Galveston (pop. 57,247) in Galveston county, on the Texas Gulf Coast. Many Houstonians have beach houses in Galveston or elsewhere in Galveston county. Houstonians sometimes relocate to beach houses during the summer or simply drive to Galveston to enjoy the local beach.

Although Galveston is a port city for the Houston Metropolitan Area, it has largely been overshadowed by the city of Houston. Still, Galveston remains a port of entry and a destination for almost all the cruise ships with ports of call in Texas.

Climate - Semi-tropical; averaging 57F in the winter months and 81F in the summer months.

Get around

The island is small enough that walking can take you most places, although it is not recommended in all neighborhoods, particularly outside the historic district, the Strand, and the Harborside district.

Metered street parking is available throughout the city, so bring change. The city operates a replica streetcar service, which operates in the historic district and parts of Seawall Blvd. Pedal cars are also available to rent from various vendors for use along the Seawall and the Strand.

Attractions

 • Moody Gardens 
 • Galveston Island Railroad Museum 
 • Strand National Historic Landmark District
 • Haak Vineyards and Winery 
 • Lone Star Flight Museum 
 • Texas Seaport Museum is also home to several historic ships, including the 1877 tall ship Elissa.
 • Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum, which is housed in a retired oil platform.
 • Seawolf Park the home of USS Cavalla and USS Stewart are berthed on Pelican Island.

Dining

Mid-range
 • La Estacion, The best Mexican food you'll ever have
 • Fishermans Wharf - Harborside at Pier 22 - 409.765.5708
 • Fishtales - 2502 Seawall Boulevard - 409.762.8545
 • Fuddruckers - 111 23rd Street - 409.765.8000
 • Joe's Crab Shack - 3502 Seawall Boulevard - 409.474.2741
 • Landry's Oyster Bar - 2100 Harborside Drive on Pier 21 - 409.762.4747
 • Mosquito Cafe - 628 14th Street - 409.763.1010
 • Original Mexican Cafe - 1401 Market Street - 409.762.6001
 • Olympia Grill - Greek & American cuisine - 4908 Seawall Blvd - 409.766.1222
 • The Phoenix Bakery & Coffee Shop - 2228 Mechanic Street - 409.763.4611
 • Rudy & PACO Restaurant - quality Italian food - 2028 Post Office Street - 409.762.3696
 • Yagas Tropical Cafe Club - American food - 2314 Strand Street - 409.762.6676
 • Caseys Seafood Restaurant - 3828 Seawall Boulevard- 409.762.9625
 • Gaidos Seafood Restaurant - 3800 Seawall Boulevard - 409.762.9625
 • La Estacion - arguably one of the best Mexican restaurants in town, serves breakfast and lunch only - 2428 Ball Street - 409.762.4262
 • Salsas Mexican & Seafood Restaurant - 4604 Seawall Blvd - 409.621.2011
 • The Captain's Table Located on the West side of the island, between Pirate's Beach and Jamaica Beach

Splurge
 • The Balinese Room - located in an old prohibition-era casino over the water - 2101 Seawall Boulevard - 409.621.5155
 • Harborside Grill - 101 22nd Street - 409.762.3000
 • The Rainforest Cafe - 5300 Seawall - 409.744.6000
 • Saltgrass Steak House - 1502 Seawall - 409.762.4261
 • Saltwater Grill - fresh, original seafood dishes - 2017 Post office - 409.762.3474
 • Sky Bar - Sushi Bar & Grill - 2107 Post office - 409.621.4759
 • Willie G's - seafood - 2100 Water St. at Pier 21 - 409.762.3030
 • The Ocean Grill - seafood, exciting over-the-water dining experience along the seawall

Drink

 • 3rd Coast Bar - 9th and Seawall Blvd. - 409.765.6911
 • 21 - 2102 Post office - 409.762.2101
 • Balinese Room - 2107 Seawall - 409.762.9696
 • Garza's Kon Tiki - 315 Tremont - 409.765.5805
 • JuJu Hangout & Bar - 2408 Strand - 409.765.9300
 • O'Malley's Stage Door Pub - 2022 Post office St. - 409.763.1731
 • The Press Box - 2401 Post office - 409.765.5958
 • Sky Bar - 2107 Post office - 409.621.4759
 • Yaga's Cafe and Bar - 2314 Strand - 409.762.6676

Lodging

Budget
 • Beachcomber Inn
 • Best Value Inn & Suites
 • Mariner Inn
 • Gaido's Seaside Inn
 • Ramada Limited Galveston

Mid-range
 • Best Western
 • Commodore on the Beach
 • Flagship Over the Water
 • Moody Gardens Hotel 

Splurge
 • The Tremont House
 • The Hotel Galvez
 • The Victorian Condo Hotel
 • San Luis Resort
 • Seascape

RV Parks and Campgrounds
 • Bayou Shores RV Park - 6310 Heards Lane - 888.744.2837
 • Dellanera RV Park - 10901 San Luis Pass Rd - 409.797.5102 or Toll-Free 888.425.4753 Ext. 102
 • Galveston Island RV Park - 2323 Skymaster - 409.744.5464
 • Galveston Island State Park - 14901 FM 3005 - 409.737.1222 (Also See Texas State Parks)

Extended Stay
 • Italian Villas
 • Maravilla Resort Condominiums
 • The Seasons