The Ultimate Guide to Galveston Island, Texas

Galveston Island, Texas is an excellent choice of destination for those seeking sun, fun, and adventure on the Gulf Coast.

As you plan your trip, understanding the best times to visit, where to stay, and things to do, including the top island activities, will ensure you make the most of your vacation. From educational experiences to fun on the beach, Galveston Island is an ideal destination for your family to create lasting memories.

My family and I have taken two summer vacations to Galveston and talked so positively about our trips that my friend and her family also went for a week. I am going to share everything I’ve learned from my fabulous vacations in Galveston.

Geographical Overview Of Galveston Island

Galveston Island, a barrier island nestled on the southeastern coast of Texas, is a convenient and picturesque location. Spanning roughly 27 miles in length and just a few miles in width, it’s a key port and tourist destination, offering easy access to beaches, fishing, and maritime commerce.

On the Gulf side, you’ll find beautiful beaches perfect for sunbathing, surfing, and fishing, with the famous Seawall Boulevard offering stunning ocean views. The calmer, bay-side waters are a haven for boaters, kayakers, and dolphin watchers.

When To Visit Galveston Island?

The best time to visit Galveston Island is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). These seasons offer pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower humidity compared to the hot and humid summer months.

The most popular time to visit Galveston is the summer (June-August) when it will be hot, humid, and full of tourists. 

Galveston Travel and Accommodations

When planning your trip to Galveston Island, you will need to determine how to get there and where to stay. I live in North Texas, and the drive to Galveston is a little under five hours, so we always make it a road trip.

Major Cities Near Galveston

Galveston Island is very easy to get for much of Texas.  From Houston, you can reach your beach vacation in Galveston in about an hour.  From Austin and San Antonio, it will take you a little under four hours.

Galveston Island is only accessible via the Galveston Causeway, which connects the island to the mainland. It’s a scenic route, offering views of the Gulf and surrounding landscapes. Be aware that there are times when traffic on the Causeway can be horrible, as it’s the only way to access the island. 

Airports Near Galveston

If you want to fly to your Galveston Island vacation, you can choose between two airports: William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). You can reach the island from either airport in under an hour, depending on Houston traffic, which can be shockingly bad.

There are plenty of flight options to HOU and IAH.  These are both major airports, and you will have plenty of airline and flight time options for each. 

Getting Around Galveston Island

William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) or George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) offers rental cars from most major rental companies. 

I recommend using rentalcars.com to compare prices across all major rental car companies. If you rent through rentalcars.com, you typically have free cancellation up to 48 hours in advance and a price match guarantee.

I do not recommend going to Galveston Island without a car. 

Where to Stay On Galveston Island

In my opinion, selecting the right place to stay is one of the most important decisions when planning a vacation. I want to be comfortable, and I’m looking for a location that is convenient for my vacation plans. Galveston Island offers a range of accommodations to suit various budgets and preferences.

Hotel Options On Galveston Island

I believe that if you’re going to the beach, you should stay on the beachfront. Below are my recommendations for hotels on the beach in Galveston Island.

• Budget – Home2Suites by Hilton Galveston
• Mid-Range – Holiday Inn Club Vacations Galveston Beach Resort
• Fancy – Grand Galvez Resort, Autograph Collection

Vacation Rentals On Galveston Island

If you are like me and prefer more space and home-like amenities, I recommend booking a vacation rental. There are plenty of options in Galveston, ranging from beachfront condos to family-sized homes available on Booking.com.

Assess your needs, including your budget and desired amenities, to select the ideal accommodation for your stay.

Review Of Point West Beach Club

My absolute favorite place to stay in Galveston is Point West Beach Club. These condos are a little far from restaurants and activities in Galveston, but they are perfect for my family. 

We’ve had two fantastic weeks at Point West, and without a doubt, we will return. Both of our vacations to Point West were in condos on the bay side of the island.  I prefer a Gulf-side condo, but I always end up going with the cheaper option on the bay side.  When you stay on the Bayside, you will need to drive over to the gulf side for beach access.  The dive is 1 minute, but it would be a very long walk with all the gear we take to the beach. 

The views are amazing on both the Gulf and Bay sides. If you can afford it (or if you’re not as frugal as I am), I recommend booking on the Gulf side.

Many of the condos include the use of beach chairs and umbrellas, and if you’re lucky, you can find a rental that also includes kayaks. My husband and son took the kayak out into the bay. The bay has calm, shallow water, and was perfect for my son’s first kayaking experience.

