Galveston is an exciting port destination in Southern Texas, just south of Houston.
It’s a popular starting place for cruises to the Western Caribbean and Mexico.
If you plan on setting out on a cruise from this place, you should visit a day early to explore what it has to offer.
Galveston has 32 miles of pristine coastline and natural wonders. However, it also has some exciting history and culture you can explore while there.
Its historic center has a distinct architectural style and many shops and restaurants to explore.
Here is a guide to planning a stop in Galveston before embarking on your cruise.
Navigating Galveston
To get to Galveston from out of town, you’ll fly into George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston or Houston William P. Hobby (HOU).
While there are numerous ways to reach Galveston, we recommend taking a shuttle or rideshare.
Both options are better than renting a car, and you would need to find a place to leave your rental while on your cruise. Unless you are able to rent it one-way.
A typical shuttle costs between $60-100 round trip per person depending on if you want a private or shared shuttle and the level of luxury you want. One-way rideshares are about $49-60. Taxi would be about ~$100.
Galveston Express and Island Breeze are popular companies that service Galveston.
While in town, you can get around on foot or by rideshare.
What to See
Galveston is a destination where you can pick an adventure depending on your interests.
We created a mix-and-match itinerary for you to plan your one day there.
For all activities, arrive early in the morning and check into a hotel in the Galveston Historic District. This area is a great home base for this city. Drop your luggage off, then set out on your adventure.
Activities
Strand Historic District, Architecture, and Seaport
The Strand Historic District is an area with historical architecture, exciting shops, and delicious restaurants. It also includes the Galveston Historic Seaport, with dolphin tours and beautiful museums. Make sure you type “Strand Historic District” instead of “The Strand” on Google Maps, or else you can end up on the other side of Galveston!
Galveston’s Coastline and the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
There are some outstanding beaches along Seawall Avenue you can explore. A few top choices are the Beach around the Galveston Seawall and Seawall Urban Park, Porretto Beach, and Stewart Beach. Also, head to the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier for some amusement rides, games, and snacks.
Moody Gardens, Pyramids, Schlitterbahn, and the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat
An action-packed part of Galveston that is fun for the whole family is the Moody Gardens area. Here, you’ll find an intriguing garden, glass pyramids with exhibits, a water park, and a paddlewheel boat tour, all by the waterfront. You could easily spend an entire day at Moody Gardens, but you can also see the highlights in just a few hours.
Galveston Island State Park
If you like the great outdoors, the Galveston Island State Park is a great spot to explore. There, you can fish, picnic, swim, bird watch, hike, and relax. It’s a tranquil spot that highlights all of Galveston’s natural beauty.
Itineraries
There are a few itineraries you can create with the activities mentioned above.
Itinerary One: The Galveston Sampler
The first itinerary would be to start at The Strand Historic District and explore the area during the morning. Grab breakfast there and walk around the shops and the seaport. Then, catch a rideshare to the coast and spend the afternoon on the beach. Finally, have dinner at the beach before taking a rideshare to Moody Gardens to watch the sunset.
Itinerary Two: Sunshine and Water
Itinerary two is perfect for those who love amusement. Start the day walking along the beach and exploring the Pleasure Pier. Then, grab lunch in that area before heading to the waterpark. Spend the afternoon at Schlitterbahn or the Pyramids, and have dinner at Moody Gardens. Watch the sunset there before heading back to the Historic District.
Itinerary Three: Nature Lover’s Adventure
After breakfast in the Historic District, grab some sandwiches and head to Galveston Island State Park. There, you can enjoy the beach and have a picnic for lunch. After lunch, head to the Pleasure Pier to enjoy your afternoon and the attractions. Finally, finish your day walking around the Moody Gardens and enjoying the sunset or returning to the Historic Center.
Itinerary Four: Architectural and Historical Tour
Spend the morning and afternoon exploring The Strand Historic District and its museums. Visit the Moody Mansion, Galveston Historic Seaport Tall Ship, and the Galveston County Historical Museum. Then, catch a rideshare to Moody Gardens to have dinner on the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat and watch the sunset.
Food
Original Mexican Café $$
A great dining option in Galveston’s Historic District is the Original Mexican Café. This casual restaurant is the island’s longest continuously running eatery. They serve delicious tacos, enchiladas, seafood, soups, and margaritas that everyone in your group will love. Don’t forget to try one of their desserts too!
Gypsy Joynt $$-$$$
One of the top restaurants in Galveston is the eclectic Gypsy Joynt. The décor inside is unique and funky, and the food is delicious. They serve pizza, wings, biscuits and gravy, cinnamon rolls, burgers, and other treats. Gypsy Joynt makes many of its menu items from scratch.
Gaido’s $$$
For a quintessential coastal dining experience, head to Gaido’s. It’s right on Seawall Blvd, close to the beach. Here you’ll find some of the area’s best crab, fish, steaks, and pasta. At the end of your meal, don’t forget to try their famous pecan pie.
The Black Pearl Oyster Bar $$
For a taste of Cajun-style seafood and oysters, try The Black Pearl Oyster Bar. It has a convenient location in the Strand Historic District. This hole-in-the-wall spot has raw oysters, fried seafood, and refreshing drinks. It’s a pleasant place to spend an evening enjoying good food downtown.
Shearn’s Seafood and Prime Steaks $$$
If you’re at Moody Gardens and want to grab dinner there, Shearn’s Seafood and Prime Steaks is an excellent choice. Only 11 restaurants in the Houston/Galveston area have a AAA Four Diamond Award of Excellence. This place is one of them. Here, you can enjoy an elegant seafood and steak meal after walking around the gardens and waterfront.
PattyCakes Bakery $$
Sweet tooths rejoice! PattyCakes Bakery has a delicious assortment of cookies, scones, cakes, candies, and other sweet treats. They also have some unique menu items, like spinach feta scones. Head here after your meal to wash it down with something sweet and tasty.
Conclusion
If you have some time to spare before you start your cruise, visit Galveston.
It’s a beautiful spot to spend a day exploring its beaches, historic downtown area, gardens, and natural wonders.
Its relatively compact size makes it ideal for a one-day trip.
Whether you’re a couple, group, or family, you’ll find something fun to do here.
Hopefully, this guide has sparked your curiosity and has inspired you to visit Galveston before your next cruise.