LoginThings To Do In Galveston: Must-See Attractions and Activities
Galveston is a charming city on Texas’s Gulf Coast, just 45 miles from Houston, Texas. It’s actually found on an island just south of Houston, but it’s easy to drive there. If you have cruises from Galveston, this coastal destination is the perfect place to spend your time. It’s an ideal spot for a day trip while you wait to set sail on your Texas cruise. There’s so much to do and explore in Galveston for solo travelers, families and couples alike — it truly has something for everyone.
Read on to learn more about all the things to do in Galveston before you take your cruise, from things to eat and exciting adventures for your kids.
Table of contents
Historical and cultural attractions
The Strand Historic District
Moody Mansion and Bishop’s Palace
Outdoor and adventure activities
Pleasure Pier
Galveston Island State Park
Seawall Urban Park
Family-friendly attractions
Moody Gardens
Schlitterbahn Waterpark
Galveston Children’s Museum
Unique experiences and tours
Galveston duck tours
Ghost tours of Galveston
Dolphin tours
Dining and shopping
The Strand Shopping District
Ghost tours of Galveston
Seawall Boulevard Restaurants
Conclusion
Historical and cultural attractions
Galveston has a thriving historical and cultural center to explore. These attractions are perfect for any history buff or someone who’s looking to learn more about this exciting city.
The Strand Historic District
The Strand Historic District is the heart of the island. The Strand is a National Historic Landmark that takes you back in time to the heyday of Galveston as a port city in the 1800s and 1900s. It’s also the center of all the Galveston Mardi Gras celebrations, so if you’re there during that season, make sure you dive into the party.
For a wide variety of experiences, explore the Galveston Railroad Museum, the Galveston Arts Center and get a sweet treat at La King's Confectionery.
Moody Mansion and Bishop’s Palace
The Moody Mansion is a historic home completed in 1895 that’s been on the National Register of Historic Places and a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark. It’s a unique home where you can explore the turn of the century and all of the Moody family drama. This is one of the most famous historic houses in the nation for good reason.
Bishop’s Palace is a stunning home from 1892, and it’s famous for being the spot to see some of the best architecture in Galveston as well as art. You could explore both homes or pick your favorite and learn more about the history of this unique Texas island.
Outdoor and adventure activities
Galveston is also a place to break out the hiking boots and get ready to explore some of the amazing natural attractions and adventurous options. These are three spots that let you soak in the natural beauty of the island or get a few thrills while enjoying some of the adventures in Galveston.
Pleasure Pier
Pleasure Pier is the perfect family-friendly amusement park, located right on a Gulf Coast pier. If your family enjoys piers, roller coasters, or fair games, this is the ideal place to visit while in Galveston. Treat yourself to classic carnival food, then enjoy a fun ride together while soaking in the stunning coastal and ocean views. It’s a fantastic spot for families to get adventurous and create lasting memories while having a great time.
Galveston Island State Park
This 10-mile stretch of shops and beaches is an ideal place to get a true Galveston experience. You can walk the longest continuous sidewalk along the Gulf Coast in the US to see some of the beaches in Galveston. It’s great for a pleasant stroll, a run, or a bike ride. Stop at some of the oceanfront restaurants and shops for a delicious bite to eat.
Seawall Urban Park
Galveston is an island, and there’s no better way to experience that than to head to the Galveston Island State Park. This is also the prime spot for anyone looking for beaches in Galveston because beaches and the bay will surround you. This island sanctuary is the perfect place to swim, fish, picnic, bird watch, hike, mountain bike, paddle, camp, geocache, or just slow down and relax.
Family-friendly attractions
If you’re bringing your kids on your cruise, you’re probably looking for things to do in Galveston with kids—and that entertain kids of all ages. These are three of the fun offerings on the island.
Moody Gardens
Moody Gardens offers a full day of family fun, with attractions including an amusement park, golf course, hotel and even an aquarium inside a pyramid. Your family can explore endangered animals and plants in the pyramids or catch a show at the 3D and 4D theaters. You can finish out your day by enjoying a ride on the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, complete with dinner. Moody Gardens is a unique experience with a little something for everyone, so no matter the age of your kids, they’ll love it here.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark
For vacation fun, Schlitterbahn Waterpark is a must-visit. This park is packed with river rides, waterslides and pools, offering both relaxation and adventure. Unwind in the lazy river with a swim-up bar or race down a colorful collection of waterslides. Whether you're seeking a laid-back experience or an adrenaline rush, it's the perfect spot for family fun during the cruise season. Book your cruise now and make the most of your visit!
Galveston Children’s Museum
The Galveston Children’s Museum is a place where learning is fun, and your children can learn more about the world through interactive exhibits and playing. There’s a little town where kids can catch crabs or design a pizza. There’s a clinic too where children get to learn more about how the body works by playing as doctors and other medical professionals. They can build, do art and perform.
The only problem you’ll have is leaving at the end of a fun day.
Unique experiences and tours
Galveston is also home to some experiences you can’t find anywhere else. Galveston tours can include a wide variety of activities. These are three of the most unique offerings you can try when you’re in Galveston for your Texas cruise.
Galveston duck tours
Do you love ducks? Then Galveston is the perfect place for you. You can take ducks tours that take you to the homes of these amphibious animals on both land and sea. On top of that, duck tours will also give you a great tour of the island, letting you see some of the historical sites and Seawall Boulevard.
Ghost tours of Galveston
Ghost tours of Galveston
Ghost tours of Galveston
If you’re looking for something spooky to do, take a ghost tour. These walking tours will take you through the haunted history of Galveston. You’ll visit some of the most haunted sites on the island and learn the ghost stories. These stories will also give you insight into the history of Galveston, so you can learn more about this unique city at the same time.
Dolphin tours
Marine lovers will enjoy a visit to Galveston because you can take a dolphin tour. Hop on a small boat that will let you get up close and personal with these friendly and beautiful sea creatures. It’ll give you a fun boat ride, take you along the stunning coast and let you see some of the best wildlife around. It’s the perfect way to get used to the ocean before you set sail on your cruise from Galveston.
Dining and shopping
Galveston is also a spectacular place to eat and shop. It has some fun food centers and cute seafront shops to explore. These are two of the best spots.
The Strand Shopping District
The Strand is also a great place to shop while soaking in the historical heart of Galveston. There are cute boutiques to explore, a glass gallery and even a spot to take old-fashioned photos of the whole family. It’s also one of the best places to eat in Galveston. Try some of the food and enjoy some classic Texas cuisine. There’s even an entire store dedicated to beef jerky. Don’t forget to get yourself some dessert and enjoy the sweet side of Galveston.
Ghost tours of Galveston
Seawall Boulevard Restaurants
When you’re walking along the Seawall and taking in the stunning ocean views, you might get hungry. There’s no better spot to stop and get a bite to eat than along Seawall Boulevard. Dine on some excellent seafood that was caught only a few feet away or try some Texas barbeque to explore the highlights of this state.
Conclusion
Galveston is a unique and wild city to enjoy when you’re in Texas for your next cruise. As you're looking for cruises from Galveston, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the beaches, the attractions and the restaurants. Get a taste of Texas with a day in Galveston. There’s something for everyone on this beautiful island in the Gulf of Mexico.
For the ultimate vacation experience, cruise with Princess Cruises and discover all that Galveston has to offer. Book your journey today.