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Galveston Voyage Tips and guide

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    For other places with the same name, see Galveston (disambiguation).

    Galveston is a city on Galveston Island, off the Texas Gulf Coast, approximately 45 minutes southeast of Houston. Galveston is a port of entry and a destination for almost all the cruise ships with ports of call in Texas. Many Houstonians have beach houses in Galveston or elsewhere in Galveston County where they sometimes relocate during the summer, or simply drive to Galveston to enjoy the local beach. This article also covers Port Bolivar, which is just to the northeast, an 18-minute ferry ride away.

    Understand

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    Named after Bernardo de Gálvez y Madrid, Count of Gálvez and taken over by privateer Jean Lafitte for a while as his personal-like fiefdom around 1820, Galveston was controlled by the Confederacy but then in a twist of fate became a sort of freedman's refuge after the Civil War, as it prospered in becoming Texas' great cotton port. Then the great hurricane of 1900 hit, obliterating the barrier island and taking much of the city and some 6000 lives with it. A seawall was built along the extent of the city and the city became a mecca for hedonistic activities like gambling, but it never regained its premier port status, in part because of the development of the Houston Ship Channel further inland. However it holds its place among Gulf tourist destinations today and is a major cruise embarkation point.


    With 32 miles of coastline, Galveston offers a variety of beach experiences. The island is also home to several museums and historic landmarks. The Bryan Museum showcases artifacts from Texas and the American West, while the Galveston Railroad Museum highlights the city’s role in transportation history. The 1892 Bishop’s Palace and Moody Mansion provide a glimpse into Galveston’s Victorian-era past.


    Climate
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    Galveston has a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and warm, humid summers. Winter temperatures average 57°F (14°C), while summer highs reach 81°F (27°C). The Gulf of Mexico provides cooling breezes but also makes it susceptible to hurricanes, particularly between June and November.

    Galveston Texas Skyline From The Carnival Ecstasy
    1900 Storm Memorial 2

    Get in

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    By plane

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    • 1 Scholes International Airport (GLS  IATA). This is the only airport in Galveston, but only serves private and chartered flights. Scholes International Airport at Galveston (Q6587665) on Wikidata Scholes International Airport at Galveston on Wikipedia 
    • 2 William P. Hobby Airport (HOU IATA). One of two airports in Houston providing scheduled commercial flights into the metro area, and the closest commercial airport to Galveston. It is directly connected to Galveston by Interstate 45; the drive takes about 45 minutes. Hobby Airport is dominated by Southwest Airlines. William P. Hobby Airport (Q771340) on Wikidata William P. Hobby Airport on Wikipedia (updated Mar 2024)
    • George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH IATA) Also in Houston, and dominated by United Airlines. Take US Route 59 south into downtown Houston and exit into Interstate 45 south; you will pass by Hobby Airport en route. Allow at least 90 minutes to drive from IAH to Galveston, probably more during rush hour. IAH asks returning passengers to arrive 2 hours before check-in.

    By car

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    • I-45 South is the easiest route from Houston to Galveston Island. The freeway becomes Broadway St. on the island.
    • The San Luis Pass-Vacek Toll Bridge offers access to Galveston Island from Surfside Beach along State Highway 87. State Highway 288 connects the Greater Houston area to this route.

    By boat

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    • The Bolivar Peninsula - Galveston Island Ferry is a free vehicle ferry that regularly runs between Port Bolivar - located on mainland east of Galveston - and the island. For travel between New Orleans and Galveston, the ferry can save 30-40 minutes by avoiding Houston. The ferry is run on a first-come first-served basis, and there are often moderate waits during rush hour, and very long waits (on the order of 2-3 hours) on major holidays. Weekend evening waits also tend to be long. The trip is normally 18 minutes long, plus 9 minutes for loading. The addresses for the Galveston ferry are 123 State Highway 87 in Port Bolivar and 1000 North Ferry Road in Galveston.

    By train

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    The national railroad operator Amtrak provides a Thruway bus service from Longview, connecting with its Texas Eagle. This train runs daily between Chicago and San Antonio, with through cars to and from Los Angeles three times per week. Additionally, the Sunset Limited, running three times per week between New Orleans and Los Angeles calls in nearby Houston. The bus stop is at 123 Rosenberg Street, next to the city's transit center.

    Amtrak operates a daily shuttle between the Transit Station at 902 Washington Ave, but it only allows passengers who have arrived by their trains.

    By shuttle

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    Several connections from IAH and HOU airports, through Galveston Express, Galveston Shuttle and Galveston Limousine.

    Get around

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    Map
    0°0′0″N 0°0′0″E
    Map of Galveston

    Galveston is walkable in areas like The Strand and Seawall Boulevard, but some neighborhoods require transportation.

