As an island city, there's plenty of things to do in Galveston, TX. Whether you're visiting from across the country or across the state, Galveston is home to some show-stopping attractions that are fun for everyone. That said, if you're looking to experience some island life a little closer to home, here are five awesome things to do when traveling in Galveston.
Historic Pleasure Pier
Pleasure Pier is Galveston's source of waterfront entertainment and tons of fun! You can enjoy live music, special events, midway games, food venues, retail shops, and thrill rides including the Texas Star Flyer, Iron Shark Rollercoaster, Pirate's Plunge, Gulf Glider, Revolution, Galaxy Wheel, Cyclone, Sea Dragon, and more. Once you've had your fill of rides, you can check out the Bubba Gump retail store or make a soda at the Coke Freestyle machine at Lolli & Pop's Candy Shoppe.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark
If waterparks are more your style, you can check out Schlitterbahn Waterpark. Schlitterbahn Waterpark is home to the World's Tallest Water Coaster and an award-winning Transportainment River System. The waterpark is 26 acres of water coasters, wave rivers, and water slides. The park also has four high-speed slides including the Screaming Serpents body slide, the Cliffhanger, and Rohr!
Moody Gardens
Right across the way from Schlitterbahn Waterpark is Moody Gardens, a non-profit organization that provides attractions like the Aquarium Pyramid, Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, Rainforest Pyramid, and 3D and 4D theaters. Because Moody Gardens aids in the rehabilitation and conservation of wildlife, visitors can encounter and explore macaws, monkeys, and other endangered animals while exploring the Rainforest Pyramid. If you want to get educational, you can take classes and learn about science at the Discovery Museum. Moody Gardens also has a hotel area so you can relax and unwind at the end of your ocean adventures.
Local Beaches
Palm Beach may be Galveston's only white sand beach, but there are many beaches for you to choose from and enjoy when you travel to this island city. You can visit Seawolf Park, East Beach, Crystal Beach, Galveston Island State Park, Stewart Beach, or Babe's Beach. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun with a good book or you want to hit the waves and go surfing, Galveston's beaches have something for everyone.
Galveston Sea Ventures
Whether you love to fish or you prefer to catch and release, Galveston Sea Ventures offers tourists and locals alike the opportunity to experience the island's incredible marine life. You can fish during every season and find catch something new including bull redfish, flounder, wahoo, and sheepshead. You can even go shark fishing as long as you release your catch back into the water once you've caught them. Sharks are essential for keeping the reefs around Galveston happy and healthy so everyone can enjoy fishing around the area.
Galveston, TX is home to a wide variety of attractions from surfing and fishing to museums and shopping. If you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy some island time, be sure to visit Galveston during your next vacation. You'll be more than happy that you did.
