Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Galveston

"Completed in 1893, the Bishop's Palace, also known as Gresham's Castle, is a very ornate 19,082 square-feet Victorian-style house which survived the 1900 hurricane and is now part of Galveston's Historic Homes Tour. Architectural historians list the Bishop’s Palace as one of the most significant Victorian residences in the United States. The house was built from 1887 to 1892 for Colonel Walter Gresham and his family."

"Galveston's grandest and best-known building, the Bishop's Palace, is an ornate delight of colored stone, intricately carved ornaments, rare woods, stained-glass windows, bronze dragons and other sculptures, luxury materials and furnishings, and impressive fireplaces from around the world (including one lined with pure silver!)."

"Moody Gardens is a place where kids can learn about science and animal life through its many interactive exhibits. Featuring three visually-stunning pyramids, families can learn about marine life through the aquarium exhibits or learn about the tropical plants, insects, and animals that call the rainforest their home. The Discovery Pyramid features hands-on children’s activities for kids to learn about science through experience."

"Visitors crossing the causeway to Galveston will surely see the pyramids rising on the western side of the island. Those pyramids are just part of magnificent Moody Gardens. With attractions that include several aquariums, an IMAX theatre, and even a rainforest, Moody Gardens is a must-see for Galveston visitors."

"The Texas Seaport Museum is home to the tall ship Elissa, built in 1877 and considered one of the finest restored historical vessels in the US. This lovely old ship still puts to sea regularly, and her fascinating story - including her rescue from the scrapyard - is told in the museum on shore. Other highlights include a look at the history of the Port of Galveston, including the names of the more than 133,000 migrants who passed through."

"Explore the decks of this National Historic Landmark and imagine the days when daring sailors challenged the world’s oceans. In the adjacent museum and theater, witness the story of Elissa’s dramatic rescue from the scrap yard and her meticulous restoration by the Galveston Historical Foundation."

"Visit one of the oldest sailing vessels that is still in operation, ELISSA. This 1877 Tall Ship known as ELISSA, can be found at the Texas Seaport Museum. Visit the museum to climb aboard ELISSA and view her historic decks."

"On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger stood on the balcony of the building and declared that all slaves were free, marking the date of the historic Juneteenth celebrations in Texas. Ashton Villa was not only the first mansion built on Broadway Boulevard, it was the first mansion built on the island and one of the first brick residences in Galveston, according to Galveston.com. Constructed in 1859 by James M. Brown, a wealthy businessman, the three-story home was built in the Victorian Italianate style and features ornate verandas adorned with cast iron accents."

"Built in Victorian Italianate style, Ashton Villa was one of the first brick structures in Texas when it was constructed in 1859. European craftsmen and slave labour were used to build this home for Colonel James Moreau Brown, a prominent hardware merchant and banker. Today the Villa is home to the Galveston Island Visitors Centre."

"The Strand is one of the first places to visit in Galveston. View historic 19th-century homes, learn more about the history of Galveston, visit a museum, shop ‘til you drop at one of the area’s Galveston boutiques. You may also socialize at one of the bars, or stop by for a bite to eat at one of the mom-and-pop diners located along The Strand, a five-block historic area located nearby the pier."

"The Strand is located in Galveston’s historical downtown district. With an array of intriguing shops, galleries and museums, this is where you can get some of the most eccentric souvenirs. The old-fashioned candy parlor is a great place to visit if you have a sweet tooth."

"Kempner Park is a neighborhood park that is free and open to the public. It has a meandering walkway, lots of shade from numerous oak trees, an historic fountain that dates to 1896 and the Albert Kuhn Memorial Pergola. You’ll also find the stunningly, beautiful 1880 Garten Verein, a dance pavilion that hails from Galveston’s late 1800’s German community."

"Core beers: Persnickety Citrus Wheat, Catty Corner Cream Ale, Hustlin Honey Blonde Ale, Say When Imperial IPA, Wyatt Purp IPA, American Wheat, Chocolate Milk Stout Nitro, Peanut Butter Milk Stout Nitro, Tasty AF Peanut Butter and Chocolate Milk Stout, I Must Break You Russian Imperial Stout, Ridiculous AF Russian Imperial Stout, Strawberry Milk Stout, River Ace IPA, Doc Hoppiday Hazy IPA. Seasonal beers: Fancy Boot Nut Brown Ale, Summer IPA, Pie in the Sky Pecan Porter, Canadian EHF Maple Coffee Vanilla Imperial Cream Ale, Brewster Cogburn Vanilla Imperial Cream Ale, Fluffy Nuts Peanut Butter Imperial Cream Ale, French Toast Imperial Cream Ale. Noteworthy: Saloon Door hosts trivia nights on Wednesdays."

"Located outside of Houston, Saloon Door Brewing is worth the drive if you’ve never tried it. With fun names like Tasty AF Peanut Butter and Chocolate Stout, there’s sure to be a brew for you. Where: 105 A Magellan Cir, Webster, TX 77598"

"Core beers: Blueberry Blonde Ale, Ghostship Gose, Sunny Day IPA, Seafoam Cream Ale, Captain's Coffee Stout, Bull Shark Scottish Ale. Seasonal beers: Vernal Equinox IPA (released on the first day of spring each year), Firecracker IPA (released on 4th of July), Oktoberfest Marzen (released in September, leading up to the Oktoberfest celebration), Queen Anne's Revenge Barrel Aged Gose (released on International Women's Day, March 8). Noteworthy: Galveston Bay Beer started a partnership with Floyd's Seafood last year to offer a full-service food menu."

"The Steakhouse is one of the less expensive places to order Fast Food delivery from, based on menu pricing, in Galveston."

"This towering monument along the city’s main thoroughfare was chosen by Henry Rosenberg to honor the memory of those who served in the 1836 Texas Revolution. It measures 72 feet in height and has a granite base. The bronze figures were cast in Rome, Italy."

"Sign up for a sea adventure with Captain Shane (or one of the other friendly and well-experienced captains) at Galveston Sea Ventures. You can catch anything from huge red snappers to king mackerel, or you can sign up for specialty shark- or tuna-fishing charters. Nothing really compares to being out at sea with an expert guide to introduce you to the rich variety of marine life thriving in the waters below."