Galveston, Texas
Galveston’s miles of sandy beaches and extensive list of family-friendly attractions makes this a family favorite. Within the downtown Galveston area there are dozens of museums and historic homes, so make sure you bring comfortable walking shoes because you’ll find it much easier walking to the different Galveston attractions. Galveston restaurants are excellent with a few hidden gems out there waiting to be discovered. Galveston’s trolley system makes it simple to reach the hottest parts of town. At $1.25 per adult and 65 cents per senior citizen or child aged 5 to 12 (children under 6 ride free) with free transfers, the trolley system is the best way to see all that Galveston offers.
Outlet stores are abundant in Galveston making for some fun shopping. One store that locals and tourists rave over is Colonel Bubbie’s, an authentic government surplus store where incredible bargains are found. Many Galveston stores are found in the Strand District. Here you will find everything from snazzy boutiques to antiques.
For more than 90 years, Gaido’s Seaside Inn has offered the freshest seafood in town. If you are looking for Galveston restaurants, Gaido’s is excellent. In fact, Gaido’s has just won the 2007 Reader’s Choice Favorite Seafood award. To make sure seafood is fresh, Gaido’s insists on filleting fish that comes straight from the docks and all shrimp is peeled within the restaurant kitchen. Luigi’s Ristorante Italiano offers succulent Italian cuisine. The prices are average—Grilled Snapper is $17 while one of the most expensive item on the menu, Osso Buco is $30. Mosquito Café is a hidden gem that even welcomes small pets in the outside seating area. Mosquito Café offers everything from burgers to gourmet sandwiches, and their children’s menu will please fussy eaters. Saltwater Grill’s prices are a little higher than at other area restaurants, but the food and service are always fantastic! Save room for dessert. Area children design the pottery used for desserts and patrons are welcome to donate $25 for a custom-made plate, with dessert included, and the money goes towards funding children’s activities at the Grand Opera House.
Those seeking nightlife will find that the locals highly recommend Yaga’s for live music and 21 for those who want to go out dancing. 3rd Coast is the area’s best gay/lesbian club. Finally, if you want to kick back and watch a game on the big screen televisions, head to The Press Box.
With miles of sandy beach, many travelers look for Galveston accommodations that make the most of the Gulf of Mexico vistas. Seascape Condominium Rentals are inexpensive and provide a homey environment. Many feel that Coastal Dreams Bed and Breakfast is the best choice for Galveston accommodations. The establishment is a short walk from the beaches, but it is the charming owner, Lana, that keeps guests returning to Coastal Dreams every year. Gaido’s Seaside Inn provides bed and breakfast accommodations while guests have easy access to the popular Gaido’s restaurant; it’s a win-win situation. Though more expensive, Wyndham’s Tremont House is a stunning establishment located in a historic building. Harbor House is less expensive, but has fewer rooms so book early when possible. Travelers also rave over Casa Del Mar Beachfront Suites, an all-suite Galveston establishment where guests can save money by cooking some meals in their hotel room. For those with a bigger budge, the San Luis Resort, Spa, and Conference Center is a favorite of tourists and locals.
While in Galveston, you will no doubt be looking for the best area attractions. Bishop’s Palace is named one of the 100 best U.S. mansions in terms of architecture. Built in 1886, the mansion/castle was home to a former Confederate colonel and congressman, Walter Greshman. Built from granite and limestone, Bishop’s Palace is available for tours. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, head to Galveston Island State Park for a day of hiking, swimming, sunbathing, and even bird watching. You can rent a campsite if you want to spend a night or two. Moody Gardens is a gorgeous tropical rainforest created in a glass pyramid. Children and adults can view plants, animals, reptiles, and fish that are found in the rainforest setting. Families needing somewhere to let their children burn off energy will appreciate Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark. The water park has attractions for all ages from towering water slides to small wave pools for the younger crowd. Texas Seaport Museum is the area’s maritime museum and focuses on Galveston’s history. With low admission fees, Texas Seaport Museum is a must.
