If you’re within driving distance of Galveston, chances are you already know a few things about it. But if you’ve never been (or just haven’t been in a few years), here are some activities you should know about:
1. The Beach. Yes, you probably know there’s a beach here. And I’ll admit that sometimes seaweed abounds. But it’s all up to the weather, and sometimes the water is really beautiful here. And even when it’s not, it’s still fun to dip your toes in, and play in the sand, and enjoy the breeze and the sound of the surf!
2. Pleasure Pier. Did you know that Landry’s has built a great little amusement park out over the water? It has a roller coaster and 15 other really fun rides, and it’s open weekends year-round plus every day during summer. An all-day ride pass for people under 48 inches is $19.99 plus tax, and over 48 inches is $26.99 plus tax. (If you’d just like to walk around and soak up the atmosphere, you’ll need to purchase a “Pier Pass” for about $10.00)
3. The Strand. This area is home to many historic buildings, restaurants, and shops. It’s a fun place to explore for a day.
Try some good old fashioned candy at La King’s Confectionery, where you can sometimes watch the taffy being pulled, or eat at a real soda shop inside Star Drug.
It’s also home to the Galveston Railroad Museum, a must for kids who love trains!
The Strand is also home to:
4. The Galveston Cruise Terminal, home to Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean.
And coming back in November 2015, the Disney Wonder! You can cruise to Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas from Galveston –
5. Galveston has some really great hotels for every budget. There’s the Historic Hotel Galvez, right on the Seawall with beach views
And Tremont House in the Strand District
Plus plenty of budget-friendly hotels all over the island, from chains like Starwood and Choice Hotels.
7. Historic homes, some predating Galveston’s hurricane of 1900, which you can tour. Some of these, like the Bishop’s Palace, are great for history buffs as well as architecture and furniture enthusiasts. So interesting!
And if you like ghost stories, you can even take a walking tour of the historic area complete with hair-raising tales!
8. For water fun, you can visit Schlitterbahn here. Or for something a little different, ride the ferry (a fun FREE activity too!) over to Bolivar Peninsula and go to the Fun Spot. It’s an “old school” water slide, and you can ride with or without a mat. An all-day wristband is $18.00, and they have a snack bar there for treats. The kids all LOVE this place!
I’m Brenda Arnold-Richard, a travel agent with Travel With The Magic, and I’ll be happy to plan your family’s visit to Galveston. Email me at Brenda@TravelWithTheMagic.com for more information, and all my services are totally free!
I also specialize in Disney World, Disneyland and Disney Cruise Line vacations.
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