Warmer weather, sea breezes and fun activities for the family are beckoning visitors to Galveston Island this spring.
Spring is here - it's time to jump in the car and head down to the beach for a long weekend. Think of it as a summer vacay pre-planning mission!
Like most island destinations, spring is all about sunshine, beaches, and family-friendly fun, which is why you'll love Galveston as your pick for a spring getaway.
East Beach, Seawall Beach Urban Park, Beach Pocket Parks, and the Galveston Island State Park offer plenty of options for beachgoers. And, there's also beach access on the west end of the island. You'll find a beach chair and umbrella rentals scattered along the beaches at the beach parks or bring your gear. Remember, if you're planning to play in the surf, always choose a location near a lifeguard and take note of the flags on the lifeguard stands for tips on the surf. Galveston Beach Patrol stations lifeguards at East Beach, Stewart Beach, and the Seawall while other areas have a roving patrol.
Galveston can always rekindle the kid in you, but no event will be more exciting for kids of all ages than The Grand Kids Festival hosted by The Grand 1894 Opera House. The festival was designed to introduce children and families to the arts and has been doing so for two decades. The event features three blocks of activities, entertainment areas and vendor booths. Attendees will be able to enjoy live performances, storytellers, arts and crafts, face painting and more.
Rich in history and standing as a testament to survival, the Galveston Historic Homes Tour will return this spring. The tour features numerous historical and architecturally significant homes located throughout the island’s vibrant historic neighborhoods. Organized by the Galveston Historical Foundation, the event gives the public a chance to tour the insides of private residences and homes that are not open to the public during the year.
Galveston is calling all backyard chefs, sportsmen and women, and outdoor enthusiasts to show off their culinary skills at the annual Yaga’s Wild Game BBQ Cook-off. The event will feature a wild game cook-off, live entertainment, silent auction, “Run Wild 5K” and children’s activities. This event benefits the Yaga’s Children’s Fund.
Based on Island events from summer seasons past, the Galveston Island Beach Revue was resurrected into a contemporary two-day, family-friendly event in 2009. This event continues to grow each year through events, contestant participation, and attendance and is officially Galveston’s end of spring/ “Kickoff to Summer” event.
Family trips to Galveston Island are the best ways to unite your family with a fun escape! Whether you're having staycation or you're visiting from out-of-town, Galveston Island has more than enough family-friendly spring break attractions and activities.
Can't decide on which attractions your family wants to tackle during your visit? The Galveston Island Pass gives you the opportunity to choose from several attractions and save up to 40%!
Spring is crawfish season on the Gulf Coast, so make sure you add this to your dining itinerary. Local picks for boiled crawfish include these locally-owned stops: Benno’s Cajun Seafood Restaurant on Seawall, Cajun Greek on 61st Street and Huli Huli Hut on 19th Street.
Click this card to be see the best crawfish spots in Galveston Island.
Another perk of visiting Galveston in the spring months is bird migration. Every spring, thousands of neotropical birds make their trip north from South and Central America to the cooler regions of the northern United States and Canada.
If you’re inkling for a delicious meal where you can dine outside, here are some restaurant recommendations to get you started!
Galveston Island is one of the first pieces of land the birds encounter after departing the Yucatan Peninsula and flying nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico. We recommend starting your birding adventure at the East End Lagoon Nature Preserve. Texas Parks & Wildlife offers a Galveston Loop with suggested stops as part of the Upper Texas Coast - Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. Remember to bring your binoculars and cameras!
These suggestions are just a sampling of things to do during your visit to Galveston Island. Make sure you include time to explore Galveston’s historic downtown for shopping and dining.
Throughout the year, our creative and festive community comes together in celebration - and it can really draw a crowd! Here are some of our favorite annual events in Galveston that you're sure to love.
See the latest stories from our blog, and start dreaming of your perfect Galveston travel experience.
Author
Visit Galveston
Visit Galveston is the official destination marketing organization for Galveston Island, Texas.
