Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Galveston

"Why You’ll Love It: One of the most historically significant homes of the Victorian eras in the USA, this lavish home, is also known as The Gresham House. It was built in an ornate style with colored stone, stained glass windows, bronze sculptures, and lush furnishings including a fireplace lined with silver!. Taking from 1886 to 1892 to build, the 17,420 square feet residence is opulent."

"Built as a private residence, the Bishop's Palace, also referred to as Gresham's Castle, is often described as one of the most significant Victorian mansions in America. It was completed in 1893 after seven years of construction. Highlights include its castle-like exterior, complete with turrets and towers and sculpted granite, limestone, and sandstone."

"Moody Gardens is a tourist attraction for locals and travelers alike. If you’re looking for scenery that feels more naturally adventurous, the Aquarium Pyramid or the Rainforest Pyramid are wild backdrops. You might also consider taking a trip around Offatts Bayou onboard the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat!"

"Moody Gardens isn’t a garden, but instead a 242-acre entertainment complex that has so much to offer its visitors. It’s one of the best Galveston tourist attractions and a favorite for locals, too. Plan to spend an entire day at Moody Gardens if you want to experience all that is offered here."

"Home to the 1877 tall ship Elissa, a national historic landmark, the Texas Seaport Museum tells the maritime history of Galveston, which was known as "The Ellis Island of the West" in the 1800s. The Texas Seaport Museum has the nation’s only computerized listing of immigrants to Galveston, Texas. The museum’s immigration exhibit tells the story of immigrants who arrived in the United States via ships docking in Galveston Harbor."

"Galveston Historical Foundation brought Elissa from a scrapyard in Greece in 1978. The 1877 Tall Ship Elissa was fully restored and it has been floating as Galveston museum ship ever since. Elissa is one of only 3 ships of its kind in the world and it has been welcoming over 40,000 visitors annually."

"A beautiful old 3-master, the tall ship Elissa is one of the most former ships still in operation today. Built-in Aberdeen, Scotland, Elissa first launched in 1877. Based at the Texas Seaport Museum, the vessel has been designated a National Historic Landmark since 1990."

"On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger stood on the balcony of the building and declared that all slaves were free, marking the date of the historic Juneteenth celebrations in Texas. Ashton Villa was not only the first mansion built on Broadway Boulevard, it was the first mansion built on the island and one of the first brick residences in Galveston, according to Galveston.com. Constructed in 1859 by James M. Brown, a wealthy businessman, the three-story home was built in the Victorian Italianate style and features ornate verandas adorned with cast iron accents."

"Built in Victorian Italianate style, Ashton Villa was one of the first brick structures in Texas when it was constructed in 1859. European craftsmen and slave labour were used to build this home for Colonel James Moreau Brown, a prominent hardware merchant and banker. Today the Villa is home to the Galveston Island Visitors Centre."

"The Strand is one of the first places to visit in Galveston. View historic 19th-century homes, learn more about the history of Galveston, visit a museum, shop ‘til you drop at one of the area’s Galveston boutiques. You may also socialize at one of the bars, or stop by for a bite to eat at one of the mom-and-pop diners located along The Strand, a five-block historic area located nearby the pier."

"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."

"NOAA is an acronym that stands for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an organization focused on managing fishery species and characterizing their various habitats. NOAA Fisheries Service Galveston Laboratory puts on a lot of work to conserve various marine species including sea turtles. The laboratory offers a sea turtle tour every week for interested visitors who wish to see and learn more about sea turtles."

"Who doesn’t love a good pool party, especially when it’s hosted at night?. Float Pool & Patio Bar is one place you can truly experience unique nightlife in Galveston. Here you’re welcome to wear your bathing suit and take a dip in the outdoor pool while ordering a drink from the swim-up bar."

"You have to try Float Pool & Patio Bar not only for their great atmosphere but the food and drinks are a must-try!. They bring a unique twist to the bars in Galveston. This one of a kind bar features a stunning view of the Texas Gulf Coast."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. New backdrop for the stage at Sound Bar!. Located in downtown Galveston, Soundbar is a great place if you love karaoke - especially since they offer over 125,000 karaoke songs."

"1315 21st Street, Galveston, TX 77550 409-632-7685thebryanmuseum.org. The Bryan Museum, located in the historic Galveston Orphans Home, houses The Bryan Collection, one of the world's largest collections of historical artifacts, documents, and artwork relating to Texas and the American West."

"Located in the Galveston Orphans Home, among the 9 best museums in Galveston TX is the Bryan Museum. It holds the Bryan Collection, a vast compilation of historic mementos of Texas and America West related. The history behind the Bryan museum is a tale of its own and it’s very interesting to learn."