Set-Jetting in Galveston: Iconic Film Locations on the Texas Coast
From Hollywood to the Gulf: Galveston’s Cinematic History and Heritage
Movies and TV shows have a way of making places unforgettable. Some locations become just as iconic as the characters who walk their streets. Galveston, with its historic architecture, scenic coastline, and deep-rooted heritage, has played a role in filmmaking for decades. From Terms of Endearment to the hit series 1923, the island has hosted Hollywood legends and independent filmmakers alike.
Galveston, set like a jewel in a crystal sea, was beautiful. Its fine beach, its shady avenues of oleander, and its delightful sea breezes were something to be enjoyed.Oscar Wilde
What is Set-Jetting?
Set-jetting—the travel trend of visiting real-life filming locations—is shaping how people explore destinations. Sixty-six percent of travelers have been inspired to visit a place after seeing it in a movie or television series, and 61 percent seek out restaurants and shops they’ve seen featured on screen.
Galveston’s connection to the film industry offers a unique opportunity to experience scenes brought to life by Hollywood. Strolling the historic Strand, standing in front of the Grand Galvez, or looking out over the Gulf from East Beach brings another layer of appreciation to all the stories filmed here.
Iconic Films Shot in Galveston & Their Locations
Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren stepped into Galveston’s past as 1923 transformed the Grand Galvez into a roaring ‘20s-era hotel. Ashton Villa, one of the island’s oldest mansions, also made an appearance, while the Galveston Railroad Museum became a key filming location, transporting viewers back in time.
Other locations:
The Oscar-winning, iconic Terms of Endearment and its sequel, The Evening Star, captured the emotional journey of Aurora Greenway, played by Shirley MacLaine. Several pivotal scenes were filmed along Galveston’s coastline, particularly at East Beach, while Murdoch’s made a cameo in the background. The Tremont House also appears, offering a glimpse of the island’s historic downtown district.
Other locations:
Wim Wenders’ visually stunning indie masterpiece Paris, Texas filmed key sequences along the Galveston Seawall, using the city’s stark, open landscapes to amplify its themes of isolation and redemption. A few of the island’s motels, remnants of mid-century Americana, also provided atmospheric backdrops.
Other locations:
Historic Downtown
Local Motels
This acclaimed indie drama by Sean Baker follows a washed-up adult film star returning to his Texas roots. Galveston’s Pleasure Pier provided the perfect setting for the film’s blend of nostalgia and grit, with additional scenes shot in local diners like The Spot and residential streets along Broadway Avenue.
Other locations:
The Spot
Neighborhoods along Broadway Avenue
This modern retelling of Mary Shelley’s classic horror story used Galveston’s eerie, weathered cemeteries and ornate Victorian homes to create a haunting atmosphere. The island’s 19th-century architecture lent an air of Gothic authenticity to the film’s dark themes.
Other locations:
Based on the true story of meteorologist Isaac Cline and the devastating Great Storm of 1900, this made-for-TV movie brought history to life. Filming took place along The Strand, capturing the preserved Victorian storefronts that stood through the storm, while Seawall Boulevard punctuated the Gulf’s power.
Other locations:
Beyond the standout productions above, Galveston has also played host to:
- Prison Break (2005) – Scenes shot in and around the Port of Galveston
- Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (2020) – Filmed at various Gulf Coast locations
- The Chase (1994) – Action sequences filmed along the seawall
- Leningrad Cowboys Go America (1989) – Scenes set in Galveston’s historic districts
- Breast Men (1997) – The HBO biopic starring David Schwimmer and Chris Cooper featured local landmarks
Related
