While in the 2020s, West Palm Beach, Florida, might have earned the nickname "Wall Street of the South," it's not the first city to hold this title. In the 19th century, Galveston, Texas, once the largest city in the state, proudly held the same distinction.

The historic Galveston Island, which sits between Houston and the Gulf of Mexico, is known as a charming year-round beach town getaway, boasting a variety of oceanside attractions like its iconic amusement park, "Pleasure Pier," and 32 miles of sandy beaches. However, while the beachside delights can certainly occupy a trip here, nearby attractions, like museums, Victorian houses, and ghost tours, bring the island’s storied and tumultuous history to life.

The City of Galveston earned its Wall Street reputation in the late 1800s alongside the construction of the city's port. The new shipyard led to a flourishing trade and commerce industry, which initiated the development of opulent Victorian buildings, shops, multiple newspapers, cotton manufacturers, cigar traders, and more. The coastline is full of intriguing stories of piracy and resilience against devastating storms. The island is also the birthplace of Juneteenth, the national holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, which is ardently supported and celebrated by locals.

While it's tempting to visit Galveston for a quick day of street-level fun, the real treasure lies in this rich culture, as well as the stories, festivals, and tight-knit community. Come in the summer for beach days and Juneteenth, or visit in late winter for the annual Mardi Gras festival, which is one of the largest in the country.

There's so much to explore in this well-preserved, historic coastal destination. Here are the best things to do in Galveston, Texas, next time you visit.

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This vast 242-acre complex offers a blend of entertainment, education, and conservation. With three glass pyramids dominating the skyline, visitors can explore a tropical rainforest, an immersive aquarium, and rotating exhibits of flora and fauna. Additionally, Moody Gardens offers access to Palm Beach, a multi-sensory theater, a golf course, and seasonal events during the holiday season.

moodygardens.com, 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston, TX 77554

This landmark attraction, situated along the iconic Galveston Seawall, offers a nostalgic amusement park, restaurants, and shopping that pays tribute to the original Pleasure Pier, which was destroyed by Hurricane Carla in 1961.

pleasurepier.com, 2501 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX 77550

This surviving relic of maritime history is a three-masted barque originally built in Scotland in the late 19th century. Now a floating museum and education vessel, Elissa offers visitors a glimpse into Galveston's maritime history and commerce.

Elissa is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.. The last admission at is at 4:30 p.m.

galvestonhistory.org, Pier 22, Ste. 8, Galveston, TX 77550

Galveston, the birthplace of Juneteenth, hosts an exhibition named "And Still We Rise... Galveston's Juneteenth Story" at the historic 1859 Ashton Villa's carriage house. Managed by the Galveston Historical Foundation's African American Heritage Committee, the exhibit combines interviews, historical documents, and interactive digital elements to provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the context, rich history, and impact surrounding the emancipation announcement on June 19, 1865. 

Adding to Galveston's historical attractions is "Absolute Equality," a 5,000-square-foot mural created by Houston artist Reginald C. Adams. Located on the side of the Old Galveston Square building in downtown Galveston at 22nd and Strand, the mural portrays the journey of Black Americans from slavery to freedom. Presented in congruence with the Juneteenth Legacy Project launched during Black History Month in 2021, “Absolute Equality” contributes to the city's celebration of Juneteenth and honors the legacy of African Americans.

galvestonhistory.org, 2328 Broadway Ave. J, Galveston, TX 77550
absoluteequality.org 2201 The Strand, Galveston, TX 77550

Housed in the old restored railroad depot, this museum offers interactive exhibits and guided tours, allowing history enthusiasts to travel back in time to the economic landscape of the late 19th and early 20th centuries as they hop on and off vintage locomotives and passenger cars. 

galvestonrrmuseum.org, 2602 Santa Fe Pl., Galveston, TX 77550

Participants are taken into Galveston Island’s nature through guided kayak tours. Led by knowledgeable instructors, the tours provide opportunities for art and environmental education, allowing participants to learn about the local ecosystem while expressing their creativity through sketching, painting, or photography. Artist Boat offers both group and private options, with a mission of environmental stewardship and creative self-expression.

