Attractions In Galveston
Aside from the many beautiful beaches the island is known for, this sprawling beach town is filled with many other sights and attractions for everyone. No matter if you want to spend your time indoors or outdoors, there is no shortage of things to do in Galveston, TX. Read on to learn more about the top attractions in Galveston, in addition to some of the area’s hidden gems.
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Galveston Children’s Museum
Ideal for children ages 2-10, the Galveston Children’s Museum is replete with interactive exhibits and hands-on activities dedicated to unrestricted learning. Your little one will love the Our Town exhibit where they can imagine that they are on a fishing boat, work at a grocery store, or even make a pretend pizza. The Explore and Discover exhibit turns your child into an engineer, allowing them to learn about physics and other scientific areas through play. On top of a host of exhibits, this charming museum offers a host of events throughout the year, including a Fairy Tale Ball and summer camps.
Though it is one of the top things to do in Galveston for kids of all ages, Pleasure Pier is the perfect spot for preteens and teenagers. With an assortment of shops, restaurants, midway games, and amusement rides, older kids can spend an entire day here when they need a break from the beach. From the Iron Shark Roller Coaster to the Cyclone and the Texas Star Flyer, the thrill rides will have your teen soaring over the Gulf of Mexico. A variety of games, including Big Shot Hoops and High Striker will test their skills and allow them to win fun prizes. When they are done playing and riding, several shops and restaurants allow them to cool off and unwind after an exciting day on the pier.
Once called the “Wall Street of the South,” this bustling strip in the heart of the historic district is a top Galveston attraction. Replete with charming Victorian-era buildings, pubs, delis, and specialty stores, The Strand provides countless options for shopping and dining amid stunning architecture. Encompassing a 5 block area of downtown Galveston (link back to downtown Galveston page), this exciting area is a great destination for families of all ages to enjoy (link back to family-friendly page) as well.
Schlitterbahn Galveston
For those looking for a reprieve from the waves, but still need a way to beat the heat, Schlitterbahn Galveston is the perfect place to cool off and have fun. With water coasters, raft rides, a lazy river, and lounging pool, this waterpark delivers an exciting experience for everyone. The river connects three separate park sections which include countless rides alongside picnic pavilions and water playgrounds for younger guests. Open year-round, with an area that transforms into an indoor waterpark during colder months, Schlitterbahn is one of the top things to do in Galveston, TX.
Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry
There are so many things to see on the approximately 15-minute cruise across the water on the Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry. These vessels provide complimentary transportation between Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula, operating 24-hours a day. Park your vehicle or walk-on on these highway department boats and enjoy scenic views from all directions. Discover the remains of a concrete ship, the Selma, on one side and take in signs of massive tankers and barges from the other. You may also see dolphins dancing in and out of the harbor waters as you feed the seagulls from the back of the boat. Each ferry includes an upper observation deck, an indoor sitting area with air-conditioning, and can carry around 500 passengers and 70 vehicles each. View current wait times here.
Galveston Island State Park
With recently completed improvements, including 95 new campsites, 20 new shade shelters, and a seasonal equestrian day-use area, Galveston Island State Park continues to be one of the best destinations in Galveston. On top of these recent additions, this extensive outdoor paradise includes 2,000 acres of wetlands, fresh-water ponds, dunes, coastal prairie, and bay shoreline. It features a beautiful beach as well, which was named one of the top 5 “Best Gulf Coast Beaches” by the Travel Channel in 2013.
Moody Gardens
Featuring a sizable golf course, hotel, and numerous attractions, Moody Gardens is one of the best things to do in Galveston, TX. This educational tourist destination seeks to “educate and excite visitors about conversation and wildlife.” Explore three diverse pyramids that include everything from free-roaming animals to massive aquariums and scientific exhibits before heading over to Palm Beach. The striking white sand beach includes a lazy river, hot tub, ziplines, freshwater lagoons, a small children’s water park, and more. There are also two state-of-the-art theaters showing science and nature documentaries, along with a Colonel Paddlewheel Boat Adventure.
After you have visited these top attractions in Galveston, check out some of these lesser known destinations on the island as well.
The Marketplace at Peanut Butter Warehouse
Showcasing original art, coastal home décor, jewelry, clothing, and more, The Marketplace at Peanut Butter Warehouse is a charming locale that embodies the spirit of the island. You can also enjoy a frosty beer or glass of wine at the Marketplace’s 3 Doors Down Bar.
Rosenberg Library
Built in 1904 and recognized as the oldest public library in Texas in continuous operation, the Rosenberg Library boasts a computer lab, history center, museum artifacts, and a children’s library, on top of an impressive book collection. In 1971, the Moody Wing was opened which doubled the building’s floor space and increased its capacity.
Escape the Island
Take a break from the heat or get out of rainy weather at Escape the Island. This exciting destination offers Galveston’s only live escape rooms where you can team up with family and friends to solve puzzles to free yourself from the themed rooms. Choose from 5 live escape rooms and 6 Virtual Reality rooms.
Read our list here about other popular attractions, including dolphin tours and sunset cruises.
