Best Things To Do in Galveston, Texas

Are you looking for what to do in Galveston?

  • Galveston Island Railroad Museum: One of the best rolling stock collections in the nation.
  • Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum: An excellent exhibit covering the ins and outs of the drilling process.
  • Strand National Historic Landmark District: Beautiful old buildings and historical landmarks.
  • Texas Seaport Museum: Combined with the Elissa, it’s an immigration history museum with some beautiful exhibits.
  • Bolivar Ferry: Galveston’s main and undeniably free attraction (so long time isn’t your money). Beautiful views, but long queues can really bug you.

Below we have a list of things to do in Galveston and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Galveston getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Galveston with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Galveston

Here is the list of things to do in Galveston and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Ferry Terminal To Port Bolivar

    Entertainment, Boating, Ferry

    Ferry Terminal To Port Bolivar, the most popular way onto Galveston, is also the city’s most popular attraction! The free port bolivar ferry ride in Texas. Terrific views of the bay between Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula and the occasional dolphin make the Galveston ferry ride especially exciting for kids visiting for the first time. On the route, you’ll e...Read more
  2. The Seawall Boulevard

    Waterfront, Walking Area, Boulevard

    Galveston was hit so hard by the Galveston Hurricane of 1900 that the city built itself a seawall against future hurricane destruction. The 10 km long structure however, does a lot more than just protect the city. It’s practically a playground. For many kilometres along it, you’ll be able to spot ‘mural art’ on it. It’s an excellent place to bike, walk or people wa...Read more
  3. Pleasure Pier

    4.4 (614 Votes)
    Pleasure Pier

    Landmark, Pier, Entertainment, Broadway

    1 roller coaster, 15 rides, carnival games and souvenir shops. Very standard, but very well done. The pier has been built to replace an older Pleasure Pier that was destroyed by hurricanes. Though this won’t be the best amusement park you’ve ever seen, it’s definitely got a cozy sort of charm that’s perfect for Galveston. Four hours here will pass quickly!
  4. Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark

    Water Park, Entertainment

    Schlitterbahn Waterpark is a fun place to enjoy with friends, family and large groups. The waterpark features many thrilling water slides, water coasters, raft rides, and wave rivers. The location also provides for an indoor waterpark which has surf rides, wave rivers, speed slides, heated pool for kids, refreshment bar and a lot more. There’s also free parking, free tubes and a gift shop...Read more
  5. Bishop's Palace

    4.6 (700 Votes)
    Bishop's Palace

    Historical Site, Palace, Architecture

    Also known as Gresham’s Castle, Bishop’s Palace is a Victorian-style house with colored stones, rare wood, bronze dragons, intricately carved monuments, sculptures, and spectacular fireplaces. The building has been accredited as one of the 100 most important buildings of America by the American Institute of Architects. This historic landmark is an architectural treasure everyone vis...Read more
  6. Tree Sculptures

    Art And Culture, Outdoors, Landmark, Sculpture

    When hurricane Ike destroyed thousands of trees in 2008, nobody had thought that anything fruitful could be done with those dead trees. But then, the citizens and some volunteers came together to carve beautiful sculptures out of these dead trees which is now a famous tourist attraction by the name of Tree Sculptures. This out of the world site gives you a lot of inspiration of what human mind ...Read more
  7. Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig And Museum

    View Point, Specialty Museum

    Ocean star offshore drilling rig and museum is public museum dedicated to the offshore oil and gas industry. Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum located in Galveston, Texas. The Offshore museum galveston is established on a retired jack-up rig. Funded by private donations, admissions, and corporate donations, it opened in 1997. The museum exhibits you can explore the rem...Read more
  8. Moody Mansion Museum

    4.6 (453 Votes)
    Moody Mansion Museum

    Museum, Architecture , Mansion

    Also known as the Wills-Moody Mansion, the Moody Mansion is a 31-room historic building completed in 1895 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. The self-guided audio tour narrates the history of the place giving the visitor insights about the life of the wealthy Moody family at the turn of the 20th century. The mansion has a beautiful architecture and history along wit...Read more
  9. Lone Star Flight Museum

    4.8 (336 Votes)
    Lone Star Flight Museum

    Specialty Museum

    Top Gun in the house! This museum is the epitome of cool. 40 historic aircrafts restored to their prime in an airport hangar. You’ll drool! The little boy in you will want to come out and play! The exhibit is one of the finest in the nation, and includes: Boeing/Vega B-17G Flying Fortress 44-85718 Thunderbird Chance Vought F4U-5NL 121823 Douglas A-1 Skyraider Douglas DC-3 Douglas SBD Dau...Read more
  10. Galveston Island Railroad Museum And Terminal

    Specialty Museum

    A kid-friendly museum housing interesting exhibits, the Galveston Railroad Museum is a treat for train lovers. Featuring the largest collection of dining car China in Southwest, forty pieces of locomotives and rolling stock, and two spectacular model railroad layouts, the museum is a unique getaway for both kids and adults. The museum also offers rides on the “Harborside Express” tr...Read more
  11. Galveston's 61st Street Fishing Pier

    Waterfront, Landmark, View Point, Pier

    Bring your own gear or rent from the owners, this private fishing pier is a Galveston favourite. Highly family oriented, the pier, which extends into the gulf of Mexico, also offers a serene view of the sea from the viewing deck. Even if you don’t want to fish, it’s fun to people watch those who do! There’s a snack stall, where you can get soft drinks, beer, and small eats. Th...Read more
  12. East End Historic District

    4.5 (400 Votes)
    East End Historic District

    Outdoors, Landmark, Walking Area, Neighborhoods

    A 50 block National Historic Landmark, the charm of this district is best enjoyed walking. You’ll encounter tree-lined streets, fine architecture from various periods, a thriving and eclectic culture, an excellent home made ice cream store, hurricane survivor homes… this one is to warm the cockles of your heart.
  13. Texas Seaport Museum

    4.6 (306 Votes)
    Texas Seaport Museum

    Specialty Museum

    Launched in 1877, Elissa is one of the oldest ships sailing today and has become a museum ship accredited as a National Historic Landmark in 1990. Housed in the Texas Seaport Museum, Elissa is a gem for people interested in sailing and maritime history. The accompanying museum offers insights about the ship’s history and the legacy of seaborne commerce. With picturesque views and historic...Read more
  14. Scholes International Airport At Galveston Image
    ©
    Scholes International Airport at Galveston, Galveston, United States is a public airport located three miles (5 km) southeast of the central business district of Galveston, a city in Galveston County, Texas, United States. It is owned by the City of Galveston and is located on the island of Galveston. The airport covers an area of 545 acres (221 ha) and has two asphalt runways: 17/35 measuring ...Read more
  15. Offshore Energy Center Image
    ©
    The Offshore Energy Center (OEC) in Galveston, United States was founded in 2008 by a group of industry leaders and academics to serve as a living museum and educational center dedicated to the history and future of offshore energy. The OEC was created to preserve the history of the offshore energy industry, to educate the public about the industry, and to provide a platform for industry leader...Read more

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  • the best place to listen to not-too-loud jazz music

    Answer Report Abuse
    • Some venues in Galveston that offer jazz music include The San Luis Resort, Eatcetera, and The Tremont House. Not sure about the loudness of music played as it depends on the ambiance and band playing. Consider calling these place for details regarding the same. 

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  • Does the Mardi Gras parade go as far as 2410 Strand St., Galveston?

    Answer Report Abuse
    • I am not sure about the route of the parade this year. I think it would be better to check their official website to confirm these details. 

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