Galveston On the Gulf Coast

Beautiful Galveston is an island city on the Gulf Coast of the US state of Texas.

Galveston has beautiful beaches. You’l find soft sand on sunny beaches that stretch along the ocean. The Seawall stretches for over 10 miles along the beach providing enough space to sunbathe in the sand and swim in the calm waters. There are washroom facilities and behind the beach you’ll find restaurants, shops, and hotels.

One of the most popular beaches is Stewart Beach with restrooms and showers as well as chair and umbrella rentals, There is a children’s playground, concessions, and a lifeguard on duty.

At Galveston Island State Park you can enjoy walking along the boardwalks, go kayaking, and enjoy bird watching.

Enjoy the Strand Historic District or just the Strand which is a National Historic Landmark District. There are impressive Victorian era buildings, cafes, restaurants, galleries, and antique shops. The district stretches down to the busy wharf area with restored warehouses. Take a look at The Grand 1894 Opera House.

At the wharf you’ll find Pier 19 with the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum, the Texas Seaport Museum, and places to eat that overlook the water. At the Pier 21 Theater you can see The Great Storm, a film on the 1900 hurricane that hit Galveston changing it forever.

The Port of Galveston is home to lots of rigs and supply vessels showing the important role the city plays in the Gulf of Mexico’s busy oil and gas industries. Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum give visitors an insight into the energy business.

The huge Ocean Star was built in 1969. Among the highlights are the pipe deck along with interactive displays.

Texas Seaport Museum and the Elissa, a tall ship built in 1877 that is considered to be one of the finest restored historic vessels in the US. The museum tells the story of the Elissa. Other highlights include the history of the Port of Galveston.

The nearby Seawolf Park displays a WW II US Navy submarine and the USS Stewart, a destroyer.

Built in 1892 the Bishop’s Palace was a private residence and one of the most significant Victorian mansion in the US. Highlights include the exterior with turrets and towers, stained glass windows, fireplaces, and fine furnishings, It is a National Historic Landmark and museum.

Moody Gardens is a huge complex with many attractions. Outstanding features are three glass pyramids.

The Aquarium Pyramid is an aquarium featuring the marine life of the Pacific, the Antarctic, the Great Barrier Reef, the Coral Sea, and the Caribbean. Among the highlights is the underwater shark tunnel, touch tanks, and the giant river otters and the penguins.

The Rainforest Pyramid is home to the flora and fauna of the tropics including free-roaming monkeys and sloths, birds, and fish. A boardwalk at canopy level takes you into the heart of the rainforest.

The Discovery Pyramid focuses on science with a range of displays.

Afterward head for the Palm Beach Waterpark featuring white sands, freshwater lagoons, slides, a lazy river and a replica paddle steamer.

The Bryan Museum is housed in a historic building that was formerly the Galveston Orphans Home. Here visitors can see a collections of art and artifacts from the American West. The permanent collection includes everything from Native American history to the Spanish Colonial Era and Texas Independence. The Texas Masters Gallery displays the artwork of artists born in Texas. iPads on display explain the artwork and their significance.

Moody Mansion dates back from 1895 and the Victorian style mansion features stained glass, custom carved woodwork, decorative tiles and plaster work. There are many impressive antiques, photos, and artwork. Guided tours of the 20 rooms are available.

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