When you imagine a trip to Galveston, you’re probably picturing the beach. And while the island does boast 32 miles of public access coastline where you can relax with your toes in the sand and watch the crashing waves, there are so many more fun things to discover while you’re in town!
Whether you have restless kiddos who need to burn off some energy, or you’re just looking for a unique activity to enjoy with your partner, Galveston has lots of options. Here are 25 fun things to do in Galveston, TX.
1. Moody Gardens
The iconic colorful pyramids at Moody Gardens are one of the first sights that greet visitors driving into Galveston. Part resort, part museum, and part amusement park, Moody Gardens has such a wide range of activities, there’s something that will appeal to everyone. Explore the Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid, or Discovery Pyramid to spend the day with live animals and learn fascinating new facts with your kids. Relax on a private beach and water park, play a round of golf, or take a ride on an old fashioned paddlewheel boat. Get more information and tickets here.
2. Magic Carpet Mini Golf
Play a round at this elaborate beachside mini golf course with obstacles shaped like giant shells, sea turtles, dragons, and more. Check their hours of operation here.
3. Schlitterbahn
Enjoy a float along the lazy river, ride the tides in the wave pool, or zip down a water slide at this miniature version of the popular New Braunfels water park. Get more information and tickets here.
4. Ghost Tours
Find out what makes Galveston one of the most haunted cities in the country by exploring historic homes and old buildings or wandering through the famous Old City Cemetery after dark. Book your spooky experience here. (And check out our blog post about the 5 most haunted places in Galveston!)
5. Grand Galvez Hotel
Visit this luxurious pastel pink property known as the Queen of the Gulf and filled with fascinating history and haunts. Even if you aren’t staying the night here, it’s worth a visit just to marvel at the opulent decorations or dine at the coffee shop, bar, or lunch room on property. In the lobby bathroom, keep an eye out for the most famous resident ghost: The Lovelorn Lady. Book your stay or dining reservations here.
6. Bishop’s Palace
Explore intriguing art and architecture from the 1900s as you tour this spooky manor. According to their website, “architectural historians list the Bishop’s Palace as one of the most significant of Victorian residences in the country.” Book a tour here.
7. Moody Mansion
Learn all about the history of the famous Moody family inside their fascinating historic Galveston home. Book a tour here.
8. Murdoch’s
Browse this enormous souvenir shop sitting on the coast of Galveston since the late 1800s with a wide variety of goodies to choose from. You can also relax on their southern style front porch facing the ocean. Check their hours of operation here.
9. Pleasure Pier
Ride roller coasters and ferris wheels overlooking the ocean at this classic boardwalk theme park. Get tickets and more information here.
10. The Rainforest Cafe
Here you can feast on dinner in the rainforest with jungle pals, watch a volcano that spurts real fire into the air, and even ride the Rainforest River Adventure where you can float on a raft through an animatronic jungle. This is the only Rainforest Cafe location with its own ride, and it’s a great way to escape the heat for a few minutes. Make dining reservations online here, or skip the food and just walk up to enjoy the ride for around $7 per person.
11. La King’s Confectionery
Indulge in a treat from this huge antique soda fountain and candy shop with ice cream, chocolates, and saltwater taffy pulling demonstrations. Check out the menu here.
12. Maceo Spice & Import Co
Try some of the most famous muffulettas in the country at this family-owned eatery and store. Check out their menu and browse their products here.
13. MOD Coffeehouse
Step out of the sun on the beautiful covered patio and sip one of their beloved signature iced lattes at this local favorite. Learn more about the coffee shop’s history or place an online order here.
14. Hey Mikey’s Ice Cream
Enjoy homemade recipes for tons of unique ice cream flavors and beat the heat with a sweet treat. Check out the menu here.
15. Galveston Bookshop
Snap an iconic photo of the literary mural outside this shop before you browse a huge selection of new and used books. Search for a book you need and a sneak peek of the mural here.
16. Clay Cup Studio
Try your hand at some pottery or paint your next canvas masterpiece in one of their art classes. See which activities are coming up here.
17. Tree Sculpture Tour
Sculpture artists turned the trees destroyed by Hurricane Ike into beautiful works of art that are displayed outside homes and businesses all over the island. Use the official Galveston tourism website map to take a self-guided tour of all the different tree sculptures.
18. Turtles About Town
Go on a scavenger hunt for decorative sea turtle sculptures outside dozens of local businesses and attractions. The “Turtles About Town” program is a scavenger hunt designed to raise awareness for the conservation efforts of Turtle Island Restoration Network to protect endangered sea turtles on the upper Texas coast. Now these iconic ocean friends are an integral part of the island culture and community. Find a map to all of the turtles here.
19. Baywatch Dolphin Tours
Spot bottlenose dolphins from only a few feet away on this exciting boat adventure. Each tour lasts around 45 minutes, and the guides know exactly where to see the pods of dolphins swimming and playing together along the harbor. Book your own aquatic adventure here.
20. The Grand 1894 Opera House
Catch a live performance in a beautiful historic opera house venue right in the middle of downtown Galveston. See the schedule of upcoming shows here.
21. Tall Ship Elissa
Tour this historic vessel from 1877, one of only three ships of her kind in the world to still actively sail. Learn more about the history here.
22. Galveston Naval Museum
Experience WWII battleships like you’ve never seen before. As the only museum in Texas that allows visitors to tour a WWII submarine and a WWII destroyer, the Galveston Naval Museum is an excellent pastime for history buffs. Get more information and tickets here.
23. Galveston Railroad Museum
Explore this train-lovers paradise and take a caboose ride along the railroad tracks. Get more information and tickets here.
24. Galveston Island State Park
Swim, fish, paddle, hike, or picnic in this beautiful natural oasis. Learn more about the park here.
25. Galveston Island Ferry
Take a FREE ferry boat ride between Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula for beautiful views of The Gulf of Mexico. Get more information here.
We hope you enjoy these fun things to do in Galveston, TX!
We are big believers in making the most of our trips by thoroughly exploring the local culture and attractions in each new place we visit. We hope this list of fun Galveston activities gives you some creative ideas when you want a break from the beach!
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