In our Must Do Things Around Greater Houston series, we take a look at Greater Houston’s vast array of communities, neighborhoods and destinations to bring you five fun, tasty, surprising and enticing reasons you should give each one a visit.
About an hour from Houston, Galveston Island harbors 32 miles of beaches, so you most definitely can (and should) dip your toes in the sand.
In addition to the beaches, historic downtown, and a neverending crowd-pleasing parade of annual festivals and events, Galveston also plays home to two major fun zones: Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn Waterpark.
But that’s far from all there is to do on this Gulf Coast oasis.
Here’s a look at five more excellent ways to get your island on year-round besides the beach:
5 Must Do Things in Galveston
Hit the charming Historic Downtown District
Start at the Strand, where you’ll find century-old buildings housing a mix of antique shops, local business, bars and restaurants, and art galleries.
Get salt water taffy and an old-fashioned ice cream soda at La King’s Confectionery, stroll the streets and shop for souvenirs, mix historic architecture and modern design over craft cocktails and American cuisine at Hearsay on the Strand, enjoy a cocktail on the chic rooftop bar at The Tremont House (closed for renovations until late December 2024), and sip suds at Brews Brothers.
Just a few blocks away, dive into the history of the iron-hulled 1877 Tall Ship Elissa at the Texas Seaport Museum on Pier 21, catch a performance at the Grand 1894 Opera House, listen to acoustic jams at the hidden gem Old Quarter Acoustic Café, and explore the beauty of the architecturally significant 1892 Bishop’s Palace and Moody Mansion.
For a family-friendly day of fun, make your way to the Historic Pleasure Pier amusement park.
Eat shrimp and stuff
You can start, of course, with shrimp po’ boys, tacos, and boils at Shrimp N’ Stuff, the Downtown seafood eatery with a cult following.
Other fan favorites include Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar, Leon’s Finest In and Out Barbecue, Hubcap Grill, and the charming Mosquito Cafe.
Right on Pelican Rest Marina sits Number 13 Prime Steak & Seafood, a luxurious by-land-and-sea steakhouse with an island-style two-story terrace. It makes for a special night on the town, as does indulging in plantain-crusted Gulf snapper at Latin American fine dining spot Rudy & Paco.
If you’re up early, there are plenty of great spots to grab brunch in Galveston. And if you’re looking for a drink, be sure to dive into our list of where to happy hour in Galveston.
Get haunted on a ghost tour
For a different, decidedly spookier take on the Historic District, sign up for one or more of the island’s year-round ghost tours, exploring truly haunted spots.
From the over a century old “haunted” Grand Galvez hotel to Galveston’s storied harbor, cemeteries and Victorian mansions
Year-round walking tours are available from multiple companies and organizations, including the original Ghost Tours of Galveston founded by the late Dash Beardsley. Tours offer a variety of focuses, from the historically informative and adult-centered to secret society cemetery tours.
Take one to see why Galveston is one of the most haunted cities in the world.
Chill out over craft beer at Galveston’s breweries
You’ll find the island’s original brewery, Galveston Island Brewing, just a block away from the beach. Founded in 2014, the brewery’s taproom offers tours, tastings, and growler-fills of the refreshing brews on tap, from its flagship Tiki Wheat and prized IPA, the year-round Citra Mellow, to a fantastic rotating lineup of seasonals.
The dog and kid-friendly destination also offers a playground, yard and board games, and a lineup of events like crawfish boils, free yoga, and live music.
Other local breweries have joined the mix as well. Beerfoot Brewery, next to Menard Park, boasts a great view of the Gulf of Mexico and, in addition to brewing is own beers is a big supporter of homebrewers.
Located nearby in downtown Galveston, the family- and pet-friendly Naked Iguana Brewery serves up handcrafted beers and seltzers in a relaxed, casual setting. Meanwhile, Devil and the Deep Brewery, whose name gives off vibes of sailors’ tall tales and sea shanties, has been serving up Belgian and American craft beers since 2018.
Get outdoorsy at Galveston Island State Park
On the west end of Galveston Island, this tranquil state park offers 2,000 acres of natural surroundings, from sand dunes and wetlands to picturesque coastal prairies.
There are plenty of opportunities to become one with nature, with an ample mosaic of wildlife and outdoor activities.
Go hiking, mountain biking, fishing, bird watching, geocaching, and kayaking; or pitch a tent for a night of romantic beach camping and stargazing.
Daily entrance is $5 per person and free for ages 12 and under (plus nightly camping fees).
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