7 Unforgettable Places to Explore in Galveston Before or After Your Cruise
Make your trip last a little longer with a few extra coastal moments.
Begin or wrap up your cruise by spending time on the Island, where charm, history, and flavor greet you at every corner.
A few extra hours in Galveston can turn into your favorite part of the trip. Maybe it’s a coastal lunch before you set sail, or a peaceful walk downtown after coming back to shore. These seven places offer moments to slow down, take it in, and carry the feeling with you.
Make Galveston more than a starting point. Let it become part of the journey.
1. Dive Into Discovery at Moody Gardens
Explore aquariums, rainforests, and hands-on exhibits all in one stop. Moody Gardens turns a short visit into an adventure.
Watch jellyfish glide through the Aquarium Pyramid or wander through a tropical jungle in the Rainforest Pyramid. Add extra excitement with the ropes course or zip line for big views of the Gulf.
2. Wander Through Time in Historic Downtown Galveston
Step into a district where Galveston's past is still part of the present.
Once known as the "Wall Street of the South," Historic Downtown was a hub of wealth, commerce, and culture in the late 1800s. Today, those same iron-front buildings and Victorian facades are home to boutiques, cafes, galleries, and cocktail bars. Explore nearby neighborhoods like the Postoffice District and West Market for even more local flavor, live music, and art. And, it's only a block from the cruise terminals.
3. Savor the Gulf One Bite at a Time
Galveston’s food scene serves up everything from fresh Gulf seafood to comfort food and international flavors.
Grab a quick bite before you board, or sit down to unwind after your cruise returns. Across the Island, you’ll find local favorites, waterfront views, and menus that capture the taste of Galveston.
4. Feel the Rush at Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Stroll along the wooden planks of the Historic Pleasure Pier and enjoy classic rides, coastal views, and a playful atmosphere right over the Gulf.
Ride the Iron Shark roller coaster or take in sweeping views on the Texas Star Flyer. For more water fun, visit Schlitterbahn Waterpark, just a short drive away.
Because sometimes, the best part of your cruise happens before the ship even leaves the dock.
5. Claim Your Moment on Galveston’s Beaches
Along Galveston’s coast, time feels slower and the horizon stretches wide. With 32 miles of beach, there’s always room to breathe.
Take a quiet walk, splash in the surf, or just sit back and watch the waves roll in. Every stretch of shoreline offers a chance to reconnect.
Every beach on the island has its own personality, its own pace. Some invite you to splash in the surf. Others ask you to pause, breathe deeply, and listen to the soft hush of waves and sea birds overhead.
6. Walk Through Stories That Shaped a Nation
Long before cruise ships lined the harbor, Galveston was a gateway to hope. As the second most active immigration port after Ellis Island, this small island welcomed waves of newcomers seeking freedom, safety, and a fresh start. They brought with them languages, traditions, foods, and dreams woven into the very fabric of the island you walk today.
You can feel it in the architecture: Greek columns beside German cottages, Italianate storefronts, and Jewish temples that stood tall through centuries of change. It’s painted into the city’s numerous murals and celebrated in events that echo voices from across the globe. From the East End to the West Market, Galveston’s streets don’t just tell history, they carry it forward.
This isn’t just a port city. It’s a place where stories began. Where cultures converged. Where the American dream first touched land. And it’s still here waiting for you to explore, remember, and reflect.
Try a PastPort to History journey to discover some of the places that made Galveston.
Like most territories in the U.S., Galveston was not immune to the atrocities of slavery, but unlike many U.S. territories, Galveston preserves the remembrance of freedom from slavery with Juneteenth, marking the oldest known celebration for this life-changing event in our nation’s history. Take a self-guided African American history tour to learn about the many African American contributions, accomplishments, and historically black institutions on the island.
7. Discover the Stories Behind the Sea, the Stage, and the Soul of Galveston
Museums and galleries help tell Galveston’s story through art, culture, and innovation.
Visit the Tall Ship ELISSA, explore ocean science at the Ocean Star Museum, or dive into local history through exhibits like And Still We Rise. Every stop adds depth to your visit.
Insider Tip: Save Up To 40% on Island Attractions
With the Galveston Island Pass, you can select four or more participating attractions and save 40% off the retail price. Passes are valid 30 days after purchase.
If you haven’t been to Galveston lately, now is the perfect time to experience some of the island's unique attractions – at a price you can't refuse. The Galveston Island Pass is your key to adventure and savings while exploring the numerous attractions that make Galveston so special.
Make Galveston Island Part of the Journey
Add an extra night or two to your trip and enjoy the Island before or after your cruise.
These cruise-friendly hotels offer perks like parking and shuttle service. Stay steps from the terminal at Harbor House or in the heart of downtown at The Tremont House.
It’s the easiest way to extend the experience and start your trip relaxed.
Flying in? Houston Hobby Airport is only 40 miles away, making it easy to turn your travel day into the start or encore of something special.