    • Driving & Parking – Street parking is metered in busy areas, with mobile payment options.
    • Biking & Pedal Cars – Rentals available along The Strand and Seawall Boulevard.
    • Island Transit – Provides limited bus routes.
    • Trolley Service – Replica streetcars run through the Historic Downtown District and parts of the Seawall.
    • Taxis & Rideshares – Uber, Lyft, and local taxi services are available.

    See

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    • 1 African-American Museum, 3427 Sealy Ave. (updated Aug 2021)
    • 2 Bishop's Palace (Gresham House), 1402 Broadway St. Bishop's Palace (Q3728690) on Wikidata Bishop's Palace, Galveston on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2021)
    • 3 The Bryan Museum, 1315 21st St, ☏ +1 409-632-7685. W-Su 10AM-5PM, except Th 10AM-7PM. Adults $14, Seniors (65+) & Military $12, Students $10, Children (6-12) $5, Children under 5 free. Bryan Museum (Q19818459) on Wikidata Bryan Museum on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2021)
    • 4 Moody Mansion, 2618 Broadway Avenue J, ☏ +1 409 762-7668. Daily 10AM-5PM. A Romanesque-style estate that is a Galveston landmark, once home to cotton financier and Galveston magnate William Lewis Moody, Jr. $15 adults, $7 (ages 6-17). Moody Mansion (Q16895349) on Wikidata Moody_Mansion on Wikipedia (updated Jan 2022)
    The William Lewis Moody Home
    • 5 Elissa Barque Sailing Ship (Texas Seaport Museum), 2200 Harborside Dr. Elissa (Q1143837) on Wikidata Elissa (ship) on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2021)
    • 6 Galveston Railroad Museum, 2602 Santa Fe Plaza (near the Strand at 25th St.), ☏ +1 409-765-5700, fax: +1 409-765-5744. All sorts of railway things to see. It's in the old Galveston Railway Station, and the lobby is a huge period display. A large model train layout is also located in the museum. $6. Galveston Railroad Museum (Q5519429) on Wikidata Galveston Railroad Museum on Wikipedia (updated Aug 2019)
    • 7 Moody Gardens, One Hope Blvd (off 81st St.), toll-free: +1-800-582-4673. Botanical garden, indoor rainforest, aquarium, 3D movie theater, 4D special FX theater, water park, hotel, and golf course in one complex. The complex is made up of several large pyramids. Great place to take the kids for a whole day. Additionally, they have the Colonel Paddleboat for those wishing to take tours on the channel. $39.95 day pass. Moody Gardens (Q6907207) on Wikidata Moody Gardens on Wikipedia 
    The Aquarium at Moody Gardens
    • 8 Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum, ☏ +1 409-766-7827. 10:00 - 17:00 (varies by season). Housed in a retired oil platform. Interesting exhibit for someone unfamiliar with the drilling process. $8 (seniors and students are $5). Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum (Q7076074) on Wikidata Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum on Wikipedia 
    • 9 SS Selma (1919), Galveston Bay. This concrete ship, built in 1919, is the only permanent, and prominent, wreck along the Houston Ship Channel. SS Selma (Q7394373) on Wikidata SS Selma (1919) on Wikipedia 
    • 10 Strand National Historic Landmark District (East of Broadway, along the east side of the island). The historic Downtown features all sorts of old buildings and historical markers. Strand Historic District (Q7621229) on Wikidata Strand Historic District on Wikipedia 
    • 11 Texas Seaport Museum, Pier 21, Number 8 (Off the Strand), ☏ +1 409-763-1877, . Also home to several historic ships, including the 1877 tall ship Elissa. 
    • Statues are part of the Galveston landscape. Look out for ones such as the Texas Heroes Monument at 25th and Broadway and the 1900 hurricane Place of Remembrance and Pink Dolphin tribute to minority people statues along the Seawall.

    Do

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    Annual events include Mardi Gras Galveston, one of the largest celebrations in Texas, and Dickens on The Strand, a Victorian-themed holiday festival. Seasonal markets, art fairs, and live music events are also common throughout the year.