Some of the condos on the bay side also include the use of a golf cart as part of the rental. There is a golf cart path that runs under the highway, allowing you to travel from the bay side to the beach or gulf side without playing real-life Frogger. My kids are obsessed with riding in golf carts, and this was probably their favorite part of the vacation. 

Amenities at Point West Beach Club

There are walking trails all around Point West, and I always wake up and take a walk around the beautiful property before it is too hot. On the Gulf side of the beach club, they have a fitness center.  The fitness center is small, but if you can’t skip your workout, it’s sufficient. 

The gulf side of the beach club has a restaurant and bar. The restaurant at the Beach Club is the only dining option within a 20-minute drive. We’ve eaten here many times, and the food is good.  It’s not going to make a foodie excited, but if you’re hungry, don’t want to drive 20 minutes, and don’t want to cook, it certainly gets the job done. 

The Beach at Point West Beach Club

The beach at Point West is just like any Texas Gulf Coast beach. In Texas, you won’t find the sugar-soft sand like on a tropical beach, but it’s plenty sufficient for a family vacation.  The beach is large, with more than enough room to spread out. We were able to fly kites, build sandcastles, throw a football, and generally let the kids go wild without being so close to our neighbors that we annoyed them.

The waves are gentle enough for little kids but large enough to entertain for days.

The Pools at Point West Beach Club

There are pools on both the bayside and the gulf side of Point West Beach Club. The pool on the bay side is better suited for little kids, as it features a shallow area perfect for toddlers and a small splash pad.  The bay-side pool also features a lazy river.

The Gulf side pool is not ideal for little kids unless they wear a life jacket.  The pool is large with now shallow areas, often music and tons of people. Drinks from the bar are served to people at the gulf side pool and overall the vibe on the gulf side is more party and less family-friendly on the bay side. 

Things To Do In Galveston

My favorite thing to do on vacation is sit at the beach and read. My kids, however, need to be entertained. Fortunately, Galveston Island offers a variety of fun and educational activities that cater to all ages and families. A few ideas for things to do in Galveston Island are included below.

Moody Gardens Aquarium & Rainforest

If it’s ever raining in during your Galveston vacation, the absolute best thing to do is go to the aquarium. We have visited many aquariums all over the US, and I think the one in Galveston might be my favorite. 

Our family had an awesome time at the Aquarium Pyramid at Moody Gardens in Galveston! From the moment we walked in, the huge tanks and colorful fish had my kids completely mesmerized.

One of the biggest highlights was the jellyfish room, my kids could have watched for hours.  We love how they glow in the dark and make us feel like we are in another world.

Walking through the underwater tunnel was another moment of awe. Seeing sharks, stingrays, and giant fish swimming right over our heads was amazing and slightly terrifying!

Overall, it was a fantastic family day. The aquarium is big enough to explore for a few hours but not so huge that the kids were overtired.  Even if you’re lucky enough to avoid a rainy day, the aquarium in Galveston is definitely worth a visit.

Pleasure Pier

We had such a fun evening at the Galveston Pleasure Pier! It was the perfect spot for our family. There are a bunch of rides that are great for younger kids, so it was easy to find things that kept both of our boys entertained.

The highlight for us all was the Galaxy Wheel, the big Ferris wheel at the end of the pier. It gave us a great view of the water and the pier itself. We also grabbed dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., which was perfect for a family meal—lots of options that everyone liked.

Pro tip: we went on a weekday evening, and it was much less crowded, so we didn’t have to wait too long for rides. If you’re looking for a chill but exciting evening with the family, the Pleasure Pier is definitely worth checking out!

Exploring the Strand in Galveston

The Strand in Galveston, Texas, is a charming historic district. Many of the buildings in the Strand date back to the late 1800s and now house everything from antique shops and candy stores to cafes and museums.

We wandered around the cute shops and boutiques, letting the kids pick out some fun souvenirs and then went to La King’s Confectionary. 

One of the best parts of the day was stopping by La King’s Confectionery for ice cream. The place is a total treat—literally! In addition to ice cream we took home chocolate treats.  Yummy!

Galveston Children’s Museum

We had an unlucky string of rainy days that led us to find the Galveston Children’s Museum.  The kids were plenty entertained despite this being one of the smaller children’s museums we’ve been to. 

Restaurants In Galveston

I would not call Galveston a destination for foodies.  We mostly eat at our vacation rental, but we have tried a few restaurants in town.

If you’re going to Pleasure Pier, an obvious option is Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.  If you plan to go to Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. at a prime mealtime, you should expect to wait for a table.  Although the restaurant is large, it is a very popular spot in Galveston.

