A Wheelchair Accessible Itinerary for Galveston Island

Cory Lee is an award-winning accessible travel blogger

For most of my life, when I pictured a beach vacation, my mind immediately went to Florida. Having lived in the southeastern United States for years, places like Clearwater, Panama City Beach, and Miami always felt like the obvious choices. Texas never really crossed my mind as a beach destination, to be completely honest. But then I visited Galveston.

From the moment I arrived, I realized how wrong I had been. Galveston completely surprised me in the best way. It felt welcoming and genuinely inclusive. What stood out most was how often I could simply enjoy the experience instead of constantly thinking about accessibility. That alone made my trip memorable. Galveston is proof that a beach destination can be fun, rich in history, and thoughtfully accessible all at once.

If you are planning an accessible beach getaway and wondering what you can actually do once you arrive, here are some of my favorite wheelchair accessible things to do in Galveston, Texas:

Moody Gardens was the first place I explored, and it immediately set the tone for the rest of my trip. Here, you will find three iconic pyramids, all wheelchair accessible and thoughtfully designed, making it easy to move between exhibits without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Inside the Rainforest Pyramid, paved pathways wind through lush greenery, waterfalls, and tropical environments. The paths were smooth and wide enough to navigate comfortably, and there were plenty of spots to pause and take in the scenery. The Aquarium Pyramid offered large viewing windows at wheelchair height, interactive exhibits, and touch tanks that were easy to reach. I especially enjoyed being able to take my time and fully engage without feeling blocked by crowds or tight spaces. And lastly, the Discovery Pyramid added a fun, hands on element with interactive science exhibits and an accessible 4D movie experience.

Learning about Galveston’s Black history was one of the most impactful parts of my visit. As the birthplace of Juneteenth, the city has an incredibly important story to tell.

The tour I took with Juneteenth and Beyond was primarily a driving tour, which made it very accessible. Dr. Araminta Coleman Sorrell toured with me in my accessible rental van and shared powerful stories at each stop, bringing the history to life in a meaningful way. Visiting historic schools, churches, parks, and murals helped me better understand Galveston’s role in history. This experience added depth to my trip and gave me a greater appreciation for the city.

The Strand Historic District is full of charm and history. Rolling through this area felt like going back in time while still being able to navigate comfortably.

The sidewalks were mostly smooth, curb cuts were available, and the large majority of the storefronts were accessible. I enjoyed browsing, stopping to look at window displays, and simply soaking in the atmosphere. There is something special about moving at your own pace here and feeling connected to the heart of Galveston.

Some of my favorite accessible shops were Tola Mo’ Bettah Market, which had some great Galveston souvenirs, and you shouldn’t leave The Strand without visiting La King’s Confectionery. La King’s has fudge, candy, ice cream, coffee, and a variety of other sweet treats. While there are steps to enter La King’s, they also had a lift that I was able to use, which I was happy to see.

Exploring The Strand at night on a ghost tour added a completely different feel to the area. The Ghosts of Galveston Strand Tour was both entertaining and easily accessible.

The route followed accessible paths, allowing me to focus on the stories instead of obstacles. Our guide, Kathleen Maca, met us downtown and walked around the area with us while talking about Galveston’s past, including tales from the Civil War and the tragic 1900 storm. This made the city’s history feel even more alive. The mix of spooky storytelling and history made this tour exciting and at times even sent scary chills up my spine.

Spending time at Stewart Beach was one of the most memorable moments of my trip. Accessibility here was clearly a priority.

Beach access mats allowed me to roll across the sand toward the water, which is not something I get to do at every beach destination. There were also beach wheelchairs available, including amphibious ones, making it possible to get closer to the shoreline and into the water. Sitting near the water, listening to the waves, and feeling the ocean breeze was incredibly calming and reminded me why beach travel is so important to the soul.

The East End Lagoon Nature Preserve offered a peaceful escape from the busier parts of Galveston. The ADA trail is a half mile loop surrounded by water and wildlife.

Although the trail is unpaved, it is flat, and covered with dirt and small gravels. It was very manageable in my wheelchair and well worth the effort. I saw birds along the lagoon, enjoyed the quiet surroundings, and took my time soaking in the natural beauty. It felt like a hidden gem and was a great way to reconnect with nature.

Pleasure Pier added a playful, carefree element to my trip. Rolling out over the water on a wide, smooth pier was a fun experience on its own.

Filled with rides, the open layout made it easy to move around and the views of the water were beautiful. Even without riding most of the attractions because I need to remain in my wheelchair when riding, I enjoyed watching the activity, hearing the sounds of the pier, and spending time right over the ocean. It is a lively spot that still feels welcoming and accessible. I was also happy to see accessible picnic tables here to enjoy some of their tasty refreshments.

Why Galveston Stands Out to Me

Before this trip, I never would have imagined Galveston as one of my favorite wheelchair accessible beach destinations. Now, it is a place I would happily recommend.

Galveston offers a thoughtful mix of history, nature, relaxation, and entertainment, all while keeping accessibility in mind. It is a destination where you can truly enjoy the experience instead of worrying about limitations. If you are searching for a beach getaway that feels inclusive and memorable, Galveston is absolutely worth considering.

Author

Cory Lee

Accessible Travel Blogger

Cory Lee is an award-winning travel blogger and advocate best known for Curb Free with Cory Lee, a widely followed wheelchair travel blog that inspires and informs travelers with disabilities.

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A Wheelchair Accessible Itinerary for Galveston Island

Cory Lee is an award-winning accessible travel blogger

Why Galveston Stands Out to Me

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