Crystal Beach

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Named after Bernardo de Gálvez y Madrid, Count of Gálvez and taken over by privateer Jean Lafitte for a while as his personal-like fiefdom around 1820, Galveston was controlled by the Confederacy but then in a twist of fate became a sort of freedman's refuge after the Civil War, as it prospered in becoming Texas' great cotton port. Then the great hurricane of 1900 hit, obliterating the barrier island and taking much of the city and some 6000 lives with it. A seawall was built along the extent of the city and the city became a epicenter for hedonistic activities like gambling, but it never regained its premier port status, in part because of the development of the Houston Ship Channel further inland. However it holds its place among Gulf tourist destinations today and is a major cruise embarkation point.

With 32 miles of coastline, Galveston offers a variety of beach experiences. The island is also home to several museums and historic landmarks. The Bryan Museum showcases artifacts from Texas and the American West, while the Galveston Railroad Museum highlights the city’s role in transportation history. The 1892 Bishop’s Palace and Moody Mansion provide a glimpse into Galveston’s Victorian-era past.

Climate Galveston has a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and warm, humid summers. Winter temperatures average 57°F (14°C), while summer highs reach 81°F (27°C). The Gulf of Mexico provides cooling breezes but also makes it susceptible to hurricanes, particularly between June and November.

Getting there

By plane 1 Scholes International Airport (GLS IATA). This is the only airport in Galveston, but only serves private and chartered flights. 2 William P. Hobby Airport (HOU IATA). One of two airports in Houston providing scheduled commercial flights into the metro area, and the closest commercial airport to Galveston. It is directly connected to Galveston by Interstate 45; the drive takes about 45 minutes. Hobby Airport is dominated by Southwest Airlines. (updated Mar 2024) George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH IATA) Also in Houston, and dominated by United Airlines. Take US Route 59 south into downtown Houston and exit into Interstate 45 south; you will pass by Hobby Airport en route. Allow at least 90 minutes to drive from IAH to Galveston, probably more during rush hour. IAH asks returning passengers to arrive 2 hours before check-in.

By car I-45 South is the easiest route from Houston to Galveston Island. The freeway becomes Broadway St. on the island. The San Luis Pass-Vacek Toll Bridge offers access to Galveston Island from Surfside Beach along State Highway 87. State Highway 288 connects the Greater Houston area to this route.

By boat The Bolivar Peninsula - Galveston Island Ferry is a free vehicle ferry that regularly runs between Port Bolivar - located on mainland east of Galveston - and the island. For travel between New Orleans and Galveston, the ferry can save 30-40 minutes by avoiding Houston. The ferry is run on a first-come first-served basis, and there are often moderate waits during rush hour, and very long waits (on the order of 2-3 hours) on major holidays. Weekend evening waits also tend to be long. The trip is normally 18 minutes long, plus 9 minutes for loading. The addresses for the Galveston ferry are 123 State Highway 87 in Port Bolivar and 1000 North Ferry Road in Galveston.

By train The national railroad operator Amtrak provides a Thruway bus service from Longview, connecting with its Texas Eagle. This train runs daily bet

Getting around

Galveston is walkable in areas like The Strand and Seawall Boulevard, but some neighborhoods require transportation.

Driving & Parking – Street parking is metered in busy areas, with mobile payment options. Biking & Pedal Cars – Rentals available along The Strand and Seawall Boulevard. Island Transit – Provides limited bus routes. Trolley Service – Replica streetcars run through the Historic Downtown District and parts of the Seawall. Taxis & Rideshares – Uber, Lyft, and local taxi services are available.

See

1 African-American Museum, 3427 Sealy Ave. (updated Aug 2021) 2 Bishop's Palace (Gresham House), 1402 Broadway St. (updated Nov 2021) 3 The Bryan Museum, 1315 21st St, ☏ +1 409-632-7685. W-Su 10AM-5PM, except Th 10AM-7PM. Adults $14, Seniors (65+) & Military $12, Students $10, Children (6-12) $5, Children under 5 free. (updated Nov 2021) 4 Moody Mansion, 2618 Broadway Avenue J, ☏ +1 409 762-7668. Daily 10AM-5PM. A Romanesque-style estate that is a Galveston landmark, once home to cotton financier and Galveston magnate William Lewis Moody, Jr. $15 adults, $7 (ages 6-17). (updated Jan 2022)

5 Elissa Barque Sailing Ship (Texas Seaport Museum), 2200 Harborside Dr. (updated Nov 2021) 6 Galveston Railroad Museum, 2602 Santa Fe Plaza (near the Strand at 25th St.), ☏ +1 409-765-5700, fax: +1 409-765-5744. All sorts of railway things to see. It's in the old Galveston Railway Station, and the lobby is a huge period display. A large model train layout is also located in the museum. $6. (updated Aug 2019) 7 Moody Gardens, One Hope Blvd (off 81st St.), toll-free: +1-800-582-4673. Botanical garden, indoor rainforest, aquarium, 3D movie theater, 4D special FX theater, water park, hotel, and golf course in one complex. The complex is made up of several large pyramids. Great place to take the kids for a whole day. Additionally, they have the Colonel Paddleboat for those wishing to take tours on the channel. $39.95 day pass.

8 Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum, ☏ +1 409-766-7827. 10:00 - 17:00 (varies by season). Housed in a retired oil platform. Interesting exhibit for someone unfamiliar with the drilling process. $15 (seniors/military $12, youth $10). (updated Nov 2025) 9 SS Selma (1919), Galveston Bay. This concrete ship, built in 1919, is the only permanent, and prominent, wreck along the Houston Ship Channel. 10 Strand National Historic Landmark District (East of Broadway, along the east side of the island). The historic Downtown features all sorts of old buil

Do

Annual events include Mardi Gras Galveston, one of the largest celebrations in Texas, and Dickens on The Strand, a Victorian-themed holiday festival. Seasonal markets, art fairs, and live music events are also common throughout the year.

Bolivar Ferry. Free ferry for automobiles and pedestrians between Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula. The ferry ride is about 25 minutes, but waiting times for the ferry can be considerably longer, especially on busy weekends. If the vehicle line is long, a good option is to stay in the right lane on Ferry Road, park your car, and walk on the ferry to ride it across and back. Good views of the bay, ship traffic, and sometimes wildlife. Children will have much fun feeding anything edible to sea gulls at the stern of the ferry. Cruise line travel. Carnival and Princess cruise lines (perhaps others) have regular cruises which depart from Galveston. 1 Fort Travis Seashore Park, 800 Anderson Avenue, Port Bolivar,