Things To Do

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

Featuring waterfront fun and entertainment like no other Gulf Coast destination, the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier features family-oriented attractions including rides, midway games, a wide selection of food venues and retail shops.

The Strand

Take some time to enjoy the variety of shops in the district's beautiful historic buildings, many of which survived the 1900 Storm, regarded as the worst natural disaster in U.S. history.

Bishop’s Palace

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. Built by lawyer Colonel Walter Gresham and designed by Nicholas Clayton, Galveston's premier architect, this Victorian castle was cited by the American Institute of Architects as one of the 100 most important buildings in America. The home was built from 1886 to 1892. If you can only visit one of Galveston's architectural treasures, the exquisite Bishop's Palace is the one to see.

Bryan Museum

Marvel at the history of Texas and the American West through this collection of 70,000 artifacts and begin to understand why you just, "Don't mess with Texas."

Space Center Houston

Hours Open today 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Visitor Information. Welcome aboard. Space Center Houston is owned and operated by the nonprofit Manned Space Flight Education Foundation with extensive education programs, a museum of space artifacts and exhibits, space attractions and your gateway to tour NASA Johnson Space Center.

Moody Mansion

Restored to its turn of the century splendor, the 28,000 square-foot, four-story structure was completed in 1895. Guests visit 20 rooms on a tour that depicts the home life of a powerful Texas family. The Moodys established one of the great American financial empires. Based on cotton, it grew to include banking, ranching, insurance and hotels.

Moody Gardens

Surrounded by vivid colors and wildlife from across the globe, you're immediately engaged at the Rainforest and Aquarium Pyramids. Moments later, you're transported via state-of-the-art imagery and sound at the MG3D Theater with the world's first Giant Screen 6P Laser Projector on the largest screen in Texas. Then, the thrill of the Ropes Course and Zip Line, Speed Exhibition and Colonel Paddlewheel Boat awaits.

Texas Seaport Museum

Explore an 1877 ship & an adjacent museum with exhibits on sea commerce & immigration. Galveston was once known as, "The Ellis Island of the West," and one of the largest immigration stations in the west. Much of the Jewish immigrant population of the south and west entered through Galveston. Check the immigration records for your family name.

Beach Pocket Park

Pier 21 Theater

History comes alive at Pier 21 Theater, which is around the corner from Harbor House Hotel & Marina. Three short films play on a daily basis. Topics range from the 1900 hurricane that destroyed Galveston Island to the area's pirate past to the more than 133,000 immigrants who arrived seeking a better life. Families with kids, history buffs and everyone in between will be drawn to these well-done documentaries.

Lone Star Flight Museum

A little something for every "flight" of fancy.

Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum

Take a tour and learn about what us Houstonians already know, "It's all about oil and gas."

Sunday Brunch at The Galvez

Named one of "Texas Best Brunches" by Southern Living Magazine. Sunday Champagne Brunch is a top choice for Open Table users and was named as one of the top 100 brunch restaurants in the U.S. Sunday Brunch from 11am - 2pm. Adults - $42.99, Seniors $37.99 Reservations strongly advised