Enjoying the cool breezes and crashing waves of the Galveston Island shore is one of those summer pastimes that make you forget you’re even in Texas. But the beach is just the beginning of what this charming little island has to offer. Located on the Gulf less than an hour’s drive south of Houston, Galveston Island is buzzing with new energy. Whether you’re walking along the seawall where laughter fills the air or you’re journeying through the island’s emerging food scene one delicious bite at a time, it’s evident that Galveston Island has been reborn in so many ways.
New attractions are popping up across the island each season, from the recently opened And Still We Rise at Ashton Villa chronicling Galveston Island’s importance as the birthplace of Juneteenth, to Ship to Shore, telling the stories of immigrants making their way to the U.S. They join popular attractions that include Moody Gardens, home to 284 lush acres of tropical vegetation plus an aquarium, rainforest and educational exhibits; Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark; the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa and The Grand 1894 Opera House. The island boasts one of the largest collections of well-preserved Victorian architecture in the country, fascinating museums and a nationally recognized historic downtown district where majestic iron-front buildings house unique shops, art galleries, attractions and restaurants.
Here, you’ll experience history, small town charm, sparkling Gulf views, entertaining attractions and the many reasons you'll want to return to Galveston Island again and again.
