Things To Do/Places To Eat

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Historic Moody Mansion

We HIGHLY recommend the self-guided audio tours here! The Moody name is synonymous with Galveston. The thirty-one room Romanesque mansion was completed in 1895. The 28,000 sq foot 4 story mansion is on the National Register of Historic places. W. L. Moody built one of America’s great financial empires based on cotton originally, but later included banking, ranching, insurance, newspaper publishing, railroading, and hotels.

1892 Bishop’s Palace

Tour the ‘most significant of Victorian residences in the country’. Another stunning mansion of another time. You'll see both driving down Broadway.

Galveston Island State Park

Beautiful stretch of beach with excellent new bathroom/shower facilities. We recommend camping or visiting with a day pass. Kayaking, bird watching on the bay side and hiking in the dunes/beach-going on the Gulf side of the park.

Galveston Seawall

At more than 10 miles long and 17 feet high, Galveston’s seawall is the longest continuous sidewalk in the country and the world’s longest mural. An excellent, walkable beach-going location if staying on or near the seawall. After the Great Storm of 1900 leveled Galveston, its resilient community devoted years of effort to raise the island and build the protective seawall that stands here today. Recently, ecological restoration projects have re-established dunes vegetation, making the shoreline more resilient to future storms and it looks great!

The Pleasure Pier

Rides, midway games, restaurants. Retail shops built on a pier over the water. Formerly the location of the storied USS Flagship Hotel.

Moody Gardens

Aquarium, Rainforest, Discovery Pyramid, IMAX experiences, Paddlewheel Boat, Hotel, Spa (about 5 miles from venue, 15-30 min drive, depending on traffic)

The Strand

Shops, restaurants, The Tremont Hotel, Mardi Gras arches, and Saengerfest Park for a whimsical setting for street chess and more

The Grand 1894 Opera House

The Grand, 1894 Opera House located in The Strand District. Bernadette Peters performing 4/13.

Galveston Artist Residency

Antique Warehouse

Our favorite! Antique Warehouse is 2 floors of antiques, architectural salvage, vintage and collectible items in historic downtown building. The building has a storied past. Sitting in the former "red light district", the building once served as a brothel and then later was the only hotel on the island listed in the Green Book.

Murdoch's

Historic location on the Seawall, the former location of the Balinese Room, the jewel of Sinatra-era entertainment and illegal gambling. https://www.texasmonthly.com/articles/remembering-the-balinese-room/ Souvenirs, gifts, collectibles, and back deck to enjoy the great ocean views.

1877 Tall Ship Elissa

Explore the Elissa, an 1877 square-rigged iron barque, from a scrapyard in Piraeus Harbor, Greece. A floating museum, it is one of only three ships of her kind in the world to still actively sail and welcomes over 40,000 visitors annually.

Galveston - Bolivar Ferry

Approximately 20 min free ride. Watch for dolphins as you cross. Walk on! There is free parking for those wishing to walk on. The lines on both sides of the ferry can be hours long if you drive on.

Tree Carvings Segway or Self-Guided Tour

After the devastating 1900 Hurricane, Galvestonians unified to rebuild the island. First, they built a Seawall for protection. The residents hoped to raise the entire island to the same level as the newly built Seawall. When the dirt was moved in, the residents planted trees to prevent soil erosion. That is when thousands of German oak trees were planted for erosion protection. A hundred years later in 2008, the saltwater from Hurricane Ike covered the island, killing most of the old oaks. However, homeowners were emotionally attached to these trees and found it difficult to cut them down. Artists were hired to make tree sculptures out of the dead oak trees. Today, there are 22 of these sculptures scattered throughout the island. Some of the trees are still in the process of being carved. Tree Sculpture Tour will take you to these unique pieces of art.

Gaido's

Gaido’s is the iconic ‘Old Galveston’ restaurant for fine dining.

Saltwater Grill

Another fine dining option.

Benno's Cajun Seafood Restaurant

Casual standard local boiled and fried seafood and cajun fare. As good as it gets on the island!

The Spot

Good food (Cara recommends the coconut shrimp), upstairs deck overlooking the seawall, and boozy frozen drinks!

Yaga's Cafe

Black Pearl Oyster Bar & Grill

The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe

Cara & Josh's favorite brunch spot!