Galveston Naval Museum
Galveston Naval Museum
100 Seawolf Park Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554
(409) 770-3196
Situated on Pelican Island at Seawolf Park in Galveston, TX, this educational center boasts fascinating exhibits of American nautical history. Dedicated to preserving the integrity and authenticity of their water vessels while honoring U.S. military heroes, the Galveston Naval Museum is a must-visit during your time on the island. You can take a self-guided tour through a decommissioned World War II submarine, the USS Cavalla, which is one of the most accomplished vessels from that era. Formerly a presidential escort and the last of its kind, the incredible USS Stewart Destroyer is also available for self-guided tours. In addition to these incredible ships, the museum also hosts sleepovers, parties, and private events. After exploring the Galveston Naval Museum, you can take advantage of Seawolf’s Park’s impressive fishing piers, picnic sites, and playground as well.
About The Galveston Naval Museum
The Galveston Naval Museum, on Pier 21 in Galveston, Texas stands in memory of those who served in the United States Navy, past and present. Its mission is to educate about the role of the United States Navy in national defense and to preserve naval history for future generations.
It is maintained and managed by CHF (The Cavalla Historical Foundation), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The CHF Board consists of community and business leaders, historians, and retired military officers.
The Galveston Naval Museum is open to the public year-round, with guided tours of the Cavalla and Stewart offered daily.
History of The Galveston Naval Museum
The Cavalla Foundation, named after the WWII submarine USS Cavalla (SS-244), was organized in 1977 to save that submarine from scrap and bring her to Galveston as a memorial to all American submariners who gave their lives in defense of our country.
In addition to the USS Cavalla, the Galveston Naval Museum also displays the WWII destroyer escort USS Stewart (DE-238), which the Foundation acquired in 2001. The Stewart is currently moored at Pier 22, adjacent to the Cavalla, and is open for tours.
About The Galveston Naval Museum
The Galveston Naval Museum, on Pier 21 in Galveston, Texas stands in memory of those who served in the United States Navy, past and present. Its mission is to educate about the role of the United States Navy in national defense and to preserve naval history for future generations.
It is maintained and managed by CHF (The Cavalla Historical Foundation), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The CHF Board consists of community and business leaders, historians, and retired military officers.
The Galveston Naval Museum is open to the public year-round, with guided tours of the Cavalla and Stewart offered daily.
USS Cavalla
The USS Cavalla is a Gato-class submarine and was the lead ship of her class. Her keel was laid on July 9th, 1941, at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine.
The Cavalla saw her first action in the Pacific Theater in 1944. On April 14th, she and the destroyer USS Shreveport engaged a group of Japanese destroyers. The Cavalla torpedoed one of the destroyers and then proceeded to sink two more with her deck guns.
In 1945, the Cavalla participated in Operation Iceberg, the invasion of Okinawa. On April 6th, she attacked a group of Japanese ships, sinking one destroyer and damaging another.
The Cavalla was decommissioned on February 17th, 1946. She was then transferred to the Italian Navy, where she served as the Francesco Morosini until she was scrapped in 1959.
USS Stewart
The USS Stewart (DE-238) was initially named the USS McCook and was commissioned in 1943. The ship was renamed the Stewart in honor of Rear Admiral Charles W. Stewart, who commanded the USS Livermore (DD-429) destroyer at the Battle of Guadalcanal.
The Stewart saw action in the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters during World War II. After the war, the Stewart was transferred to the Greek Navy and served until 1960. The Stewart was then transferred to the Turkish Navy and served until 1978. In 1980, the ship was transferred to the United States and became a part of the Naval Reserve Fleet in Galveston, Texas.
In 1988, efforts began to restore the Stewart and make her into a museum ship. The ship opened to the public in 1991. Today, visitors can tour through the ship and learn about her history at the Galveston Naval Museum.
