10 Activities
Deep Dive in Galveston: Historic Homes and Pirate Lore Along the Gulf Coast
Starts from
Houston
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
10
Duration
11 hours
Length
59 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Houston
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
11 hours
Length
59 mi
Phoebe Suy
Travel Expert
- Rent a bike for an immersive experience.
- Try local shrimps served with various sauces.
- Get a glimpse of the island's oldest residence.
Many people don't know that at the turn of the 20th century, Galveston and Houston were each vying to be the Lone Star State's premier city. And at one point, Galveston was actually Texas' largest city. Galveston has so much to offer beyond just its beaches—the history and culture here is truly one of a kind. In fact, the Gulf Coast town is home to more than 60 structures on the National Register of Historic Places.
Each of the historic districts has something to offer, including architecture, history (including pirate history!), good eats, and more. Plus, the beach is always just a short walk or drive away. Galveston is an excellent locale to explore on foot, by car, or on a bicycle. Whichever your choice, you're sure to love this Gulf Coast treasure.
Each of the historic districts has something to offer, including architecture, history (including pirate history!), good eats, and more. Plus, the beach is always just a short walk or drive away. Galveston is an excellent locale to explore on foot, by car, or on a bicycle. Whichever your choice, you're sure to love this Gulf Coast treasure.
Categories
Many people don't know that at the turn of the 20th century, Galveston and Houston were each vying to be the Lone Star State's premier city. And at one point, Galveston was actually Texas' largest city. Galveston has so much to offer beyond just its beaches—the history and culture here is truly one of a kind. In fact, the Gulf Coast town is home to more than 60 structures on the National Register of Historic Places.
Each of the historic districts has something to offer, including architecture, history (including pirate history!), good eats, and more. Plus, the beach is always just a short walk or drive away. Galveston is an excellent locale to explore on foot, by car, or on a bicycle. Whichever your choice, you're sure to love this Gulf Coast treasure.
Each of the historic districts has something to offer, including architecture, history (including pirate history!), good eats, and more. Plus, the beach is always just a short walk or drive away. Galveston is an excellent locale to explore on foot, by car, or on a bicycle. Whichever your choice, you're sure to love this Gulf Coast treasure.
Phoebe Suy
Travel Expert
- Rent a bike for an immersive experience.
- Try local shrimps served with various sauces.
- Get a glimpse of the island's oldest residence.
Day Itinerary
10 Activities
Day 1
59 mi0.9 mi
Galveston, the Gulf Coast's Backyard Beach Town
With its salty sea air, sandy beaches, and walkable neighborhoods, a day trip to Galveston Island is the ideal one-day getaway for history buffs and beach bums alike. On Galveston Island, you'll get to explore a rare ship, step into historical homes, and soak up the sun, all just an hour or so away from Houston.
Heading south on I-45 to Galveston means SPF will be your friend for the day. Make sure to bring a hat and some sunblock, so you can walk, bike, and beach with ease. Don't forget your closed-toed shoes and flip-flops; your feet will thank you later.
Heading south on I-45 to Galveston means SPF will be your friend for the day. Make sure to bring a hat and some sunblock, so you can walk, bike, and beach with ease. Don't forget your closed-toed shoes and flip-flops; your feet will thank you later.
08:2015 min
The Original Kolache Shoppe
Bakery
Open Details
You haven't had kolaches until you've been to The Original Kolache Shoppe on Telephone Road. This family-run restaurant has been serving up some of the best kolaches around since 1956. You can't go wrong with any of the traditional Czech kolaches or their signature croissants, packed with yummy goodness in a perfectly-flaky package. Complete your breakfast with a cup of their delicious coffee.
The Original Kolache Shoppe doesn't have indoor seating, so you may need to eat outside at one of their tables or in your car before heading off to Galveston.
The Original Kolache Shoppe doesn't have indoor seating, so you may need to eat outside at one of their tables or in your car before heading off to Galveston.
44 mi
1 hr
09:405 min
Parking Lot
Parking
Open Details
Once you're officially on Galveston Island, head to the center of city, where you will have easy access to some of the city's public street parking options. Leave your car and have a good day on the island.
