Things To Do
Bishop’s Palace
One of Galveston’s most iconic historic homes, 1892 Bishop’s Palace is an extraordinarily preserved Victorian mansion filled with intricate woodwork, stained glass, grand staircases, and remarkable architectural details. Built for the Gresham family and designed by renowned Galveston architect Nicholas Clayton, the home survived the Great Storm of 1900 and offers a fascinating glimpse into Galveston’s Gilded Age. We visited Bishop’s Palace in August 2024 and thoroughly enjoyed exploring this incredible home. We were fortunate to take one of its special Basement to Attic Tours, but the Palace is currently open only for self-guided tours. When we visited Galveston again in August 2026, restoration of the Palace’s distinctive roof was nearing completion—another chapter in the preservation of this remarkable Galveston landmark. We highly recommend a visit!
The Bryan Museum
Housed in the beautifully restored former Galveston Orphans Home, The Bryan Museum offers a fascinating look at the art, history, and culture of Texas and the American West. The building has a remarkable story of its own: it was an operating orphanage during the Great Storm of 1900 and, despite extensive damage, the children, staff, and neighbors sheltering there survived. Today, the museum’s collection includes historic documents, artifacts, paintings, maps, weapons, and decorative arts spanning centuries of Texas history. Wednesday through Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., the museum also shows The Great Storm Film. We visited The Bryan Museum in August 2026 and thoroughly enjoyed exploring the exhibits and learning more about the fascinating history of Galveston and Texas. We especially enjoyed learning about the Karankawa people, the Indigenous inhabitants of the Texas Gulf Coast, and their history in the Galveston area. We highly recommend making time for a visit!
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Stretching out over the Gulf of Mexico, the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier combines classic amusement park fun with a spectacular seaside setting. You’ll find rides, midway games, food, and sweeping Gulf views—and it’s especially fun after dark when the pier lights up against the water. We visited for one of our grandnephews’ birthdays, where Jana discovered that the swings are much too high over the Gulf for her liking! 😂 If you’re braver than Jana, give them a try!
Galveston Naval Museum
Located at Seawolf Park, the Galveston Naval Museum is an easy and interesting stop while you’re in town. Visitors can explore two historic World War II vessels—the submarine USS Cavalla and destroyer escort USS Stewart—for a hands-on glimpse into naval history. Even a short visit offers something memorable, with great views of the harbor and a chance to step inside a real submarine. While you’re there, look northwest from the fishing pier for the remains of the S.S. Selma, an experimental concrete tanker built at the end of World War I. After its hull was badly damaged and attempts to repair it failed, the ship was intentionally sunk near Pelican Island in 1922, where its remains can still be seen today. Admission to Seawolf Park is required ($10 per vehicle). Naval Museum tickets are $14 for adults; $10 for seniors, veterans, and children; and free for active-duty military.
Galveston Seawall and Beaches
Take a walk along the Galveston Seawall, put your toes in the sand, or simply find a spot to relax and enjoy the Gulf. Stretching for more than 10 miles along the island, the Seawall is perfect for a morning walk, an afternoon at the beach, or watching the sun rise over the water. It’s also a special place for us. We’ve watched several beautiful Galveston sunrises from the beach, and it’s where Elliott first discovered the ocean—jumping waves and playing in the Gulf! Whether you stay for a few minutes or a few hours, spending a little time along the water is one of our favorite ways to enjoy the island.
Moody Gardens Attractions Theme Park
A unique Galveston attraction featuring glass pyramids filled with aquariums, rainforest exhibits, and interactive experiences. It’s a great option for families or anyone looking for something a little different.
Stewart Beach
Stewart Beach is reportedly the first municipal beach in Texas, developed in the late 1930s to early 1940s with help from the Works Progress Administration (WPA). One of Galveston’s most popular and well-maintained beaches, it is known for its clean shoreline and relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Located near the east end of the island, it offers easy access to the water along with amenities like chair and umbrella rentals, concessions, and restrooms. It’s a great spot to unwind, take a walk along the shore, or simply enjoy a classic day at the beach. Note that this is not a free beach, but it has lots of amenities such as showers and restrooms, chair & umbrella rental, and a snack bar with drinks and concessions.
Third Annual Galveston Island Ghost Coast Festival
Wedding weekend happens to fall during the third annual Galveston Island Ghost Coast Festival. (We did not plan it this way on purpose, we promise!) As part of the festival on Sunday, you can explore the island’s spookier side with guided ghost walks and haunted mansion tours. Wander historic streets, hear chilling tales from Galveston’s past, and step inside some of its most storied homes—where history and mystery linger long after dark. Why is Galveston known for ghosts? Galveston is considered one of the most haunted cities in Texas because of the extraordinary concentration of death and trauma in its history. The 1900 Hurricane killed between 8,000 and 12,000 people on the island in a single night, making it the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history.