Another popular and family-friendly restaurant option is Rainforest Cafe.  Warning: they offer Build-a-Bear in the lobby of the Rainforest Cafe, so you may end up buying more than just food.

Shopping In Galveston Island

If you’re looking to stock up on groceries for a more extended stay, consider stopping at the Walmart Supercenter or Kroger when you cross the causeway, especially if you’re staying at Point West Beach Club. 

There are two small grocery stores closer to Point West, but they won’t have anywhere near the selection of the large Walmart and Kroger.

Pro Tip: Order groceries on the Walmart app and pick them up before you cross the Galveston Causeway.

Beaches and Natural Attractions

Galveston Island is home to some of the most beautiful and family-friendly beaches in Texas. Whether you’re looking to relax by the water, have a fun day in the sun, or enjoy a variety of beach activities, there’s a spot for everyone. Here’s a guide to five of the best beaches on the island, each offering its own unique amenities for a great beach day. If you are staying at Point West, the beach at that location is all you need!

1. Stewart Beach
   Stewart Beach is a perfect destination for families with its spacious, clean, and well-maintained shoreline. It offers a variety of amenities like umbrella and chair rentals, restrooms, changing rooms, picnic tables, and concession stands, making it easy to spend the entire day here. There’s also a lifeguard on duty, ensuring a safe environment for swimming.
2. East Beach
   East Beach is renowned for its lively atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for families seeking a bit of excitement. As the largest public beach on the island, it features ample space for beach games, sunbathing, and even concerts or festivals during peak seasons. Amenities include restrooms, outdoor showers, a beachside bar, and sometimes food trucks.
3. West Beach
   West Beach offers a quieter, more relaxed vibe for those who prefer a peaceful day at the beach. It’s an excellent spot for families looking to escape the crowds but still enjoy easy access to the water. The amenities here include picnic areas, a few shaded spots, and restrooms. West Beach is also known for its picturesque views and is a fantastic spot for a relaxing day of shell collecting or nature walks.
4. Galveston Beach
   Galveston Beach stretches along the famous Galveston Seawall. This beach is the perfect spot for families who want convenience. It’s close to a variety of restaurants, shops, and attractions. Amenities here include restrooms, picnic tables, and easy access to nearby attractions, making it an excellent choice for a day of family fun.
5. Jamaica Beach
   For those seeking a more laid-back and peaceful beach experience, Jamaica Beach is the perfect option. This quieter beach is less crowded, making it a great spot for families to relax and enjoy the sun.

No matter which beach you choose, Galveston Island offers a variety of spots for families to enjoy the sun, surf, and sand. With numerous amenities and a range of fun activities, these beaches are sure to provide the perfect setting for a memorable family vacation.

Pro Tip: If you plan to stay on the island longer than a weekend and your rental does not provide beach chairs and an umbrella, it makes more financial sense to purchase them at Walmart on the island.

Final Thoughts About Our Family Vacation To Galveston Island

People come to Galveston Island for its mix of relaxation and fun. Whether you’re strolling through Moody Gardens, screaming on roller coasters at Pleasure Pier, or indulging in fresh Gulf seafood, Galveston has a little something for everyone. So, grab your flip-flops and sunscreen—this family-friendly getaway is calling your name!

Thanks for reading friends. Happy travels!

Frequently Asked Questions About South Padre Island

Can you swim at Galveston Island beaches?

The waters along Galveston Island are typically warm, clear, and calm, making them great for swimming. However, always check the daily beach flag system, which indicates current water conditions:

Green Flag: Indicates that conditions are calm. Swim with care.

Yellow Flag: Indicates caution should be used when entering any body of water. This flag is flown for normal conditions to remind swimmers to stay alert.

Red Flag: Flown when conditions are determined to be out of the ordinary, such as the presence of strong wind, strong current, or large surf. Adult swimmers should stay in water no more than waist deep, and non-swimmers and children should be kept along the surf line.

Purple Flag: Indicates a potential problem with jellyfish, Portuguese man-o-war, stingrays, or other marine life that could be a hazard for swimmers. Purple flags will be used in combination with other flags.

Orange Flag: Indicates there is an environmental warning for air and/or water quality. Ask the Lifeguard for more details. Orange pennant flags will be used in combination with other flags.

Pro-Tip: Rip currents can occur on any beach, especially when the surf is high. If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until you’re free from the current, then swim back to land.

Can you drink alcohol on the beach on Galveston Island?

Yes, but only in some areas.  Alcohol is banned from public beaches and the Seawall.

Can you drive on the beach in Galveston Island?

Yes, but only in some locations, such as the West End and near San Luis Pass.