0.2 mi
5 min
10:002 hrs
Zipp E Bikes
Bike Shop
Open Details
Ready to cruise around? Zipp E Bikes is just one block away from The Strand, with 2-hour e-bike tours that offer an immersive island experience you can't get anywhere else. Your local tour guide will lead you through the island's historic homes, spaces, and even the Sea Wall while offering insider takes and recommendations.
It's perfect for the whole family! Hint: If you're part of a smaller tour group, your guide may have flexibility to cater the tour to your interests, e.g. history, architecture, food, etc.
Be sure to reserve your tour online in advance.
It's perfect for the whole family! Hint: If you're part of a smaller tour group, your guide may have flexibility to cater the tour to your interests, e.g. history, architecture, food, etc.
Be sure to reserve your tour online in advance.
0.1 mi
5 min
12:151 hr
Old Moon Deli
Café
Open Details
Old Moon Deli is not your typical deli. Located in a historic downtown Galveston building, this local shop serves a wide array of classic and unique sandwiches and pies that you can only get here. Old Moon Deli's panini-pressed sandwiches range from classics like the Reuben or hot pastrami to yummy vegan or vegetarian options. Don't see what you're craving? They're happy to make the custom sandwich of your dreams.
0.3 mi
10 min
13:3045 min
The Strand
City Centre
Open Details
Now it's time to explore some of the island by foot, and the Strand Historic District is the perfect place to start. Once nicknamed "The Wall Street of the South," this district is where you'll find one of the country's largest and most well-preserved collection of Victorian-era structures. Among The Strand's historic buildings, you'll find an assortment of antique shops, boutiques, art galleries, and more. Be sure to stop at La King's Confectionary at 2323 The Strand for a sweet treat.
0.2 mi
5 min
14:2030 min
Galveston Historic Seaport & 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA
Museum
Open Details
Named one of America’s Treasures by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the 1887 Tall Ship ELISSA is a floating museum where you'll have a rare opportunity to explore such a historic vessel. The ELISSA is one of only three ships of this kind in existence that can still sail the seas!
Please note that the Tall Ship ELISSA is closed on Mondays. It is open on Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Check their website for more info on individual ticket prices.
Please note that the Tall Ship ELISSA is closed on Mondays. It is open on Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Check their website for more info on individual ticket prices.
0.3 mi
10 min
15:005 min
Parking Lot
Parking
Open Details
Head back to where you parked your vehicle for the rest of your Galveston adventure.
0.8 mi
5 min
15:101 hr
Moody Mansion
Museum
Open Details
The Moody Mansion is a 28,000-square-foot Romanesque mansion dating back to 1895. Visiting the Moody Mansion will give you an inside look at life for one of Texas' most wealthy and powerful families. Self-guided tours take travelers through 20 of the mansion's 31 rooms, complete with some of the family's personal art and belongings.
For an insider experience, schedule an all-access tour instead, where a docent will lead you to areas not open to the public. It's no wonder the Moody Mansion was named one of the most famous historic house tours in the country by Travel Channel!
For an insider experience, schedule an all-access tour instead, where a docent will lead you to areas not open to the public. It's no wonder the Moody Mansion was named one of the most famous historic house tours in the country by Travel Channel!
8.6 mi
20 min
16:302 hrs
Beach Pocket Park 2
Park
Open Details
It's beach time! Skip the beach crowds on Seawall Boulevard and head to Beach Pocket Park No. 2. This family-friendly shore is a hidden gem; you're sure to find plenty of space to relax as a group or have some peace and quiet. Plus, the on-site restroom and shower facilities (open only during the summertime) make this beach day trip all the more easy.
6.2 mi
15 min
19:0045 min
Darlene's Shrimp Shack
Seafood Restaurant
Open Details
Stop by Darlene's Shrimp Shack for a casual dinner with waterfront views. This simple food truck serves freshly fried, wild caught Gulf Coast shrimp with any flavor you could want, from cajun or garlic parmesan seasoning to sweet flamin' BBQ or cool ranch.