Giddy-Up to Galveston, TX

While Texas beaches may not often be mentioned in the top 5 beachfront areas across the nation, or boast the pounding Atlantic or even gentle lap of Pacific waves against our Gulf coast, Texans have long found a visit to Texas beaches well worth the trip.

Galveston, is a mere thirty-six miles south of Houston (well, Pasadena, which is South Houston). Houston Hobby is the closer airport if you’re planning on flying to the area. A taxi ride (Uber & Lyft would probably be comparable) is $75.00 to $100 one-way. For those on a budget: Galveston Island Transit operates a connecting bus service around the island and between Houston & Galveston.

Side-note: if you’re planning a cruise from Galveston (now, the second busiest cruise post in the nation), there are loads of ways from getting between Bush Intercontinental (IAH) or Houston Hobby (HOU) and the port. For more information, go to: 6 Easy Houston to Galveston Cruise Transport Options.

Also, if you need to stay overnight prior to your cruise, or after returning to port, check out this article on where to stay on Best Galveston Cruise Port Hotels.

However, if Galveston is your destination, what is there to do?

Let’s take a look.


If you have a group – family of varying ages – consider your budget:

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center


From restaurants that serve Texas shaped waffles to the Palm Beach Waterpark (now, open daily until August 18, 2018)

TO Colonel Paddlewheel Boat

TO the Zip-line course

OR an evening spent on the beach with Bands on the Sand . . . Moody Gardens has a great deal for families of all ages.

If your hotel destination requires easy walking distance to most area attractions & right on the beach, consider Hotel Galvez (A bit more economically priced than Moody Gardens, but still loads of luxury and onsite things to entertain.

Consider:

The Commodore on the Beach (2-Star) Featuring an outdoor pool with waterfall; all rooms have a Gulf view; some rooms with poolside patios; other rooms with private balconies; WiFi throughout property; USB charging stations.





Best Western Galveston West Beach Hotel (2-Star) On the seawall . . . beaches are within a few steps. High-speed Internet connections available; complimentary continental breakfast; outdoor pool; exercise facility; and inside corridors if that's a requirement.


Beachfront Palms Hotel located on the Seawall, a stone's throw from the beach. Rooms feature WiFI. Price includes BREAKFAST, but only the morning meal. When it's time to fuel again, take a step outside and stroll down The Strand for loads of variety. Pool with seaside deck and free parking.

or The Tremont House (4-star Historical) One of the most historic hotels in Galveston, Texas, featuring three separate dining experiences; rooms equipped with Wi-Fi, HDTV, Wolfgang Puck coffee, bathrobes; rooftop (beachfront) bar experiences, and more. Oh, and there's valet parking for your convenience as well.

Now that you know how to hit Galveston city limits, and you’ve options on where to stay in Galveston . . . what are you going to do?????



Want to see a dolphin swim beside the boat? Check out BayWatch Dolphin Tours




Are sweets your idea of afternoon joy? Then plan a visit to: La King’s Confectionery (Demonstration schedules change. Make certain to consult website.)

For a true ole-fashioned dining experience, visit: The Star Drug Store

And what trip to a coast could be complete without a lighthouse or sailing ship thrown into the visit?
Point Bolivar Lighthouse (you’ll take a ferry for this one.)


1877 Tall Ship Elissa

And if you’re interested in more lighthouses and additional Galveston history, check out: Galveston History

No matter how you fill your days and nights . . . make certain to leave time to stroll the beaches.

From my Pinterest saves, I linked several great blogs to help you navigate Texas beaches.

Here’s one family's account of a Great Seashell Beach in Galveston
And another for a Day at the Beach
And finally, The Best Galveston Beaches

Special thanks to these travel bloggers who offered thoughtful information and details to aid in Galveston travels. Be sure to visit each of these bloggers for more great travel sites.