Plan your vacation in Galveston, TX with tips on the best restaurants, activities, and more!
From beach days to historic sites, Galveston Island offers a one-of-a-kind coastal escape with experiences for every kind of traveler. Use this guide to explore the best times to visit, how to get here, where to stay, and what to do once you arrive.
At Visit Galveston, we’re here to help you uncover the best of the island—local restaurants, cultural landmarks, family attractions, and hidden gems that make every visit memorable.
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The truth is that Galveston Island is a treasure year-round. Each month unveils its own unique magic, beauty, and exciting events to enjoy--there's never a dull moment!
For the best weather during your trip, consider visiting in spring or fall. You'll experience lower humidity, fewer crowds, and better lodging prices (especially from Sunday to Thursday). Plus, the water often sparkles in stunning shades of blue or crystal clear, thanks to favorable wind conditions.
Spring is blooming with bursts of color, migrating birds, fewer crowds, and plenty of festivals and special events.
Fall brings milder temperatures, blue waters, fewer summer crowds, more deals, and big festival season.
The holiday season, Winter Wonder Island, starts in November and runs through January, blending historic charm with holiday cheer, set amid Victorian architecture, bedecked neighborhoods, and beachfront settings.
When Summer arrives, the island reaches peak liveliness and activity, welcoming those who enjoy surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, jet skiing, and relaxing on the sand.
Pick your time because here it is always Island Time!
Learn More About:
From kayak adventures to museums galore, there's never a dull moment when you visit Galveston. Be sure to check out our vast array of sandy beaches and our rich history as the birthplace of Juneteenth. There's delicious local food, unique shopping, lively nightlife with live music, and plenty of indoor and outdoor fun.
For more activities to plan your ideal getaway, check out our Things to Do and Itineraries pages curated just for you, or use the AI Concierge on the side of the page to help you find your favorite things to do.
Our mild temperatures range anywhere from 65 degrees in the winter to 85 degrees in the summer. Find out whether to bring a sweater or sunblock during your visit on our Weather page.
Galveston’s coastline is unique, shaped by nature's forces. Learn more about the surprising beauty of our seaweed and awesome ecosystem.
Hop on the Galveston Trolley for only $1 (free for children!)
Seawall Loop – Trolley travels between Stewart Beach and Moody Gardens along the Seawall.
Downtown Loop – Trolley travels between The Strand and the Seawall. North & South Bound stops are available on 25th St., Postoffice Street, 20th St., and The Strand.
Take advantage of Galveston’s rental options to make the most of your next outdoor adventure by visiting our Rentals page.
Limo or luxury car: Rates vary from around $150 each way for a luxury car from Houston Hobby up to $400 each way for a stretch limo from Bush International.
Shuttle: Round-trip rates range from around $40 to $100 per person.
Uber and Lyft: Rates range from about $100+ round trip per car from Houston Hobby to $165+ round trip from Bush International. Fares increase during busy times.
Rental car: Rates vary.
View Getting Here & Transportation for more information.
Downtown: must pay to park using the PayByPhone App from 9 am to 6 pm.
Seawall: must pay to park using the PayByPhone App from 10 am - 6 pm.
Visitors embarking on a cruise can park their vehicles at local parking companies. For more details on cruise parking, click here.
The following cruise lines offer departures from the Port of Galveston:
Carnival Cruise Lines
Royal Caribbean International
Disney Cruise Line
Princess Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Lines
MSC Cruises
Galveston is the fourth busiest homeport in the country, with cruises departing throughout the year. Your vacation starts before you even board!
While millions of cruise passengers sail from Galveston's bustling port each year, those in the know turn their cruise into a double adventure by discovering our island's hidden treasures first.
Think historic mansions dripping with mystery, Gulf waves lapping at 32 miles of sandy shores, and a vintage downtown that feels like stepping into a living postcard. Whether you're headed to Mexico or the Caribbean, Galveston isn't just one of America's top cruise ports – it's your first taste of island time. Make your cruise countdown even sweeter by starting your vacation the moment you hit the island.
Those who want to extend their vacation can stay at one of the highly rated hotels in Galveston. Most offer connecting shuttles to and from the cruise terminal so you don’t need to worry about parking and can continue to enjoy your break.
For more information, visit Cruising.
Located about an hour south of Houston and connected to the mainland by a causeway, Galveston is as easy to get to as an island can be.
Follow I-45, also referred to as the Gulf Freeway, continuing southeast from Houston to Galveston over the Galveston Causeway to the Gulf.
Some of the ways to travel to, from, or on the island include Uber or Lyft, shuttle, limousine, rental car or personal vehicle.
The closest international airport to Galveston is William P Hobby Airport. Located on the southern side of Houston, it’s only about an hour drive from the terminal to the beach.
For more information visit Getting Here.
