live music on the weekends, while playing corn hole on the deck.
Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar is the place to go if you want some good ol' southern cooking, this little bistro offers expertise in steam kettle cooking with offerings such as traditional gumbos, seafood stews, and cioppino.
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Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar Galveston
2107 Postoffice StLittle Daddy’s Gumbo Bar is the place to go if you want some good ol' southern cooking, this little bistro offers expertise in steam kettle cooking with offerings such as traditional gumbos, seafood stews, and cioppino.
Neighborhoods
Jamaica Beach is located on Galveston Island’s West End, and is surrounded by the city of Galveston to its East and West, but has been its own city since 1975. This beach town takes pride in this, with its own fire department, police department, city hall and city ordinances, separate from the City of Galveston.
This city inside a city offers the best of both worlds – beachfront and bayfront homes, and everything in between – beachside, canal front and dry lots. Jamaica Beach is far enough out to be away from the hustle and bustle of Seawall (8 miles), and not too far away from most of the island attractions (10 miles from 61st Street).
City of Jamaica Beach offers a family friendly atmosphere, and quiet hours are enforced from 10 pm to 7 am.
Jamaica Beach pool passes are $5 per person per day for anyone six and over and must be purchased directly from the Jamaica Beach Community Park Pool. Marina boat launch access is $10 per day.
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Jamaica Beach
Jamaica Beach is located on Galveston Island’s West End, and is surrounded by the city of Galveston to its East and West, but has been its own city since 1975. This beach town takes pride in this, with its own fire department, police department, city hall and city ordinances, separate from the City of Galveston.
This city inside a city offers the best of both worlds – beachfront and bayfront homes, and everything in between – beachside, canal front and dry lots. Jamaica Beach is far enough out to be away from the hustle and bustle of Seawall (8 miles), and not too far away from most of the island attractions (10 miles from 61st Street).
City of Jamaica Beach offers a family friendly atmosphere, and quiet hours are enforced from 10 pm to 7 am.
Jamaica Beach pool passes are $5 per person per day for anyone six and over and must be purchased directly from the Jamaica Beach Community Park Pool. Marina boat launch access is $10 per day.
San Luis Pass and Treasure Island have been known all over the United States for being a saltwater fishing hotspot and the most amazing sunrises & sunsets! Enjoy the Gulf-side's pedestrian beach (golf carts welcomed) where you can enjoy a day building sandcastles or jumping in the foamy surf. You can go on a sea-shell finding expedition, boogie board, fish and build an evening bonfire. Did we mention how fun it is to ride a golf cart throughout the village and along the beach? You can also utilize the available launch for your boat or fishing pier on the bayside.
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Freeport
San Luis Pass and Treasure Island have been known all over the United States for being a saltwater fishing hotspot and the most amazing sunrises & sunsets! Enjoy the Gulf-side's pedestrian beach (golf carts welcomed) where you can enjoy a day building sandcastles or jumping in the foamy surf. You can go on a sea-shell finding expedition, boogie board, fish and build an evening bonfire. Did we mention how fun it is to ride a golf cart throughout the village and along the beach? You can also utilize the available launch for your boat or fishing pier on the bayside.
While Surfside Beach is superb for lounging and swimming, that’s not all it has to offer. As its name hints, Surfside Beach is well known for its consistent waves that provide some of the best surfing in Texas. Deep coastal waters, coastal reefs, and offshore oil platforms offer ideal conditions for all sorts of fish to thrive, making for some of the best fishing in Texas.Just within Surfside Beach, there are eight local restaurants to choose from. These range from beachfront cafes to eateries serving up hamburgers and fresh seafood. Quite a few of these restaurants double as bars, providing relaxed places to hang out long after the sun has set.
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Surfside Beach
206 Starfish StreetWhile Surfside Beach is superb for lounging and swimming, that’s not all it has to offer. As its name hints, Surfside Beach is well known for its consistent waves that provide some of the best surfing in Texas. Deep coastal waters, coastal reefs, and offshore oil platforms offer ideal conditions for all sorts of fish to thrive, making for some of the best fishing in Texas.Just within Surfside Beach, there are eight local restaurants to choose from. These range from beachfront cafes to eateries serving up hamburgers and fresh seafood. Quite a few of these restaurants double as bars, providing relaxed places to hang out long after the sun has set.