Activities in Galveston That’ll Awaken Your Inner Explorer
- Learn About Conservation and Wildlife at Moody Gardens
- Enjoy the Rides at Pleasure Pier
- Catch Some Fish at Galveston Island State Park
- Swim and Slide at Schlitterbahn Galveston Island
- Admire Architecture at The Strand Historic District
- Be An Astronaut For A Day at NASA Space Center
- Learn More About WWII at the Naval Museum
- Ride a Ferry at Port Bolivar
- Sunbathe at Stewart Beach
- See a Ship Exhibit at Galveston Historic Seaport
Sometimes I wonder what it was like to be a warlord’s wife during the Civil War, navigating the excitement and intrigues of the past.
Obviously, time travel isn’t an option, but the next best thing is to go and explore Gavelston! This magical town will not just transport you back in time, it’ll present you with truly experiential activities — then and now!
So, fasten those seatbelts, and join us as we board ships and war crafts in this coastal town of Galveston.
1. Learn About Conservation and Wildlife at Moody Gardens
Media credit: @moodygardens
Website: http://www.moodygardens.org/
Address: 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554, United States
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
For those of you who may be wondering where the name came from, Moody Gardens was commissioned by the most influential clan in the history of Galveston – the Moody family.
They developed a program that will show their commitment in preserving wildlife. So, if you want to start your trip with an educational tour, and at the same time be surrounded by nature and wildlife, then pay a visit to Moody Gardens.
As you walk along, you’ll also be greeted by 3 large pyramids – the Aquarium, Rainforest, and Discovery.
If you want to check various displays of manta rays, penguins, and seals, then don’t miss out on the Aquarium pyramid. Meanwhile, the Rainforest pyramid will show different kinds of bird species, sloths, and even exotic Amazonian fish.
And lastly, drop by the Discovery pyramid if you’re more auditory as this exhibit focuses on music and different sounds.
Pro tip:
For the adrenaline junkies, you may consider tackling the tallest rope course on the Gulf Coast by riding Moody Garden’s zipline.
2. Enjoy the Rides at Pleasure Pier
Media credit: @ghpleasurepier
Website: https://www.pleasurepier.com/
Address: 2501 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550, United States
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Friday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
After Hurricane Carla struck in 1961, the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier was rebuilt and restored to its glory as an iconic family vacation spot in town.
Here, you can take your kids and even the kids at heart and enjoy 16 amusement rides.
You can also catch game booths where you can challenge your friends. And if it’s your lucky day, then you may even take home a prize!
It’s not just all rides and adventure here at Pleasure Pier, you can catch some live entertainment where you can jam and sing your heart out
And of course, a typical fair day won’t be complete without snacks. So get ready to indulge in popcorn, cotton candies, and hot dogs!
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out and order the famous fair funnel cake to complete your Pleasure Pier fair day experience!
3. Catch Some Fish at Galveston Island State Park
Media credit: @galvestonislandstatepark
Website: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/galveston-island
Address: 14901 FM3005, Galveston, TX 77554, United States
Contact Details: +1 409-737-1222
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
For those of you who want to unwind around nature, then Galveston Island State Park may just be the one for you!
With over 2,000 acres of landscape and coastline, you can choose which island activities to do in this state park.
For those of you who want a more chill activity, you can pack a picnic basket, and just enjoy a relaxing afternoon with the best views of the bay.
Even better, you can try to reel in some fish with a can of beer on the side!
And for the more adventurous ones, you can either go hiking or take on the exciting trails by riding a bicycle.
Campers are also welcome to stay here, as the park is known to have multiple campsites in front of the beach.
Pro tips:
- Galveston Island State Park has been known for its multiple campsites that face the beach. You can invite your friends for a little camping to enjoy the view.
- Sunrises at Galveston Island State Park have been a crowd favorite. Consider going here while it’s still dark to make the most of your experience!
4. Swim and Slide at Schlitterbahn Galveston Island
Media credit: @bahngalveston
Website: https://www.schlitterbahn.com/galveston/
Address: 2109 Gene Lucas Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554, United States
Contact Details: +1 409-770-9283
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Schlitterbahn Galveston Island, a 26-acre aquatic park, is one of the best waterparks in Houston, Texas. Make sure to bring your kids with you so they can maximize the water park’s 33 rides, including lazy rivers, and high-speed slides!
You can also let your children explore the water playgrounds, wave pools, and water coasters.
If you want to have a little cozy space, you can rent out the cabanas inside Schlitterbahn Galveston Island.
And in case you forgot some swimming essentials at home, no need to worry as there are a couple of shops where you can buy swimwear and even floaters!
There are also snack bars and restaurants inside so it’s easier to fuel up in between laps!
Pro tip:
You can drop by at Schlitterbahn Galveston Island’s swim-up bar if you want to experience swimming while enjoying snacks or your favorite drinks.
5. Admire Architecture at The Strand Historic District
Media credit: @leebankheng
Website: http://www.downtowngalveston.org/
Address: 502 20th St, Galveston, TX 77550, United States
Contact Details: +1 409-795-7777
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
If you want to spend a day admiring the architecture and historic buildings then The Strand History District would be your best bet when you’re in Houston.