If you have time, talk to Williams Party Boats about their half-day fishing excursions. You can catch your dinner and then take it to area restaurants to cook up! You can’t get a fresher meal than that. Williams Party Boats only accept cash and they have a zero-tolerance policy regarding drugs, so don’t risk it.
Texas Tourist Guide - Galveston, Texas
Outlet stores are abundant in Galveston making for some fun shopping. One store that locals and tourists rave over is Colonel Bubbie’s, an authentic government surplus store where incredible bargains are found. Many Galveston stores are found in the Strand District. Here you will find everything from snazzy boutiques to antiques.
For more than 90 years, Gaido’s Seaside Inn has offered the freshest seafood in town. If you are looking for Galveston restaurants, Gaido’s is excellent. In fact, Gaido’s has just won the 2007 Reader’s Choice Favorite Seafood award. To make sure seafood is fresh, Gaido’s insists on filleting fish that comes straight from the docks and all shrimp is peeled within the restaurant kitchen. Luigi’s Ristorante Italiano offers succulent Italian cuisine. The prices are average—Grilled Snapper is $17 while one of the most expensive item on the menu, Osso Buco is $30. Mosquito Café is a hidden gem that even welcomes small pets in the outside seating area. Mosquito Café offers everything from burgers to gourmet sandwiches, and their children’s menu will please fussy eaters. Saltwater Grill’s prices are a little higher than at other area restaurants, but the food and service are always fantastic! Save room for dessert. Area children design the pottery used for desserts and patrons are welcome to donate $25 for a custom-made plate, with dessert included, and the money goes towards funding children’s activities at the Grand Opera House.
Those seeking nightlife will find that the locals highly recommend Yaga’s for live music and 21 for those who want to go out dancing. 3rd Coast is the area’s best gay/lesbian club. Finally, if you want to kick back and watch a game on the big screen televisions, head to The Press Box.
With miles of sandy beach, many travelers look for Galveston accommodations that make the most of the Gulf of Mexico vistas. Seascape Condominium Rentals are inexpensive and provide a homey environment. Many feel that Coastal Dreams Bed and Breakfast is the best choice for Galveston accommodations. The establishment is a short walk from the beaches, but it is the charming owner, Lana, that keeps guests returning to Coastal Dreams every year. Gaido’s Seaside Inn provides bed and breakfast accommodations while guests have easy access to the popular Gaido’s restaurant; it’s a win-win situation. Though more expensive, Wyndham’s Tremont House is a stunning establishment located in a historic building. Harbor House is less expensive, but has fewer rooms so book early when possible. Travelers also rave over Casa Del Mar Beachfront Suites, an all-suite Galveston establishment where guests can save money by cooking some meals in their hotel room. For those with a bigger budge, the San Luis Resort, Spa, and Conference Center is a favorite of tourists and locals.
While in Galveston, you will no doubt be looking for the best area attractions. Bishop’s Palace is named one of the 100 best U.S. mansions in terms of architecture. Built in 1886, the mansion/castle was home to a former Confederate colonel and congressman, Walter Greshman. Built from granite and limestone, Bishop’s Palace is available for tours. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, head to Galveston Island State Park for a day of hiking, swimming, sunbathing, and even bird watching. You can rent a campsite if you want to spend a night or two. Moody Gardens is a gorgeous tropical rainforest created in a glass pyramid. Children and adults can view plants, animals, reptiles, and fish that are found in the rainforest setting. Families needing somewhere to let their children burn off energy will appreciate Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark. The water park has attractions for all ages from towering water slides to small wave pools for the younger crowd. Texas Seaport Museum is the area’s maritime museum and focuses on Galveston’s history. With low admission fees, Texas Seaport Museum is a must.
If you have time, talk to Williams Party Boats about their half-day fishing excursions. You can catch your dinner and then take it to area restaurants to cook up! You can’t get a fresher meal than that. Williams Party Boats only accept cash and they have a zero-tolerance policy regarding drugs, so don’t risk it.
Texas Tourist Guide - Galveston, Texas
