A Day Trip to Galveston
Galveston is only an hour drive away from Houston, making it the perfect escape for a day or weekend trip. With over 30 miles of beaches, Victorian neighborhoods, shopping, and entertainment, Galveston is earning the reputation as the Gulf Coast’s playground. The city has experienced a tourism boom in recent years after being hit hard by Hurricane Ike in 2008. Major efforts were put into rebuilding Galveston – restoring not only its charm, but also its spirit.
Highlights
8 Mile Rd, Galveston, TX 77554, USA
For a less crowded piece of the Galveston coast, go to a quiet stretch of coast favored by the locals during high season at the end of 8 Mile Road. To get there, take Seawall Blvd west until the seawall ends and it turns into Termini San Luis Pass Rd. Turn left on 8 Mile Rd and drive until you hit the water. Park on the beach, and enjoy. Photo via Flickr user awsheffield.
1923 Boddeker Rd, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
East Beach is the biggest public beach in Texas. Located at the far eastern tip of Galveston Island, East Beach is known for its beach parties, fishing, and bird watching.You can rent chairs and umbrellas, which are usually in ample supply. Expect a mix of families and beer drinkers.
Hotels
2300 Mechanic Street
The Tremont House is a very comfortable place to stay if you decide to spend a night on Galveston Island. It’s on the eastern side on the strand right by all the fun. Be sure to grab a drink on the rooftop bar for great views of the harbor. Photo via wyndham.com
3828 Seawall Boulevard
This classic Galveston seafood restaurant has been open since 1911! Gaido’s serves fresh Gulf seafood in a traditional atmosphere. Menu highlights include the bisque, snapper, and pecan pie. Photo via Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant Facebook page
1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554, USA
The Moody Gardens resort has two indoor “pyramids” that make a great escape on a rainy day in Galveston. One simulates a rainforest environment and the other is filled with aquatic creatures. You can also spend the night at the Moody Gardens Hotel if you’re looking for a place to stay. Photo via Moody Gardens Facebook page
2218 Postoffice St, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
At Tangerine Boutique in Galveston, owned by surfer girl Kim Cherryhomes, you’ll find designers like Chan Luu and Heidi Merrick. Stop in and walk out with some Gulf coast fashions. Photo via Tangerine Boutique Facebook page
2202 Mechanic St, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
You can find all sorts of shipyard treasures at Nautical Antiques in Galveston. They have ship lanterns, wheels, flags, glass floats, and figureheads—plenty to choose from for a cool souvenir to represent your time on the Texas coast. Photo via Nautical Antiques Facebook page
1206 19th Street
Sonny’s has been open since 1944, making it the second oldest continuously operating eatery on Galveston Island. Hit it on a Friday gumbo night if you can, which comes in your choice of shrimp, crawfish, or both. Sonny’s may seem like a hole-in-the-wall, but don’t let that scare you off. It’s just old school and really friendly seafood place. Photo via galveston.com
2323 Strand Street
You’ll hear people talk about doing things “on the Strand” in Galveston, which refers to a downtown historic district primarily situated on Strand Street. Begin exploring the area at 25th and Strand, visiting its shops, restaurants, galleries, and museums in lovely 19th-century buildings. Photo via Flickr user TravelingOtter