    • Bolivar Ferry. Free ferry for automobiles and pedestrians between Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula. The ferry ride is about 25 minutes, but waiting times for the ferry can be considerably longer, especially on busy weekends. If the vehicle line is long, a good option is to stay in the right lane on Ferry Road, park your car, and walk on the ferry to ride it across and back. Good views of the bay, ship traffic, and sometimes wildlife. Children will have much fun feeding anything edible to sea gulls at the stern of the ferry. 
    • Cruise line travel. Carnival and Princess cruise lines (perhaps others) have regular cruises which depart from Galveston. 
    • 1 Fort Travis Seashore Park, 800 Anderson Avenue, Port Bolivar, Texas. Fort Travis (Q49490784) on Wikidata Fort Travis Seashore Park on Wikipedia 
    • 2 Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, 2501 Seawall Boulevard, ☏ +1 409-766-4950, toll-free: +1 855 789-7437. Rides, games, gift shops, ice cream and other treats available on this nostalgic pier, rebuilt after Hurricane Ike which not only trounced the pier but the famous Flagship Hotel too. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier (Q3094882) on Wikidata Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier on Wikipedia (updated Feb 2025)
    Pleasure Pier in Galveston, Texas
    • 3 Galveston Island State Park, 14901 FM 3005, ☏ +1 409 737-1222. Just a short drive west of Galveston's business district. While the Gulf shore campground and visitors center were destroyed by Ike, the park has reopened on a limited basis for day visitors. Galveston Island State Park (Q5519423) on Wikidata Galveston Island State Park on Wikipedia (updated Feb 2025)
    • 4 Haak Vineyards and Winery, 6310 Ave T, Santa Fe, Texas, ☏ +1 409-925-1401. Noon to 18:00 (varies by season). Galveston County's only winery. Tours complimentary. (updated Aug 2021)
    • 5 San Luis Pass (San Luis Pass County Park). Offers beaches, fishing, bird watching, and boating. Amenities are offered at the San Luis Pass County Park across the toll bridge, on the Brazoria County side. Beach driving is unofficially tolerated on the Galveston County side. Tide levels here are more prominent and can vary by almost 2 feet (60 cm) in height. Wading and swimming is strictly forbidden near the bridge and within the pass itself due to dangerous under-currents. (updated Jan 2024)
    • 6 Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston, 2109 Gene Lucas Blvd, ☏ +1 409-770-9283, fax: +1 409-740-1973. Hours vary by season. Next to Moody Garden and Scholes International Airport, this extension of the Schlitterbahn brand is an indoor/ outdoor water park for year-round entertainment. The indoor Wasserfest section is open year-round, while 2 outdoor sections are open during the summer. Most rides start from a river that runs from the highest point in the park to the lowest, with a conveyer belt to take tubers back to the top. (updated Feb 2025)
    • 7 Seawolf Park (Take 51st St. north over the causeway to the other side of Pelican Island.). Sunrise to sunset, Friday and Saturday nights for fishing.. Home of USS Cavalla and USS Stewart are berthed on Pelican Island. Seawolf Park (Q7442291) on Wikidata Seawolf Park on Wikipedia 
    Salt Marsh Near Galveston

    Learn

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    1 University of Texas Medical Branch is the island's major university. There is a significant "college town" feel to the section of the Strand nearest the university. It provides mostly postgraduate medical education.

    2 Texas A&M University at Galveston, located on Pelican Island, is a branch campus of Texas A&M University. Its main fields of study include Marine Sciences, Marine Engineering, and Maritime Transportation. It is home to the Texas Maritime Academy.

    Work

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    The two largest employers on the island are UTMB (University of Texas Medical Branch) and 3 ANICO (American National Insurance Company)

    Buy

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    The Strand is an historic district near the docks with a variety of unique shops.

    • 1 Old Galveston Square, 2211 The Strand, ☏ +1 409 761-4110. Su-Th 10:30AM-6PM, F-Sa 10:30AM-8PM. Occupies about a block of the Strand with olde candy shoppes and other type tourist draws. (updated Jan 2022)

    Eat

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    Budget

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    Mid-range

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    Splurge

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    Drink

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    Sleep

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    Budget

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    Mid-range

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    Splurge

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    2021 05 16 Galveston (6) 03

    Vacation rentals

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    • 17 Sand 'n Sea Pirates Beach, 4127 Pirates Beach, ☏ +1 409 797-5500, . A great selection of vacation rental accommodations on beautiful West Galveston Island. 
    • 18 3 Beach Houses, 17407 Termini-San Luis Pass Rd (16 Mile Road and FM-3005), ☏ +1 281-338-9800, . Unbelievably reasonable accommodations with an ocean view! 
    • 19 Historic Sonnentheil Home, 1826 Sealy Ave. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. With much of the same gorgeous woodwork as the Bishop's palace, this historic masterpiece offers private accommodation for a group of up to four families, along with a beautiful modern kitchen, huge dining room, and a location convenient to the restaurants and nightlife of the Strand, and entertainment of Pleasure Pier and the beach. Sonnentheil House (Q115937531) on Wikidata Sonnentheil House on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2023)

    RV parks and campgrounds

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    Stay safe

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    Stay Safe

    Galveston is generally a safe destination, but like any tourist city, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. Petty crime, such as vehicle break-ins, can occur, so always lock your car and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight. Panhandlers may be present in some areas, particularly around busy intersections.

    Water Safety

    Ocean currents can be unpredictable, so it's best to swim near lifeguard stations and follow posted safety signs. The waters around San Luis Pass are especially dangerous due to strong currents and poor visibility, contributing to a higher number of drownings in this area. Swimming is not permitted in many of these high-risk zones, particularly near unprotected straits. Always check local advisories before entering the water.

    Go next

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    Routes through Galveston
    Houston ← Texas City ← Jct NW ←  N  S  → END
    END ←  SW  NE  → ferry → Port Arthur via and → Orange



    This city travel guide to Galveston is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.

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