Thank Goodness for Galveston
Five ways to experience the island, for each variety of vacationer
Where do you go when every member of the family wants something completely different out of a vacation? When Dad wants to go fishing, Mom wants a beach view, the kids need to break their iPad addictions, Aunt Liz has to Instagram gourmet meals, and Grandma just wants to remember “the good ol’ days,” thank goodness for Galveston. Just a quick flight or half-day’s drive from anywhere in Louisiana, Houston’s weekend resort destination is better than ever, with attractions for everyone. Here are five potential itineraries to satisfy every type of vacationer.
History Buffs
Explore: Colonial, pre-colonial, Victorian, or 20th century—it doesn’t matter which era piques your interest, Galveston’s past has much to offer the historian. For an introduction to local historical architecture, the East End Historical Tour with Galveston Historical Tours is well-paced, accurate, and fascinating. It leaves from the Galveston Visitor’s Center. When you’ve had enough of admiring exteriors and want to get a glimpse into life in one of the island’s grandest homes, check out Bishop’s Palace, former home to railroad magnate Walter Gresham. As for museums, the Bryan Museum boasts the largest collection of artifacts documenting the American West—including dozens of firearms, thousands of documents, and even a collection of spurs.
Recharge: For a meal that’s steeped in history, stop by one of Texas’ oldest restaurants. The Gaidos family has been offering steak and seafood hits since 1911. Try their signature Wooden Shoe, a dangerously delicious, rum-filled dessert that thumbed its nose at authority during prohibition.
Where can a history buff lay his or her head for the night? Galveston’s oldest hotel, The Tremont House, of course.
The Whole Gang
Explore: Family activities abound on the island. The all-inclusive Moody Gardens has more attractions than they could fit in one pyramid-shaped building, so they built three: the newly-renovated aquarium; a tropical rainforest which is home to monkeys, orchids, sloths, and parrots; and Discovery Pyramid, featuring 3D and 4D theaters and a kid-friendly, hands-on Discovery Museum.
Nearby Schlitterbahn Waterpark boasts the world’s tallest water coaster, plus more seasonal fun in the form of waterslides, a wave lagoon, and a lazy river.
Good, old-fashioned fun (and carnival games) awaits at Historic Pleasure Pier. Catch the sunset from atop the Texas Flier, feel the G-forces on Iron Shark Roller Coaster, or enjoy the classic carousel. Then toss a ring, whack a mole, or pop a balloon (or ten).
Recharge: When your wild things work up an appetite, there’s nothing quite like Rainforest Café to tame roaring tummies. Try the Amazon Fajitas, Planet Earth Pasta, or a Rainforest Burger. Leave room for Lava Mud chocolate pudding, or head downtown to La King’s Confectionery for some salt-water taffy, gourmet chocolates, or a dozen homemade ice cream flavors.
Hit the sack at the Moody Gardens Hotel, and wake up to pyramid views over Offatts Bayou. Located right inside Moody Gardens, the hotel offers rooms and suites for families large and small.
Foodies
Explore: For a small-size town, Galveston has a surprising number of restaurants that will make you want to pack your stretchy pants. Head to Rudy and Paco for award-winning, delectable South and Central American dishes such as Ceviche Coranto, Alcachofa a la Basil (ricotta ravioli with artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes in a basil cream sauce), or the Havana Pork Sandwich. These dishes are best accompanied by wine, but you can get your brew fix at Galveston Island Brewing to sample the double IPA, famous Tiki Wheat, or my personal favorite, the Nightfall Porter.
Experience a brush with fame (and pick up the perfect centerpiece for your meal) at Katie’s Seafood Market, featured in the National Geographic Channel’s “Big Fish, Texas” show. Spice it all up with ten types of peppercorns, dozens of salts, and blends such as Vik’s Garlic Fix (not for the faint of tongue!), Autumn Harvest Spice Blend, or Backwoods Hickory Rub. The Spice and Tea Exchange in Galveston, sister store to the existing location in New Orleans, just opened in May 2017.
Recharge: Where can a foodie enjoy dreams of sugar plums dancing in their head? Try The Hotel Galvez. Their epic Sunday brunch features a mountain of crab, made-to-order crepes and omelets, and an entire room dedicated to desserts.
Ocean-Lovers
Explore: The unique charm of Galveston Island lies in its two varied coasts: the Gulf Coast, lined with sandy beaches and rolling waves, and the calmer waters of Galveston Bay, with Houston’s skyline rising in the background. Take in the bay in relaxed fashion from the deck of a cruising catamaran, or in more heart-pumping style from a Pearson Flyer sailboat at Sea Star Base.
Next, wiggle your toes into the sand at newly-expanded beaches. They’re 150 feet wider in some places after a $19.5 million project to fight erosion on ocean-facing shores. Bring it in for some ocean-themed souvenirs, such as mastheads, ship wheels, old navigational charts, and more at Nautical Antiques & Tropical Décor, just off the Historic Strand in Downtown.
Recharge: There’s nothing quite like racing down the rock waterfall slide after a night in an ocean-view room at the San Luis Hotel, Spa & Conference Center. Then, refuel at Olympia Grill. Try their Greek Salad with avocado and sesame-crusted tuna at their Pier 21 location for lunch, and you could spend the afternoon catching Pirate Island at Pier 21 Theater, the swashbuckling documentary about a former Galveston resident, the infamous Jean Lafitte.
Outdoorsmen
Explore: While there is a plethora of hotels too chose from in Galveston, those inclined towards camping know that life on the Gulf is best lived outdoors. Begin your adventure at the Galveston Island State Park by setting up your RV or tent-based homestead at one of over 65 campgrounds. The park has both beach and bay-side camps with amenities such as showers, power, and restrooms.
Once you get camp set up, take a hike! The park has several miles of trails to take you from marshlands to prairies, past freshwater ponds, over footbridges, and up observation towers for glimpses of the Crested Caracara, White-Faced Ibis, Monk Parakeets, and other birds that make their homes in the area. There’s no hunting in the state park, but you can shoot all these beauties with your camera on this portion of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail.
On a quest for the biggest catch? That requires heading offshore. Both Rod Bending Charters and Angler Charters are highly recommended by locals and visitors alike for boat rentals. Climb aboard and set sail for Galveston Bay or the Gulf to pull in Spotted Seatrout, Southern Flounder, Sheepshead, Blue Crab, that famous Texas Redfish, and more.
Recharge: Bring your haul straight to Waterman’s Restaurant on Lake Como—their restaurant-front marina makes them an easy stop on any chartered trip—and they’ll grill it, fry it, or blacken it for you. Come in the middle of the day for a casual lunch, or enjoy what some call the best sunset in Galveston at dinner.