The Jewel of the Southwest

Once known as "The Jewel of the Southwest", Galveston Island, Texas is a charming little paradise along the Gulf Coast of Mexico. The island's history goes back into time over 100 years ago when Galveston was posed to be one of the great cities in United States. During its' hey day, Galveston was a modern city with electric lights, bath houses, railways, fine homes, a busy port, and a balmy atmosphere.

On September 8, 1900 the little island was swept away by the worse hurricane in American History. Ten to twelve thousand people lost their lives. The destruction seemed endless. The survivors pulled themselves up by their bootstraps, rebuilding and mastering an engineering feat by literally raising the island.

Today Galveston is once again a tourist destination. The city is only half an hour from the outskirts of Houston. You will find plenty to do and see when you visit Galveston, Texas.

On the Way

The closest airport is Houston Hobby. Fly in, pick up a rental car take a 40 minute trip down I-45 South. Along the way swing down NASA Road 1 and stop to see Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston. Keep traveling down NASA Road 1 and take a right on FM 146. Cross the bridge and exit to spend a day at Kemah Boardwalk. The entire family will enjoy a day in Kemah. Enjoy a seafood lunch at The Aquarium Restaurant, an underwater dining experience. Shop, play carnival games, and ride the rides. Kemah has a giant speedboat and a 96 foot tall wooden roller coaster among other rides. You can even stay the night at The Boardwalk Inn, voted best hotel in Houston City Search in 2006.

Where to Stay

There a number of places to stay in Galveston, but I will only talk about my favorite hotels. Moody Gardens Hotel is located near popular attractions, but not on the beach. It's a lovely hotel and spa. Moody Gardens is a bit pricey, but worth it if you like a little luxury.

The San Luis Resort is a spa and conference center along the famous Seawall. The San Luis is in a great location not far from the island's attractions, and across the street from the beach.

The Treemont House is a historic hotel that survived the 1900 Great Storm. It's located in the historic Strand District. The beautiful European-style hotel with Victorian architecture is near the cruise line terminals.

The Hotel Galvez is a historic hotel and spa along the Seawall. The hotel has luxury accomodations and a fabulous pool with a swim-up bar.

The USS Flagship Hotel sits on a pier that stretches a thousand feet out to sea. If you are looking for unique experience then this is the hotel for you. The hotel is old, but retains most of its' charm. It is not a luxurious experience, but one for the historically minded. I was unable to verify this information, but I've heard it is the only hotel over water in the United States.

What to Eat

Although I've been visiting Galveston since I was a child, I certainly haven't been to every restuarant. I will warn you that a number of places are not clean. Stick to chain restuarants, hotel restuarants, and recommended restuarants (either here or by someone you know). Stay away from fast food places - even the most popular chains.

The Rainforest Cafe is a fun experience for the whole family. You can go on a little ride before dinner and shop afterwards. Try the crabcakes, shrimp cocktail, and fried shrimp! My family goes to here at least once a year. $$$

FishTales is a seafood restuarant on the Seawall. The wait is long, but the food is great. Grab a hand-dipped Blue Bell ice cream before you leave. $$$

A friend introduced me to my favorite sandwich shop, McAlister's Deli. It sits along the Seawall next to Walmart (in case you need to make a run). They have the best potato salad! This is the only reasonably priced eatery I will go to in Galveston (until a friend finds me another one). $

Guido's has been around for almost 100 years. They still serve up great seafood in a pleasant atmosphere along Seawall Blvd. $$$

What to Do

There are a lot of great things to do in Galveston. I'm going to stick to the major highlights.

Visit the Beach - Oh the memories of those Summer days at Stewart Beach Park. You can locate this part at 6th Street and Seawall Blvd. The park features a children's playground, umbrella and chair rentals, volleyball courts, an outdoor pavilion with a snack bar, souvenir shop, restrooms, and bath house. They charge an entrance fee of $8 for cars and $16 for buses/RVs. You can also park along the Seawall and play on the strip of beach, or drive down to the East End to find other, less crowded beach areas.

Moody Gardens is the premier attraction on Galveston Island. You can spend an entire day visiting one of the three pyramids: the Rainforest Pyramid, the Aquarium Pyramid, and the Discovery Pyramid. Watch an IMAX 3D films or go on an adventure on the IMAX Ridefilm Theatre. If that's not enough, take a ride on Colonel Paddlewheel; or spend the day splashing around Palm Beach, a white sand beach with a blue lagoon.

Next door to Moody Gardens is Schlitterbaun Waterpark, voted America's #1 indoor waterpark. Cool off and jump in. Schlitterbaun is great fun for the entire family.

The Strand Historic District is a premier shopping and dining experience located near the cruise terminals. Discover everything from funky to antique in the dozens of shops lining the streets. As you are walking along the Strand (or riding the trolley car), stop and visit Pier 21 Theatre and watch a film about The Great Storm and The Pirate Island of Jean Lafitte. Walk next door to visit the Texas Seaport Museum and the Tall Ship Elissa. Near the corner of 25th Street and the Strand is the Galveston Island Railroad Museum.

For those who enjoy touring historic homes you will not want to miss Galveston's oldest buildings. Each one stood the test of time and survived the 1900 Great Storm. The 1838 Michel B. Menard House is the oldest surviving residential home in Galveston, and is on the National Register for Historic Places. The 1839 Samuel May Williams House is a rare piece of architectural history, combining Creole-plantation and New England styles. Visit this house and learn how Samuel May Williams, the secretary to Stephen F. Austin played an important role in history. The Ashton Villa is one of my favorite homes in Galveston. The Brown family, a prominent family during the Victorian era built this home as one of the first great mansions along Broadway Street. You will enjoy learning about this family and how they survived The Great Storm. For lovers of old churches you will not want to miss seeing the oldest German Catholic Church in Texas. The 1859 St. Joseph's Church is truly a white steepled church of bygone days. One of the most majestic homes in Galveston is the historic 1892 Bishop's Palace. Constructed of steel and stone, this National Historic Landmark is not to be missed. The Moody Mansion was completed in 1895, just five years before the destructive hurricane swept many of Galveston's homes away. The 20 room tour depicts the lives of one of the great American family empires.

Take in a theatrical or musical performance at one of the most beautiful live theatres in the country. The Grand 1894 Opera House is not only a hurricane survivor, but a incredible piece of history. Experience theatre as it was during the Victorian era. The Grand is listed on both the Texas and National Register of Historic Places, and is "The Official Opera House of Texas" as proclaimed by the 73rd Texas Legislature.

The Lone Star Flight Museum will surely tickle flight enthusiasts. Located near Moody Gardens and Schlitterbaun, visitors can take a quick trip back into time and see some of the finest aircraft in the nation. True adverturists will want to book a real flight experience in WWII aircraft.

Go on a Cruise - Four major cruise liners now set sail out of the Port of Galveston: Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, and Princess Cruises. I've been on the Carnival Ecstasy and had a great experience. The only downside was a lame kid's area.

Whether you visit Galveston to shop, tour historical homes, play on the beach, fish, surf, or to check out the amazing museums, you will discover this little treasure of an island to be a great adventure for the entire family (or a romantic getaway for couples). Galveston Island is a great destination for your vacation.