Things to do in Galveston

Things to do in  Galveston

Texas soul by the sea

Just 51 miles (82 kilometers) south of Houston, there are plenty of things to do in Galveston for city-dwellers, cruise-ship passengers, and farther-flung visitors alike. Soak up the Gulf of Mexico setting on this barrier island, including the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, Galveston Island State Park, and Stewart Beach. But keep in mind that Galveston is also a place with real heritage, as proven by strolls in the East End and Strand Historic Districts, as well as visits to the Bryan Museum (dedicated to the history and art of the American West).

Learn more

Top 2 attractions in Galveston

#1
Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston

Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston

star-00
With more than 33 attractions spread across 26 acres (10.5 hectares), Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston ranks among the biggest and best water parks in Texas. Among the thrills and chills are MASSIV (the world’s tallest water coaster), a wave pool, three river areas, white water rapids, heated pools, water slides, and a surf simulator.More
#2

Tanger Outlets

star-00
Designer shopping enthusiasts won’t want to miss a visit to this Houston location of the Tanger Outlets, just south of the city. One of 36 branches located all around the US and Canada, the outlet shopping mall features hundreds of brands at deeply discounted prices, affording plenty of opportunities to bag a bargain.More
Tours & Tickets

Explore Galveston by interest

Top activities in Galveston

Historic Galveston Ghost Tour

Historic Galveston Ghost Tour

star-4.5
679
From
$25.00
Al's Authentic Paranormal Excursion Tour

Al's Authentic Paranormal Excursion Tour

star-5
157
From
$16.00
Dolphin Sightseeing Tour with Guide

Dolphin Sightseeing Tour with Guide

star-5
1236
From
$33.75
Galveston Suntime Jet Boat Thrill Ride
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Galveston Suntime Jet Boat Thrill Ride

star-4.5
110
From
$54.00
Sunset Segway Tour

Sunset Segway Tour

star-5
43
From
$75.00
Ghost On the Strand Ghost Tour
Special Offer

Ghost On the Strand Ghost Tour

star-4.5
92
From
$20.00
$25.00  $5.00 savings
Galveston Red Light District Tour
Special Offer

Galveston Red Light District Tour

star-5
108
From
$20.00
$25.00  $5.00 savings
Galveston Island E-Bike Adventure Tour
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Galveston Island E-Bike Adventure Tour

star-5
145
From
$75.00
per group
Galveston Island Ghost Tour
Special Offer

Galveston Island Ghost Tour

star-4.5
29
From
$15.00
Groovy Galveston Scavenger Hunt
Special Offer

Groovy Galveston Scavenger Hunt

star-4.5
28
From
$17.60
$22.00  $4.40 savings
Galveston Seawall SegwayTour

Galveston Seawall SegwayTour

star-5
21
From
$51.42
Sand Castle Lesson

Sand Castle Lesson

star-5
33
From
$220.00
per group
Spooky Strand Ghost Tour
Special Offer

Spooky Strand Ghost Tour

star-4.5
60
From
$15.00
Great! Galveston Ghost Tour
Special Offer

Great! Galveston Ghost Tour

star-4.5
8
From
$20.00
$25.00  $5.00 savings
Storm on the Strand Ghost Tour

Storm on the Strand Ghost Tour

star-5
101
From
$25.00
Haunted Legends: Segway Ghost Tour

Haunted Legends: Segway Ghost Tour

star-5
29
From
$75.84
Galveston Tree Carvings Segway Tour

Galveston Tree Carvings Segway Tour

star-5
25
From
$66.84
The Bryan Museum Admission

The Bryan Museum Admission

star-4.5
46
From
$14.00
Historic Galveston Red Light District Tour
Special Offer

Historic Galveston Red Light District Tour

star-4.5
18
From
$20.00
$25.00  $5.00 savings
Galveston Island Red Light District Tour
Special Offer

Galveston Island Red Light District Tour

star-4.5
12
From
$20.00
$25.00  $5.00 savings
See all Galveston tours

Explore our promoted experiences

Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here

All about Galveston

When to visit

The best time to experience Galveston is during the fall and spring seasons. Fall (September to November) offers pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities like visiting the beach and strolling along the historic Strand District. Spring (March to May) brings the coast back to life with blooming flowers and festivals. Don’t miss the annual Galveston Island Wine Festival in late August, a celebration of the Gulf Coast’s best sips and bites.

Getting around

The most charming way to explore Galveston’s main attractions is via the Island Transit trolley system, which passes by most of the popular beaches and historic districts. Bike rentals are also available across town—an excellent choice for leisurely exploring the island’s coasts and picturesque neighborhoods.

Traveler tips

Visit Seawolf Park to view historic naval vessels—including a submarine and a destroyer escort—and enjoy tranquil picnics by the bay. And don’t leave without indulging in a Texas-sized breakfast at one of the island’s charming diners. Miller’s Seawall Grill is a local favorite, beloved for its fluffy pancakes and mouthwatering biscuits and gravy.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
CDT (UTC -6)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
2
Tours
119
Reviews
4,841
EN
bf0da1ec-4a1f-4fda-9106-9fca5deff679
geo_hub

People Also Ask

Is Galveston worth visiting?

Yes, Galveston is a barrier island with a scenic coastline, beachfront rentals, and historic mansions. The island is worth visiting especially for its beaches, from East Beach and Stewart Beach to the 10-plus miles (16 kilometers) of Seawall Beach. It’s about 50 miles (80 kilometers) away from Texas's largest city—Houston.

...More
What is Galveston best known for?

Galveston was once known as the playground of the South. Today it’s known for its many beaches—Babe’s Beach, Stewart Beach, Crystal Beach, East Beach—and state parks. It’s also home to many historic districts, which include restored Victorian homes and hotels, and a variety of restaurants and activities.

...More
What is the prettiest beach in Galveston?

Named after Babe Schwartz who fell in love with Galveston, Babe’s Beach—a 15-block stretch of coastline—is often regarded as Galeveston’s prettiest beach. The seawall backs most of the beach.The neighborhood across from Babe’s Beach is one of the city's most popular, filled with restaurants, bars, and gift shops.

...More
What are the best months to visit Galveston?

The best months to visit Galveston fall between Oct. to Nov. and Mar. to Apr. when the weather is warm, but not hot, and accommodation prices are more reasonable. The climate in Galveston is humid and subtropical, so summer is hot and humid, while fall is more moderate in temperature.

...More
What is the best time of year to see dolphins in Galveston?

June through Sep. are generally the best dolphin-spotting months of the year, and many boats take to the water at this time. Dolphins are present year-round but may leave in cooler months. When heavy rainfall lowers the ocean’s salinity, it can impact the chance of dolphin sightings.

...More
Is there a lot to do in Galveston Texas?

Galveston is home to many major attractions including Moody Gardens, with its three pyramid-shaped attractions, Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, and Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier amusement park.You'll also find plenty of museums, including the Texas Seaport Museum and the Galveston Railroad Museum.

...More
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top things to do in Galveston?
A:
The top things to do in Galveston are:
Q:
What are the top activities in Galveston?
A:
Q:
What are the top things to do near Galveston?
A:
Check out things to do near Galveston:

More Tours in Galveston