A guide to Galveston in Texas

Nestled on the Gulf of Mexico close to Houston, the Texan city of Galveston – formerly Galvez’s town – was named after the 18th-century Spanish military leader Bernardo de Galvez. 

The coastal city saw its first European settlers in 1816 after the French pirate Louis-Michel Aury identified the location as a critical outpost to help the fledgling empire of Mexico fight for independence from Spain. 

What was once a major trading centre is now home to one of the largest cruise ports in the USA. As well as its rich heritage, visitors are attracted to its balmy climate, wildlife and foodie scene – think locally sourced red snapper, crab and shrimp. 

Spread across Galveston Island, with a coastline indented by numerous bayous, rivers and lakes, the city is laid out on the familiar US grid system and connected to mainland Texas by the 2.5km Galveston Causeway. 

Whether you’re visiting for 24 hours or longer on a cruise around North America, here’s our pick of local recommendations on its must-see attractions, activities and food spots.

3 unmissable things to do in Galveston, Texas

The Strand

You can’t visit Galveston without taking a trip to the Strand, also known as the Historic Strand District. Less than 10 minutes’ walk from the cruise terminal, the street is the ideal place to shop, eat and be entertained, thanks to its role as a hub for events such as Galveston Mardi Gras and Dickens on the Strand. After meandering round antiques, art and clothing shops – some of which are more than a century old – pop into LaKing’s Confectionery for a sweet treat; you’ll have earned it.

1892 Bishop’s Palace 

Also known as Gresham’s Castle, The 1892 Bishop’s Palace on Broadway was designed by prominent Victorian-era architect Nicholas J Clayton for Walter Gresham, a notable Texas politician, who lived in the property with his wife until the Archdiocese of Galveston bought it in 1923. After the diocesan officers moved to Houston, the mansion opened to the public. Today you can step into history on a self-guided tour, marvelling at the building’s ornate church-like design, plush interiors and sprawling grounds.

Moody Gardens

Tropical plants and wildlife such as two-toed sloths and monkeys roam around the Rainforest and Discovery Pyramids at Moody Gardens, a non-profit attraction just to the south of the city’s grid system. The Aquarium Pyramid has a 1.5 million-gallon tank that houses sharks, seals, penguins, stingrays and more than 200 species of fish. Join a talk in the neighbouring Discovery Museum to learn how sharks sense their prey and survive without a swim bladder.

3 activities for repeat visitors to Galveston, Texas

Off-beat

Whoever thought concrete ships were a good idea? Amazingly, the US built 12 of them during the First World War, in response to steel shortages. Intended as a military tanker, SS Selma launched on the day peace was declared. Redeployed as a merchant ship, the unlucky vessel was irreparably damaged less than a year later, and today its crumbling hulk sits in Houston Ship Channel, where it can be seen from the free ferry that runs every 30 minutes to the Bolivar Peninsula.

Experience

If you’re looking for something to set Galveston apart from the rest of the ports you visit, why not charter a local fishing boat? Some firms, such as Galveston Sea Ventures, also offer birdwatching trips. Departure points run along the island’s south coast and in the northeast near the Royal Caribbean International cruise terminal. Estate agent Kimberly Gaido says, “As well as fishing, you can visit birding locations and experience year-round events like the Galveston Island Shrimp Festival.”

Outdoor

The Artist Boat Coastal Heritage Preserve in the centre of the island is a rich coastal prairie and wetland habitat for more than 300 bird species. Its executive director, Karla Klay, recommends visiting at dusk, as sunset is feeding time in West Bay. “Driving along Settegast Road provides an elevated view of saltmarshes and prairies, which have lots of fence posts and electrical poles for birds to perch on,” she says.

3 activities for curious travellers in Galveston, Texas

Solo explorers

Galveston Island has been described as the most haunted place in the US. Why? Because at least 6,000 people lost their lives in a hurricane on 8 September 1900. Solo travellers looking to delve into this spine-chilling past can join a Galveston Ghost Tour from 25th Street, five streets down from Cruise Terminal 25. A guide will escort you around historic places, sharing stories while you seek glimpses of the supernatural in dark alleyways and cobbled sidestreets.

