9 Activities and Experiences to Beat The Heat in Galveston, Texas

Explore the variety of activities in Galveston, Texas, that not only provide relief from the heat but also offer memorable adventures for visitors of all ages.

Get ready to beat the heat while immersing yourself in the vibrant offerings of Galveston, where exciting experiences await around every corner.
Pictured: Schlitterbahn Galveston Waterpark
Beat The Heat
1. Moody Gardens
Moody Gardens is a unique and immersive attraction that offers visitors the opportunity to explore a variety of fascinating exhibits, activities, and events. Whether you are a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a fun…
Beat The Heat
2. The Bryan Museum

Boasting the largest collection of art and artifacts related to the American Southwest, The Bryan Museum is one of the state's premier historical and cultural museums. Assembled over a lifetime by Mary Jon and J.P. Bryan, the collection spans more than 2,500 years of history and features 70,000 items, ranging from ancient Native American cultural artifacts to modern 21st-century pieces. The exhibits include rare documents in German, French, Spanish and English, exquisite saddles and spurs, antique firearms, rare books, fine art, religious art, folk art, portraits and rare maps.

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Beat The Heat
3. Galveston Railroad Museum

In the island's historic downtown district, the Galveston Railroad Museum is the perfect place to spend a couple of hours getting dry. After all, who doesn't love trains? The museum is housed at the site of the 1932 Santa Fe depot and railyard and features more than 40 pieces of locomotives and rolling stock. Here you can check out restored trains, engaging exhibits and even take a 20-minute ride on the "Harborside Express" if you're visiting on a day where this is offered.

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Beat The Heat
4. 1892 Bishop’s Palace

Touring Bishop's Palace will take you back to Galveston's Golden Era when the island served as the "Wall Street of the South" and one of the country's wealthiest cities. This stunning Victorian mansion was built from 1886 to 1892 and features an ornate delight of colored stone, intricately carved ornaments, rare woods, stained-glass windows, luxury materials, furnishings, and impressive fireplaces from around the world (including one lined with pure silver). Bishop's Palace is so remarkable that the American Institute of Architects cited it as one of America's 100 most important buildings.

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Beat The Heat
5. Schlitterbahn Galveston Waterpark

Schlitterbahn Galveston Waterpark features the most exciting collection of water rides in Texas and the Houston Area. Every member of your family will be thrilled by the large collection of water slides, lazy rivers, and water coasters. Galveston is a great destination for families, friends, and large groups to play together. Schlitterbahn is committed to providing Texas's hottest, coolest time with signature rides, slides, surfing waves, and not-so-lazy rivers.

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Beat The Heat
6. Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum

This unique museum located in Galveston, Texas, allows you to step aboard a retired jack-up rig and experience three floors of exhibits and interactive displays illustrating the history of offshore oil and gas from seismic technology to exploration and production.

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Beat The Heat
7. Catch a Show at The Grand 1894 Opera House

Escape the heat while enjoying a live performance at The Grand 1894 Opera House. This historic venue hosts a variety of concerts, shows, and theatrical productions throughout the year.

The Grand 1894 Opera House
Beat The Heat
8. Enjoy A Robust Food Scene

With fresh seafood, southern favorites, and a restaurant for every craving, Galveston is the place to be when it’s time to eat.

This family-friendly foodie paradise can deliver up the perfect setting whether you want fancy or casual, intimate or extroverted, at every price point.

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Beat The Heat
9. La King’s Confectionery

Step inside La King’s and the poor weather will leave your mind immediately. This old-fashioned confectionery features a 1920’s soda fountain, serving malts, shakes, ice cream sodas, sundaes, splits, floats and your favorite fountain drinks. They also proudly make and serve "Purity" ice cream, Texas' first ice cream manufacturer, since 1889 founded on Galveston Island. But let us not forget the homemade candy! La King's master candy maker will delight you with his old-time specialties - peanut brittle, divinity, pecan pralines, hand dipped chocolates, fudges, and our famous saltwater taffy made right before your eyes on antique equipment. They make more than 40 candies from traditional recipes, just waiting for you!

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Author

Visit Galveston
Visit Galveston is the official destination marketing organization for Galveston Island, Texas.