The Sleepover Program
The Galveston Naval Museum offers a unique educational opportunity for school groups, scout troops, and other youth organizations. Groups can spend the night aboard the WWII submarine USS Cavalla (SS-244) and the destroyer escort USS Stewart (DE-238). The overnight experience includes a tour of the two naval ships, a movie about life in a submarine, and a chance to sleep in bunks where the sailors once slept. Sleepover program packages start at $25 per person.
Annual Ceremonies
Each year, three important ceremonies take place at the Galveston Naval Museum. Each event includes a memorial service aboard the submarine Cavalla. The events include a display of over 2,000 memorial flowers, a 21-gun salute, the sounding of “Taps,” and eye-catching pyrotechnics.
1) Memorial Day – The ceremony is held on the last Monday of the month of May to honor all American servicemen and women who lost their lives in defense of our country.
2) Submarine Veterans Day – It is held on the first Sunday in May to honor submariners who have served our country.
3) Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day – The day celebrates all those who were killed or wounded during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
The Hard Hat Tour
A guided tour of the engine room and machinery space of the USS Stewart is available to everyone over the age of 13. The tour is conducted by a knowledgeable guide who will explain the ship’s machinery and provide a sneak peek into the working conditions of sailors during the war. The tour is provided on a first-come-first-served basis.
Private Events
The Galveston Naval Museum is available to host private events such as retirement ceremonies, weddings, corporate events, and more. The decks of the Cavalla and Stewart that offer stunning views of Galveston Bay provide the space needed to make your event memorable. Please get in touch with the museum authorities for more information.
Private Events
The Galveston Naval Museum is available to host private events such as retirement ceremonies, weddings, corporate events, and more. The decks of the Cavalla and Stewart that offer stunning views of Galveston Bay provide the space needed to make your event memorable. Please get in touch with the museum authorities for more information.
Google Reviews
Galveston Naval Museum
100 Seawolf Park Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554
(409) 770-3196
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The Inn is a little older but don’t let that scare you away. Our room (King bed- courtyard view) was extremely comfortable and cute. The pool and hot tub were by far the best part. The pool bar overlooks the sea wall and water. The staff is very nice and helpful. Can’t beat the location!! We love it here and will definitely stay here again.
Amanda Green
October 24, 2022This is the only place I want to stay in Galveston. Pool amazing! On the sea wall. Walk to the beach or to the pool! Service is excellent and friendly!! I will be back!
Teri Hitchcock
September 27, 2022The rooms are super cute with oil paintings and flower arrangements. The place is pretty clean as well. The pool is absolutely fantastic and the staff treated us like family. Also, breakfast was delicious. Our family had a wonderful time and we plan to come back again.
Jennifer Johnston
August 27, 2022when i travel to galveston, this hotel is my number one option. I like the rooms because they are very warm-welcoming. The beds are so comfortable and I love them so much because they have 6 pillows per bed. The pillows are the best. I know things have changed with COVID. So, if you need anything just ask the front desk people. The pool is awesome my daughter loves it. the spa is great. just the food is not my favorite at the bar.
Bris Ideas
August 27, 2022 -
My friends and I stayed there for a girls getaway.. The location and pool were great. But the reason we would come back was the outsanding customer service, and attentiveness that Anne (front desk lady) gave us. We appreciated it. Will definitely return.
Regina Mills
August 27, 2022We loved staying here clean room, the breakfast is good and you can order from Nick's poolside, and it's great food, great view, great sunrise. Poolside bar, with good music. We had no problems with anything.. We are looking forward to our next month visit
Leticia Rodriguez
August 27, 2022Great rooms comfortable beds and views that are hard to beat. Beach is walking distance across the street with a fantastic pool and restaurant on the grounds. I highly recommend.
Mark Thieme
August 27, 2022+ The staff I dealt with were friendly and very good. I did request some soap for the next day and never got it though. - Rust on the fridge. Socket sparked when I plugged in phone charger. No complete face plate for switch in bathroom and lighting in bathroom as well. Very moody, musty smell. found someone else¿s dirty crusty sock under bed skirting. Water & no soap in d
Verified Hotel Guest
August 27, 2022
