A list of 50 things to do on Galveston Island before you kick the bucket.
There is so much to do on our little island that you may not be able to do it all at once, but no worries! We have compiled the ultimate ‘bucket list’ to tackle in Galveston.
How many have you done? One? Ten? Maybe all 50?!
pictured: Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
2. Try Gaido’s world-famous pecan pie.
3. Explore Galveston's beaches for the perfect seashells.
4. Bike the entire 10.3 miles of the longest continuous sidewalk in the United States along Seawall Blvd.
5. Ride the Harborside Express at the Galveston Railroad Museum.
See Galveston as you've never seen it before! Take a ride aboard Galveston Helicopters' R44 for a chance to see the amazing views the island has to offer. Rides start at $35/ person.
The 1892 Bishop’s Palace (a.k.a. Gresham House) is a contributing building in the East End Historic District, a National Historic Landmark. The house is listed in the National Register of Historic Places at the national level of significance in the area of architecture. Architectural historians list the Bishop’s Palace as one of the most significant of Victorian residences in the country.
The Grand is one of the few remaining theatres of its era in Texas and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. As further recognition of its importance to the citizens of Texas, in 1993 the 73rd Texas Legislature proclaimed The Grand “The Official Opera House of Texas“.
10. Meet a penguin in person at Moody Gardens Aquarium.
11. Attend Dickens on The Strand in costume.
12. Get spooked year-round at the Haunted Mayfield Manor.
Instagram: @Chubwubb
13. Snap a picture inside any #LoveGalveston picture frame around the island.
This family-friendly fishing pier offers rod rentals, snacks, pizza, cold beer, soda, a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico, and lots of fun!
Purchase your Red Snapper, Grouper, Golden Tile, Flounder, Oysters, Shrimp, and Crabs fresh from the boat! Or order fresh seafood online and have it delivered to your doorstep!
See Galveston Harbor up close aboard Seagull II on the Historic Harbor Tour and Dolphin Watch, Galveston Historic Seaport’s 50-foot twin-engine motor vessel.
18. Attend the largest motorcycle rally in Texas: Lone Star Rally.
19. Bring your dog to the island.
20. Go Birding.
21. Explore the Broadway Cemetery.
Feel the anticipation as you climb 123 steps to the top of the 81 foot, 6 3/4 inch high record-breaking water coaster at Schlitterbahn Galveston. Twist, turn, drop, and splash for 926 feet (3 football fields). Zip through a mind-bending light show created by the slide itself, finally splashing down to a totally unique triple-drop ending in the landing pool. Breathtaking!
In 2008, Hurricane Ike covered most of the Island in a tidal surge leading to the demise of thousands of trees. Whimsical sculptures have replaced the majestic oaks that once lined many neighborhood streets and shaded homes. Explore these neighborhoods and find your favorite tree sculpture by foot, car, bike or golf cart.
Galveston Island Brewing is a premiere craft brewery featuring an onsite taproom. Games and a playground make this brewery, a well-rounded family affair. They offer 10 taps, St. Arnold's Root Beer and pub grub for our patrons. FREE brewery tours are hosted every Saturday at 1:00 pm.
26. Catch a play at Island ETC.
27. Eat a muffuletta from a local favorite: Maceo Spice & Import Company.
28. Eat at the oldest drug store in Texas: Star Drug Store.
Instagram: @randomnotes84
29. Take a picture on one of the GIANT beach chairs.
If your looking for a vacation rental, the island offers everything from beachfront mansions and waterfront condos to historic cottages and luxury high rises. Click 'Learn More' for a quick guide to booking a vacation rental in Galveston.
Come by this family-owned small business to enjoy fresh, homemade ice cream with over 250 flavors rotated daily!
Gain a unique memory of being on the USS Cavalla, a World War II submarine that sank a Japanese aircraft carrier involved in the Pearl Harbor attacks, or the USS Stewart, the only Edsall-class destroyer escort preserved in the United States only on beautiful Seawolf Park.
34. Take a cruise out of Galveston Island.
35. Watch a sea turtle release at the beach.
36. Dine at one of several participating Galveston Restaurant Week restaurants.
37. Catch as many beads as possible during Mardi! Gras Galveston.
On weekends and through the summer, people gather around to see taffy being “pulled”, “spun out”, and packaged, right before their eyes.
Explore Galveston Island in exotic fashion with Galveston Slingshot Rentals. These unique vehicles pack a punch and are sure to have heads turn to you while you're cruising down Seawall Blvd., Downtown Galveston or where ever the road takes you!
As you enter through a tree-top canopy entrance, you'll visit the rainforests of Asia, Africa and the Americas in a rare, up-close and interactive adventure with over 1,700 exotic plants and endangered animals and more!
42. Recreate the 1900 Storm Memorial statue pose.
43. Learn how to make a sandcastle from a professional sandcastle builder at East Beach.
44. Take a tour with Galveston Experience Company. Experiences include ghost tours, pirate tours, history tours and many more!
45. Make a round trip on the FREE ferry.
46. Research Galveston History at the oldest public library in Texas in continuous operation: Rosenberg Library.
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is one of the few spots in the world that has this many rides over water! You'll be flying over guests on the Pier, soaring over the Gulf of Mexico and anticipating your next ride! 16 rides for all ages, Kiddie Big Top Area, Midway Games, Party Zone, Brew Station, Lolli & Pop's Candy Shoppe plus much more!
If you’re inkling for a delicious meal overlooking the beach, these restaurants are ready to serve you and your families outside in an open-air setting.
Vintage Crown - Michelada Bar is known for its amazing Mexican-style drinks and snacks. As the name suggests, the Micheladas are the most popular beverage at this Downtown Galveston establishment.
Did we miss something? Connect with us on social media and let us know!
Make your trip to Galveston, TX fun for the whole family with beaches, waterparks, museums, aquariums, and more activities perfect for kids.
Where the Texas Coast begins.
Author
Clayton Kolavo Digital Content Strategist
Clayton oversees Galveston Island's online presence through various social media platforms, VisitGalveston.com and other online outlets.
