There are many compelling reasons to visit Galveston, whether for leisure or business. The island features 32 miles of Gulf Coast beaches, a remarkable collection of Victorian architecture, and a convention center that offers more than 43,000 square feet of exhibit space along with 12,000 square feet of meeting space, a ballroom and modern facilities.
The Strand, Galveston’s historic district, is a lively stretch of restaurants, shops, art galleries, museums and entertainment venues — and that’s just the beginning of what the city has to offer.
“Galveston has been in the process of revitalizing since Hurricane Ike (2008) and has come back a stronger community,” said Joshua Owens, executive director of the Galveston Economic Development Partnership. “Most recently, during COVID, Galveston saw significant investment in the short-term rental market, with many properties purchased and restored; you may have seen episodes of the Restoring Galveston television series. The restoration of a midcentury motel into The Hotel Lucine is part of this trend, attracting new visitor segments to Galveston, and other motels such as The Commodore are also being upgraded.”
As the nation’s fourth-largest cruise port, Galveston is poised to surpass Port Everglades. A fourth cruise terminal, scheduled to open in November, will serve MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line. “The Port is currently developing a Master Plan in response to demand for additional terminals,” Owens added. “The Port has also been proactive in securing transportation infrastructure upgrades to enhance throughput and improve the visitor experience.”
Galveston’s cruise industry is a major economic driver for the region. In 2023 cruise operations supported 4,547 jobs for local residents and generated $733 million in business revenues, $291 million in personal income, and $25 million in state and local tax revenue.
Bishop’s Palace © Fotoluminate | Dreamstime.com
“The city’s arts and culture sector continues to thrive and expand with organizations such as ARTS Downtown GTX and the Galveston Historical Foundation supporting both local and visiting artists,” Owens said.
Arts and culture are evident across Galveston in its museums, galleries and performance spaces like The Grand 1894 Opera House and the East End Theatre Company. But Galveston is also defined by its water: beaches for relaxing, waves for surfing, and calm bays for paddleboarding and kayaking. Waterfront dining offers ocean views, and guided eco-tours let you discover local birds, dolphins and other wildlife.
Pleasure Pier guarantees fun with rides, games and entertainment on the seawall that extends into the Gulf. For a quieter pace, enjoy water views while playing Moody Gardens Golf Course, ranked among the best public courses in Texas. The AAA Four-Diamond Hotel Galvez & Spa, known as the “Queen of the Gulf,” has welcomed guests since 1911 as the only historic beachfront hotel on the Texas Gulf Coast. Even if you’re not staying there, the spa is worth a visit — try the signature Texas Ruby massage featuring ruby grapefruit essential oil, hot towels infused with grapefruit, conditioning grapefruit treatments and a coconut mask for hands and feet.
Galveston is a year-round destination with events and festivals throughout the calendar, including the Greek Festival, Island Oktoberfest, ARToberFEST and its art market, Dia de Los Muertos festival and parade, and the Galveston Island Shrimp Festival. Seasonal highlights include the Moody Gardens Festival of Lights and ICE LAND, the Polar Express Experience at the Galveston Railroad Museum, and the beloved Dickens on The Strand Victorian holiday festival.
Children’s Museum of Houston © Ritu Jethani | Dreamstime.com
SCENIC DRIVES
If you crave big-city experiences, Houston — the nation’s fourth-largest city — is just an hour from Galveston via I-45 North. Houston’s Museum District ranks among the top cultural hubs in the United States, with 19 institutions including the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, the Children’s Museum and The Menil Collection. The city’s dining scene is vast, with roughly 13,000 restaurants representing cuisines from more than 70 countries. A three-hour NASA VIP tour offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at where astronauts work and train. For outdoor time, Hermann Park features a golf course, zoo, gardens, trails, a miniature train and pedal boats.
For a quieter coastal escape, head about three hours to the small town of Rockport. The town is rich in public art, visible on murals and in local galleries, and its food scene delivers fresh seafood, Mexican and Italian specialties. Dining at Latitude 28°02’ combines gallery viewing with fine dining. Rockport’s beaches are less crowded, and the area offers fishing piers and antique shopping for those who enjoy hunting for finds.