artistboat.org, 13330 Settegast Rd., Galveston, TX 77554

Cutting through Galveston’s 70-block downtown is its main thoroughfare, The Strand. Meaning “beach” in German, the Strand is a quaint road that has been around since Galveston’s earliest days in the 1830s, though it had another name originally. Nowadays, it’s known for its collection of iron-fronted and Victorian buildings and its plethora of attractions, festivals, museums, shops, and restaurants, like LaKing’s Confectionery. Five square blocks of The Strand, too, are designated as a national historic landmark. 

galveston.com, 2100 Strand, Galveston, TX 77550
lakingsconfectionery.com, 2323 Strand Street, Galveston, Texas 77550; 409-762-6100

Galveston has a long, storied past filled with pirates, dangerous hurricanes, and more. Go ghost hunting through historic and spooky locales, like the Sealy Mansion, Normandy Inn, and Ashton Villa along The Strand, with Historic Galveston Ghost Tours or Ghost City Tours.

historicgalvestonghosttours.com, 2310 Sealy Ave., Galveston, TX 77550
ghostcitytours.com, various locations

On the National Register of Historic Places, The Grand was built for $100,000 in 1894. In 1993, The Grand was designated “The Official Opera House of Texas” by the Texas Legislature. The stunning historic theater has survived many deadly hurricanes and storms over the years. This includes the September 1900 hurricane, one of the county’s strongest storms, that claimed 8,000 lives and Galveston’s status as “The Wall Street of the South.”

thegrand.com, 2020 Postoffice St., Galveston, TX 77550

Galveston has many seasonal celebrations throughout the year, including its beloved Christmas offerings, but it goes all-out for Mardi Gras. Taking place on The Strand, the multi-week celebration is the third-largest Mardi Gras in the country. There are more than 20 parades, a number of contests like umbrella decorating, live entertainment, and 3 million-plus beads thrown. Laissez les bons temps rouler! 

mardigrasgalveston.com, Strand & 23rd Street, Galveston, TX 77550

Nowhere is Galveston’s former status as one of the most important cities in the U.S. more evident than in the Bishop’s Palace. Designed by architect Nicholas Clayton for Colonel Walter Gresham and his family, the opulent 19,000-square-foot castle is a triumph in Victorian architecture. It took five years to build—it was completed in the 1890s. It’s a part of the East End Historic District, and it’s on the National Register of Historic Places. Now the home of the Galveston Historical Foundation, it’s open for self-guided tours daily. 

galvestonhistory.org, 1402 Broadway St., Galveston, Texas 77550

Celebrating over 100 years of service, Gaido's prides itself as a classic Gulf Coast seafood destination that opened “in the same year the air conditioner was invented.” The menu features oysters, a shellfish tower, and catch of the day mains. Order one of the Texas classics, like the Famous Fried platter with seasonal seafood, fried catfish, hushpuppies, or Shrimp Peques—bacon-wrapped and stuffed with jalapeño and cheese. Be sure to check out the marquee for seasonal specials and their locally caught fresh catch. Reservations are recommended.

gaidos.com; 3828 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX 77550; 409-761-5500

This restaurant brings Central American fare to Galveston's seafood and steak scene. Located next door to the 1894 opera house, it is the restaurant of choice for visitors who want to enjoy dinner and a show. Open for lunch and dinner, signature dishes include Ceviche Corinto from the Pacific Coast of South America or the Filete De Pargo Simpatico—plantain-crusted snapper. 

rudyandpaco.com, 2028 Postoffice St., Galveston, TX 77550

Satisfy an Italian craving at this bistro, which offers dishes like chicken Parmesan, osso bucco, and thin-crust pizzas. Located in The Strand District, locals highly recommend this spot for happy hour.

riondos.com, 2328 Strand St., Galveston, TX 77550

This seafood joint sits above Katie's Seafood Market at Galveston's fishing port. The market offers freshly caught shrimp, crab, oysters, and fish for visitors who wish to take seafood back to their AirBnB and fire up the grill. The restaurant above, which opened in 2019, boasts a modern atmosphere and serves dishes like amberjack burnt ends, fried fish, shrimp and oysters, and snapper Vera Cruz.

katiesseafoodhouse.com; 2000 Wharf Rd., Galveston, TX, 77550; 409-765-5688

One of several spots owned by the Galveston Restaurant Group, Gumbo Diner is known for breakfast staples like chicken and waffles, big beach breakfast, country-fried steak and eggs, and beignets. This spot is a local favorite for a hearty morning meal or a post-surf brunch. For lunch and dinner, the gumbo, burgers, seafood platters, and jacked-up jalapeños are top of the list.

thegumbodiner.com, 3602 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX 77550

Boasting a dedicated local following, Mosquito Cafe offers a menu with something for everyone in an understated and approachable dining space. Favorites include hushpuppies and po'boys, and there's also a selection of lighter fare for those looking to avoid fried dishes.

