Discover more ways to spend your late summer days on the beach or in the breeze of air conditioning on Galveston Island through September 2019.
Southeast Texas locals know that Labor Day doesn’t mean summer is close to ending, with sweltering temps and a few extra weeks of beachside fun extending deep into September.
If you’re looking for late summer fun on Galveston Island, we’ve compiled some great ways to fill your final summer days. Turn it into a fun weekend getaway by booking a stay at one of Galveston’s hospitable hotels and condos.
Beating the Heat in Galveston
When the heat sticks around in late summer, here are some of the best places in Galveston to cool off:
- Moody Gardens – One of the premier Galveston attractions, Moody Gardens boasts an extensive campus highlighted by three looming pyramids of exploration and education, including an aquarium, rainforest exhibits, and a special exhibition hall. Guests can also check out film screenings in 3D and 4D theaters, or take to the waves, lazy river, and slides in Moody Gardens’ own waterpark, Palm Beach.
- Schlitterbahn Waterpark – Whether you’re atop the slippery, spiraling slides, floating the endless river, or enjoying the cooler environs of the 70,000 square-foot indoor area, Schlitterbahn has plenty of attractions on offer for guests seeking thrills or chill in a splash-filled day of fun.
- Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum – Moored just off Pier 21, this now-retired offshore drilling rig invites visitors to explore life aboard an actual rig with interactive displays and models. Swing by on select summer days for Family Day events at the Ocean Star, with reduced admission and special programming.
- The Historic Strand District – Located in Galveston’s Downtown area, The Strand District is filled with beautiful century-old architecture, some of which survived the catastrophic 1900 Storm. Stroll the streets of The Strand, ducking into unique shops, tantalizing restaurants, or take home delectable sweets from the ever-popular La King’s Confectionary.
Late Summer Events in Galveston
- Sandcastle Building Lessons at Stewart Beach | Saturdays through August 17 | FREE – Sculpt your beachside masterpiece using tips from professional sandcastle builders during free lessons. Watch these skilled artists craft sand sculptures beginning at 8am with lessons following at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm.
- Sand Crab 5K / 10K Night Run at East Beach | Saturday, August 17 – Join in an evening run and walk on the sand and choose from a 5K, 10K, and Kid’s Mile. Pricing increases as the event gets closer, ranging from $40 to $75 for adults; $20 for kids.
- 33rd Annual AIA Sandcastle Competition at East Beach | Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25 – After months of planning, more than 60 teams stretch out along the beach front, where they meticulously sculpt their piles of sand and work non-stop for five hours. If you’d like to avoid the traffic of competition day, a special Sunday viewing has been added to this year’s competition, with free sandcastle lessons at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm. Included with beach admission. Saturday 10am to 4:30pm; Sunday all day.
- BrewMasters Craft Beer Festival at Moody Gardens | Friday, August 30 through Sunday, September 1 – Celebrating their tenth year, this craft beer festival offers samplings of more than 400 regional and international craft beers during the three-day festivities. General admission starts at $35, with VIP packages and other event tickets available.
- Galveston Island Shrimp Festival at Saengerfest Park | Friday, September 27 and Saturday, September 28 – The annual celebration of shrimp features the signature Gumbo Stroll, inviting attendees to check out samples of gumbo from award-winning cookers to backyard roughneck recipes. Work up an appetite on Saturday morning with the official 5K Fun Run at 9am. Tickets for the Gumbo Stroll are $17; 5K registration starts at $36.
See More & Save with Galveston Island Pass
While you’re on the island, consider taking advantage of Galveston Island Pass to explore Galveston’s charm, history, character, and fun, while saving 40% off admission to local attractions.
When you buy a Galveston Island Pass, you get to pick four or more participating attractions and save 40% off retail price. Passes are valid 30 days after purchase.
Participating Attractions include the 61st Street Fishing Pier, the American Undersea Warfare Center at SeaWolf Park, Bryan Museum, Moody Gardens Rainforest Pyramid, and more. Click here to see all participating attractions.
Click here to order a Galveston Island Pass or for more information. One pass per person.
This story was sponsored by Galveston Convention & Visitors Bureau. Per our advertising policy, we only accept sponsored content from businesses that meet our editorial standards and truly present a valuable activity, resource, or destination for Houstonians and Houston visitors. Click here to learn about promoting your event, product or business.