One of the most popular Texas road trip destinations is the historic and fun beach town of Galveston. Part turn-of-the-century historic district and part classic coastal getaway, the island city has a lot to offer this summer, including plenty of new amenities and attractions to add to your itinerary.
Better beaches
One of the best beach replenishments in the state has come to Galveston. Sand has been added to Seawall beaches between 61st and 81st streets, which also means more recreation space and a broader habitat for marine life.
The island’s beach parks have also been upgraded with new amenities, such as live concerts and free DJ entertainment at East Beach on weekends through September 5. Later in June, East Beach will also receive new playground equipment featuring a web climber, swings and slides. This expansive beach is located on the island’s eastern tip and is the only Galveston beach park where alcohol is permitted.
Moody Gardens additions
Moody Gardens is one of the best family destinations on the island. This year its newest interactive attraction, SpongeBob SubPants Adventure, has premiered at Discovery Pyramid. Featuring a live, costumed show with all the beloved SpongeBob characters, it also has an “underwater” 4-D film experience.
Also new to Moody Gardens is a five-tier Sky Trail Ropes Course and Zip Line Adventure to challenge participants’ agility, balance and strength. Of course, all the other attractions spread over the 242-acre Moody Garden complex are also available, including the Rainforest Pyramid, 1.5-million-gallon Aquarium Pyramid, Discover Museum, water park and white sand beaches.
Those interested in aviation, especially combat during World War II, should visit the next-door Lone Star Flight Museum.
Brand-new Bryan Museum
Be one of the first to visit this new museum, which showcases the world’s largest private collection of Southwestern historical artifacts, including 70,000 rare items spanning more than 400 years. J.P. Bryan, who co-founded the Bryan Museum with his wife, Mary Jon, started his collection at 14 years old.
A direct descendant of Moses Austin (Stephen F. Austin’s father), the lifelong historian displays such items as the Joel Robison sword used to aid in the capture of Santa Anna, and original correspondence from the pirate Jean Lafitte. The basement features a very interactive children’s section that literally makes history come to life for visitors both young and young at heart.
“I hate it when I hear kids say history is boring,” says Bryan. “It shouldn’t be boring, and we want to make it both exciting and accessible for children.”
Awe-inspiring historic homes
Touring the historic grand mansions and hearing the stories behind them reveals why Galveston is sometimes called Treasure Island. Check out Moody Mansion, a four-story, 28,000-square-foot home restored to its 1895 splendor. A tour of this home — abode to one of Galveston’s most influential families — depicts life of wealth at the turn of the century.
The 1892 Bishop’s Palace is another of Galveston’s most popular historic mansions and is open daily for tours. Built of stone and steel for the railroad magnate Walter Gresham and his family, this famous house was designed by Nicholas Clayton, Galveston’s premier Victorian-era architect.
Afterward, hop on an electric shuttle from Galveston Island Tours to check out the entire landmark district, including the unique tree sculptures that dot the island and were artistically carved from trees that were killed in Hurricane Ike.
Where to stay
Galveston’s hotel scene offers several new venues and experiences this summer, including the new Doubletree by Hilton Galveston Beach Hotel that opened in February. The five new luxury villas opening at San Luis Resort come complete with private check-in/out, a private pool area and personal butler service, among other lavish amenities.
Classic hotels that are always popular include the Tremont House, with its location in the heart of the Historic Strand District, and the Hotel Galvez & Spa, which faces the beach. Both are part of the Wyndham Grand Hotels & Resorts family and are part of Galveston’s history, dating from 1839 and 1911, respectively.
Galveston beaches are still the main attraction.
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