Couples

A date night at The Grand 1894 Opera House is the perfect pick for couples. The venue hosts everything from quartets and symphony orchestras to Irish dances and pop performances. Listed on the US National Register of Historic Places, the Romanesque Revival building has survived its fair share of natural disasters. Red velvet curtains, a concave three-tiered layout and acres of gold paint make it feel as though you’ve taken a step back in time.

Kids

Little ones can let off steam at Stewart Beach, which runs along the top of the island from the Galveston Sea Wall to East Beach. You’ll find several stalls selling snacks and renting chairs and umbrellas. There are volleyball courts, and lifeguards are on hand to make sure your mini adventurers don’t stray too far off course. After a few hours of sun worshipping, head to Mario’s Seawall Italian Restaurant for a slice of barbecue chicken pizza.

Multi-gen families

For a chance to see dolphins in the wild, sign up for the Galveston Baywatch Dolphin Tour. After meeting your captain at Pier 21, you’ll join a boat to search for our distant porpoise relatives as they bob in and out of the dark-blue waters. You may even be lucky enough to hear their song. Narrated tours, which give facts about the harbour and the common and local Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, are also available.

3 places to eat in Galveston, Texas

Budget

MOD Coffeehouse is located in a Victorian-style building with modern furnishings, making a great spot to meet some locals and enjoy a drink. Take a break from your port day by stopping in for an affordable coconut, lavender and raspberry-infused hummingbird latte and a lemon lavender cookie. Then meander round the galleries and antiques shops of Galveston’s Postoffice District to find the perfect souvenir for the folks back home.

Mid-range

For a touch of the tropical, head to Rainforest Cafe on Seawall Boulevard in the south of Galveston. The restaurant has a large aquarium in the centre of the room, and branches and vines make it feel as though you’ve been transported to the Amazon Basin. Pair this with a plate of bourbon-glazed barbecued salmon, Caribbean coconut shrimp, jasmine rice and seasonal vegetables and you’ll never want to leave.

Premium 

No trip to the US is complete without a steak dinner – which makes Landry’s Prime Seafood & Steaks something of a must-visit. Situated next door to Rainforest Cafe on the seafront, the upmarket restaurant serves dishes ranging from a 32oz porterhouse steak and 8oz filet mignon to Mediterranean chicken pasta in a cheesy, buttery sauce. Dim lighting, soft melodies and crisp white cloths adorning the tables create a relaxing yet high-end ambience.

Local insight into Galveston, Texas

“The Strand is where most of the nightlife is – bars, restaurants, touristy shops and things like that. I like going downtown for the Artwalk events, which happen every six weeks; you can shop, browse the art, and they give out wine.” 

Hannah Swank, physician assistant

“Galveston has attractions for all ages. You can spend the day visiting the Pleasure Pier or Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort, and for visitors who aren’t beach-goers, places like Texas Seaport Museum are perfect.” 

Kimberly Gaido, estate agent

“Explore Galveston sustainably by biking or scootering to East Beach Nature Preserve, where you might spot coyotes, wild rabbits or wild hogs along the sand. Enjoy flavourful Thai cuisine at Pho Thai on Broadway.” 

Kaeleana Ramirez, teacher

How to travel responsibly in Galveston, Texas

Help preserve Galveston’s history by visiting Galveston Arts Center, which launched in 1986. The non-profit organisation is now the primary centre for contemporary art in south Texas, serving an eight-county area between Houston, Corpus Christi and Beaumont. Initiatives such as its Art for All project help support the community, as team members visit local healthcare and crisis centres to deliver art workshops for those in need.

Have you cruised to Galveston, Texas? Share your story with us by emailing [email protected]

Feeling inspired? Then read our port guides to Fort Lauderdale in Florida, Hong Kong or Barbados.