Things to Do and See in Galveston, Texas

The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is one of the top attractions in Galveston, Texas
The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is one of the top attractions in Galveston, Texas | © adiseshan shankar / Alamy Stock Photo
Donna Kay Morgese

Galveston is the Hamptons of Texas and also one of the most haunted cities in the United States. With its Cajun charm and historical feel, the city makes for an excellent coastal escape. Here are some fun places to check out while in Galveston.

Hotel Galvez

Rumor has it that this oceanfront hotel is haunted by a ghost bride. Like much of Galveston, there’s more to Hotel Galvez than meets the eye. Legend has it that a seaman’s fiancé was staying in room 501 when she heard his ship had sunk and took her own life. Now she haunts the halls, especially during the October Ghost Tours. Take the tour if you dare, or, alternatively, relax and have a cocktail.

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

The Strand

The Strand is located in Galveston’s historical downtown district. With an array of intriguing shops, galleries and museums, this is where you can get some of the most eccentric souvenirs. The old-fashioned candy parlor is a great place to visit if you have a sweet tooth. Take some time to enjoy the variety of shops in the district’s beautiful buildings, many of which survived the 1900 Galveston hurricane, regarded as the deadliest natural disaster in US history.

Magic Carpet Golf

This unique and fun minigolf park will get you active and having fun. Right on the Seawall, you can enjoy 36 holes over two courses of minigolf with a colorful setting and a cool ocean breeze. The imaginative and original course provides guaranteed fun for friends and family. A giant snake, a mushroom, a piece of Swiss cheese and a cannon shooting into a castle are just a few of the holes. Be sure to bring cash as they don’t take credit cards.

Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar

If you’re hungry, stop by Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar for an authentic bowl of dark gumbo and fried pickles. Little Daddy’s is a unique dining concept created by the Galveston Restaurant Group, bringing expertise in steam kettle cooking with offerings such as traditional gumbo and seafood stews. Galveston has plenty of New Orleans flare to it, so take advantage of the Gulf Coast Cajun cuisine.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article