When it comes to family-friendly destinations in Texas, it's hard to beat Galveston. This island city is just a stone's throw from Houston, but instead of a bustling metropolis, it's a relaxed beach town with tons of attractions for all ages. I've been coming here for as long as I can remember - my hometown is about an hour away, so it's a quick and easy day trip. For old times' sake, my sister and I recently visited to enjoy all the activities we used to love as kids. It was the most nostalgic, fun-filled day either of us have had in a long while! Here are some of the best things to do in Galveston.
My name is Katie, and I write and edit for Only In Your State. I'm a born and bred Texan, and proudly so. From the mountains and deserts out west to the forests and wetlands of the east, the Lone Star State never ceases to amaze me. I love to just get in the car and set off on the open road - in Texas, you always end up somewhere beautiful. I'm so excited to take you along on my expeditions, so without further adieu, welcome to the Only In Your State Everyday Explorers!
Do you know those towns that have a certain movie magic about them where nothing seems real? Galveston, TX is one of them.
Between its laid-back beachfront lifestyle and historic charm, this island city captures the hearts of all who visit its shores. Let’s get down to exploring, shall we?
In terms of getting to the island, you can either take the ferry from Bolivar Peninsula or go through Houston on I-45.
We opted to take the ferry since it was a weekday, and we were able to board immediately. If your trip falls on a weekend, however, you may want to consider the alternative route, as the wait time can be several hours.
Once we got off the ferry, we decided to make a quick pit stop at the beach to stretch our legs. There’s plenty of free beach access along the seawall - you just have to pay for parking, which is only a few dollars even if you plan on staying all day.
It wasn’t very crowded since we went during the week, but if you visit on the weekend, keep in mind it can be difficult to find a spot. You can rent an umbrella and chairs (or bring your own) if you’re planning to stay awhile, but we opted not to since we only had a few minutes to spare. With our toes in the sand and the rhythmic sound of waves crashing onto the shore, it’s safe to say the trip was off to a great start already. Next stop: Moody Gardens!
The highlight of our trip - and our first real destination - was Moody Gardens.
Recognizable by its three signature pyramids that threaten to pierce the clouds with their towering peaks, Moody Gardens is an aquarium, zoo, and interactive museum all in one. Plus, they’re constantly working to save the oceans and rainforests, so you know your money is going to a good cause. Ticket prices vary based on age and the attraction(s) you'd like to do, so visit the official Moody Gardens website for details.
We decided to check out the Aquarium pyramid first. It was our favorite as kids, and we were excited to see what has changed (and what hasn’t).
If you’ve never been before, prepare to be amazed. This is no ordinary aquarium - it holds more than a million gallons of water and spans multiple levels, featuring marine life from all the world’s oceans.
You’ll see sharks, all sorts of tropical fish, and every species of penguin you could imagine.
The penguins stole our hearts right away - we probably spent a good 30 minutes watching their habitat alone!
Watching how they interact with one another and their surroundings is such a unique and incredible experience.
There are also a variety of interactive exhibits, including up-close-and-personal encounters with penguins and a few other animals. You’ll have to shell out a little extra cash for the animal encounters, but if you’re willing and able, they’re totally worth it.
Unfortunately, the rainforest pyramid was closed for renovations when we went, but it’s back and better than ever! You’ll feel like you’ve taken a trip to the tropics - there are all sorts of colorful birds, monkeys, and even a butterfly garden.
If you’re lucky, maybe one will land on your finger! The third pyramid, the Discovery Museum, features hands-on exhibits covering a wide range of topics, from space flight to anatomy and everything in between. Moody Gardens also has a splash pad, 4D movie theater, old-fashioned paddleboat, and a resort hotel, plus seasonal attractions like their famous Festival of Lights at Christmastime You could easily make a whole trip out of it alone!
After Moody Gardens, we headed over to the west side of the island for one of our other all-time favorite attractions: mini-golf. Magic Carpet Golf isn’t your average miniature golf course - it’s entirely ocean-themed and boasts sweeping, unparalleled views of the Gulf.
The obstacles are so fun and creative, too. One of them requires you to hit the ball through a pirate ship, and another is a giant seashell. There are two courses: one faces the water, while the other is behind it towards the back of the grounds. Either way, it's one of the most family-friendly destinations in Texas, and everyone is sure to have a blast. Plus, it only costs $10 per person, so you’ll have plenty left over for other activities on the island.
For an early dinner, we enjoyed delicious Thai peanut salads with tofu from EATcetera. I highly recommend eating here at least once during your trip - especially if anyone in your family has special dietary needs. They're easily the most accommodating restaurant on the island for vegans/vegetarians and gluten-free folks!
The vibe is so quaint and cozy, and you'll feel like you're dining in your own home.
If you don't have any sort of dietary restrictions, Gaido's is easily the most iconic restaurant on the island.
Situated directly on the seawall, this longstanding eatery has been serving up the freshest Gulf seafood around since 1911. It's truly impossible to have a bad meal here.
We wrapped up our trip with a heaping scoop of nostalgia at La King's Confectionery on The Strand (Galveston's historic downtown district.)
This ice cream shop and candy counter is a recreation of an old-fashioned candy store, with a working soda fountain and vintage parlor chairs that will whisk you back to yesteryear. Candy making has been the King family business since the 1920s, and their recipes haven't changed a bit. Make sure to try their saltwater taffy - it's made right before your eyes!
Have you ever been to Galveston? If so, was it a day trip or an extended vacation? Do you agree that it's one of the best cities in Texas? We'd love to hear all about your experience - what are some of your favorite things to do in Galveston? Tell us in the comments! Don't forget to check out our previous article for another family-friendly trip that leads to some of the best places to visit in Texas.
To discover more incredible boots-on-the-ground adventures across America from our team of local travel experts, check out all of the articles in OnlyInYourState’s Everyday Explorers series. What destinations would you like to see featured next? Tell us where we should go on our nominations page.
If you're looking for another small town in Texas that's perfect for a getaway, check out this YouTube video by us at Only In Your State to learn all about the charming community of Fredericksburg:
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