While some notable homes in Galveston have been damaged by hurricanes, there are still plenty of houses that stood the test of time such as the Menard House, the Ashton Villa, and Bishop’s Palace.
Though the tour isn’t as exciting as the water parks, your children will learn a lot in The Strand Historic District.
Pro tip:
When you’re in The Strand Historic District, consider dining at The Black Pearl Oyster Bay. It’s one of the best waterfront restaurants you’ll find in Galveston.
6. Be An Astronaut For A Day at NASA Space Center
Media credit: @spacecenterhou
Website: https://www.spacecenter.org/
Address: 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058, United States
Contact Details: +1 281-244-2100
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Famous among visitors from around the world, the NASA Space Center has been considered the top attraction in Houston. This educational center features interactive exhibits and authentic space items on display.
Here, you can find various astronaut items, allowing you to imagine what it’s like to be one. You can also enter a shuttle replica where you can pretend how to live in outer space.
Additionally, you can ride a tram that will take you to see the Saturn V–a rocket that NASA built to send people to the moon.
Wondering what it’s like to be sent out to Mars? There’s an exciting Mission Mars exhibit where you can experience a virtual Martian sunset, climb into a simulated Orion capsule, and even touch a real rock from the red planet!
Pro tip:
Since NASA Space Center is a popular destination among international visitors, it’s recommended to book your tour tickets weeks or even months ahead to secure a spot.
7. Learn More About WWII at the Naval Museum
Media credit: @galvestonnavalmuseum
Website: https://houstonmaritime.org/
Address: 2940 Riverby Rd Suite 200, Houston, TX 77020, United States
Contact Details: +1 713-225-1688
If you want to travel back in time, you can tour around Naval Museum. Even better, this center can show you the actual World War II submarine and the World War II destroyer.
For a deeper dive into the war history, you can opt for a guided tour which will give you more stories, and insights, allowing you to imagine what happened here during World War II.
Pro tip:
If you’re taking your kids, you can leave them in the kids’ corner while you take on a guided tour. Here, they can make their little boats or even role-play with war models and war costumes!
8. Ride a Ferry at Port Bolivar
Media credit: @grandparich9
Website: https://traffic.houstontranstar.org/ferrytimes/
For those of you who want to travel from Galveston Island to the Bolivar Peninsula, you can do that for free by riding a Port Bolivar ferry.
What’s even great about riding the ferry is that you’ll get to see dolphins. Imagine, that’s a free dolphin sighting tour for you!
And if you’re lucky, you can even catch seagulls and pigeons hanging out on the boat. Moreover, you can also watch out for pelicans that can be caught cruising and diving down into the water to catch some fish.
As long as the weather permits, several ferries operate throughout the day. There’s even one dedicated ferry to operate non-stop, allowing visitors to explore any time they want.
Pro tip:
When riding the Port Bolivar ferry, you can choose to bring your mode of transport, such as bikes, motorcycles, and cars, and dock them for free.
9. Sunbathe at Stewart Beach
Media credit: @elsewherewithmaria
Website: https://www.visitgalveston.com/things-to-do/beaches/stewart-beach/
Address: 401 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550, United States
Contact Details: +1 409-797-5112
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Friday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Stewart Beach has been a go-to beach park among families in Galveston. In fact, the beach can be found where the historic Broadway Avenue meets the Seawall.
The park is complete with necessary facilities such as restrooms, shower rooms, and umbrella rentals.
You can also take your kids and let them enjoy in the dedicated children’s playground.
Here, you can enjoy their BBQ facilities so you can enjoy some picnic with the whole family.
You can also grab some essential swimming gears at The Islander Shop in case you forgot to bring some beach necessities.
And for those of you who would love to bring their furry pals, Stewart Beach allows pets in the beach park. Just remember to be responsible pet owners, and clean up after them.
Pro tip:
Beach wheelchairs are available in Stewart Beach. Just remember to bring your valid driver’s license to rent and drive one.
10. See a Ship Exhibit at Galveston Historic Seaport
Media credit: @instagramtexas
Website: https://www.galvestonhistory.org/sites/1877-tall-ship-elissa-at-the-texas-seaport-museum
Address: Pier 22 Suite, 8, Galveston, TX 77550, United States
Contact Details: +1 409-763-1877
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Galveston Historic Seaport houses the 1877 tall ship, Elissa, one of the oldest ships sailing today. This tall ship has been designated as one of America’s Treasures by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Here, you can explore the ship’s cabins decks, and even its rigging, allowing you to dive into a genuine sailing vessel from the 1800s.
Aside from the hands-on tour, you can also watch some films like The Great Storm, which features the 1900 hurricane, as well as The Pirate Island of Jean Lafitte, showing the said pirate’s connection to Galveston.
For those of you who want to learn more about maritime history and check various ship models, you can also head over to the museum inside Galveston Historic Seaport.
Pro tip:
Galveston Historic Seaport is known to host different special events all year round. Make sure to check the website for schedule updates if you want to catch maritime festivals, educational programs, and historic reenactments.