Mosquito Cafe closed temporarily in May 2025 due to unforeseen circumstances. They expect to reopen in the not-too-distant future.

mosquitocafe.com, 628 14th St., Galveston, TX 77550

This is a must-visit for the famous muffaletta. Visitors can grab a sandwich and some pantry items from their nostalgic, kitschy storefront.

maceospice.com; 2706 Market St., Galveston, TX 77550

Tequila Rock Kitchen & Cantina is the spot for authentic Mexican favorites like tacos, fajitas, and seafood. Located downtown, the restaurant offers a lively atmosphere as well as award-winning margaritas.

tequilarockkitchen.com, 2408 The Strand, Galveston, TX 77550

Also known as DTO, asthe locals call it, this spot is a craft cocktail lounge in Galveston that focuses on island flavors. The intimate space is demarcated by pink neon that feels like an '80s throwback to the film Cocktail. The summer menu features items like a mezcal cocktail with watermelon-berry cordial dubbed "Heat Wave,'' while the classic menu and happy hour offer items like the rum-forward mai tai or the refreshing and boozy cachaça-made Caipirinha.

dtogalveston.com, 2701 Market St., Galveston, TX 77550

Here, rum reigns supreme over tequila, mezcal, or whisky. The Rum Shack is part of The Spot, a five-venue, open-air, and oceanside hangout. With over 50 rum selections, the menu offers cocktails like mojitos, piña coladas, hurricanes, and mai tais. Serving as a food and beverage amusement park, this venue is a post-beach happy hour destination.

islandfamous.com, 3204 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX 77550

You get both seaside views and a swimming pool bar, along with food offerings like fish tacos, quesadillas, and nachos, at this bar. The umbrella-covered upper decks offer a beautiful lookout onto the Gulf or pleasure pier, while at the pool level, guests can swim up to the bar and order another beverage.

floatpoolbar.com, 2828 Seawall Blvd., Galveston Island, TX 77550

Galveston boasts more than 32 miles of sandy beaches. The island is home to some of the best surf in the state, with steady break waves and riptides that provide endless opportunities for water activities. Visitors are welcomed year-round to surf, boat, fish, parasail, and play beach volleyball, among other fun beach activities. 

Find solace at Stewart Beach. This family-friendly stretch of sand is on the eastern edge of the island where Broadway meets the Seawall. Lifeguards are on duty, and the sandy park offers restrooms, showers, beach volleyball courts, rental shops for equipment, and daily rentals of beach loungers and umbrellas.

visitgalveston.com, 401 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX 77550

One of the largest beaches in Texas, East Beach attracts droves of locals and tourists with its vibrant and energetic atmosphere. Most weekends feature live music, concerts, festivals, and events like the annual Sandcastle Competition hosted by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). You'll find it on the far eastern tip of the island.

visitgalveston.com, 1923 Apffel Rd., Galveston, TX 77550

These aresmaller, more secluded beaches nestled along the seawall. Some popular pockets include Dellanera RV Park, Seawall Urban Park, and Beach Pocket Park 1.

visitgalveston.com, 10901 San Luis Pass Rd., Galveston, TX 77554
visitgalveston.com, 801 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX 77550
visitgalveston.com, 11102 San Luis Pass Rd., Galveston, TX 77554

This area offers visitors a quieter, nature-forward stretch of the island. Jamaica Beach (which is also a tiny independent town within Galveston), Pirates' Beach, and Galveston Island State Park are destinations for visitors looking to birdwatch, fish, camp, and enjoy more quiet, less crowded areas of the coast.

visitgalveston.com, Buccaneer Drive Beach Access Point, Jamaica Beach, TX 77554
staygalveston.com, 13719 Pirates Beach Blvd., Galveston, TX 77554
tpwd.texas.gov, 14901 F.M. 3005, Galveston, TX 77554

