Travel/Accommodations

Flight

Hobby Airport

The closest airports to Galveston Island are both in Houston. Of the two, we recommend flying into Hobby Airport (HOU) rather than Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) because of its proximity to Galveston. Bush is about an hour's drive North of Hobby. Hobby is situated on the South side of Houston, and a ~45 minute drive South on one highway, I-45, to Galveston Island. However, they are both fine airports and rates can vary depending on where you're flying from. Hobby is a hub for Southwest, so airfare is often most cost-effective to fly Southwest.

Travel Note

Be sure to stay on the main island!

We're recommending that you stay on the main island in Galveston, rather than the peninsulas. Wait times for ferries can be long and unpredictable. However, there's some family history (and relatives, still!) from Cara's side on Bolivar Island, and we recommend a visit to Stingaree restaurant for local seafood and Bolivar Lighthouse, as well as enjoying the ferry ride, if you take a day trip!

Hotel

Accommodations

There are so, so many Hotels, B&Bs, Condos, Beach Houses, and AirBnbs on the island. Be sure and apply any discount to which you are entitled and inquire about a rack room rate. The Grand Galvez is the grande dame of the historic hotels. It's history is rich and is supposedly haunted. It is very close to the venue, but probably the most expensive hotel in the city, albeit well worth it for a glimpse into an earlier time. The Tremont Hotel is also a beautiful and historic hotel on the Strand. Gaido's Seaside Inn is an old school (think former motel!) 2 story hotel located right on the seawall next to Nick's Restaurant, owned by the same people that own Gaido's Seafood Restaurant. While Nick's is good, it is definitely not fine dining as is Gaido's, but it is the same kitchen! (In fact, it is the longest kitchen in America- so we're told). Along with Gaido's Seaside Inn, other budget options include Holiday Inn and most other hotel chains. We also highly recommend staying at Galveston State Park! Their bathroom/shower facilities are very nice and new, and would be the most budget-friendly option. You can reserve camping spots at texasstateparks.com Check out galveston.com and search for 'Lay of the Land' to learn about Galveston's different districts. The Seawall and Historic Pleasure Pier or Midtown searches would list accommodations nearest the venue. If you are thinking of renting a beach house, the East end of the island has newer, yet more restrictive rules for renting. The West End of the island has more rentals and subdivisions, but be careful about the distance from the venue. I wouldn't recommend going further than Jamaica Beach as it is already a 30-45 min to drive back into the city. There are some lovely beach homes if you don't mind making the drive.