For a more exclusive experience, visitors can explore Beachtownon the far east side of Galveston Island. This area is only accessible to residents and guests, providing a tranquil stretch of sand. However, public boardwalks do offer views of this exclusive area.

beachtown.com; 630 Beachtown Dr., Galveston, TX 77550

This escape sits oceanside, just minutes away from the Pleasure Pier. If grandeur is what you're looking for, look no further. This destination puts the hotel at the center of the Galveston experience with an opulent bar, coastal art deco design, and full amenities. Dallas residents Mark and Lorenda Wyant purchased the historical building in 2021 and began a multimillion-dollar renovation of the 220-room resort.

The hotel renovations finished in 2023 with new white marble flooring and crystal chandeliers throughout, as well as royal burgundy carpets and accent draperies. The couple also renewed the original Peacock Alley, a grand walkway leading from the lobby to the spa and ballroom, while restoring the original moldings and ceilings from 1962. A new bar occupies the west loggia, providing views of Peacock Alley and the Gulf of Mexico.

grandgalvez.com 2024 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX 77550

This 61-room boutique hotel is a retro seaside retreat located across from a private stretch of Porretto Beach. The hotel occupies the oldest remaining mid-century motel from the 1960s, Treasure Isle. Austin-based firm Kartwheel Studio brought a fresh look and luxury to the vintage roadside accommodation with white brick, bleached white oak, native greenery, and minimal mid-century interior design.

hotellucine.com, 1002 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX 77550

Formerly the Mermaid and Dolphin Inn, this bed-and-breakfast reopened in 2018 after extensive renovations. The building offers eight unique bedrooms in the middle of Galveston's Historic District. Designer Shannon Eddings chose a white backdrop with minimal details of classic furnishings and modern design to bring elegance and simplicity to this Greek Revival mansion. Each room has a different feel, and it’s an adults-only hotel for guests 21 and over. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted with a craft cocktail before making their way to a one-of-a-kind suite.

carrmansion.com, 1103 33rd St., Galveston, TX 77550

You can find overnight accommodations at the Galveston Railroad Museum. Bonnie Brook dates back to 1949 and offers several bedrooms that can be converted into one large suite. Silver Foot offers a mahogany-lined living and dining space for a trip back in time. This "hotel" is a genuine opportunity to spend a night at the museum with access to the historical heart of the city.

galvestonrrmuseum.org, 2602 Santa Fe Pl., Galveston, TX 77550

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Built in 1839, The Tremont House offers timeless luxury in a building constructed the same year modern Galveston was officially founded. With calming grays and whites against exposed brick, the building's restoration stays true to the original Italianate architecture, featuring 14-foot ceilings, ironwork bridges and balconies, and a four-story atrium that was once a dry goods warehouse in the city. The hotel is steps away from the historic Strand and offers easy access to Galveston's historic landmarks, museums, and tours.

thetremonthouse.com; 2300 Ship Mechanic Row St., Galveston, TX 77550

This property was renovated by Michael and Ashley Cordray before it was featured on the HGTV/DIY show Big Texas Fix. It has quickly grown to be an Airbnb favorite, and the spaceship-shaped accommodation has become a landmark in Galveston's West End. The frame is a steel storage tank, adorned with a large wrap-around deck on the outside and thoughtful details on the inside, making The Kettle House a home away from home. The hosts are responsive and very helpful in curating a stay in Galveston and making the most of the West End.

airbnb.com, 14102 Termini-San Luis Pass Rd., Galveston, TX 77554

This boutique hotel is located in downtown Galveston near The Strand, the city's historical walkway featuring shops and restaurants. For a truly unique, eclectic design and a more urban beach town getaway, guests can book one of the six rooms at the Oleander Hotel or its sister sites, such as Sugar's Inn.

theoleanderhotelgalveston.com, 520 20th St., Galveston, TX 77550

For families, large parties, and reunions, Moody Gardens Hotel and Spaand The San Luis Resort are the best options. These large resorts offer amenities, beach access, and poolside, beachside, and pyramid activities at Moody Gardens.

moody.gardens.com; 7 Hope Blvd,, Galveston, TX 77554
sanluisresort.com; 5222 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX 77551