Galveston Island 2025 Destination Highlights

Located just 50 minutes from Houston, this 32-mile-long island provides more than 5,000 sleeping rooms, replenished beaches, and a variety of world-class attractions.

What's New:

• Galveston Island State Park Reopens After Extensive $10 Million Renovation
• Royal Caribbean Unveils $125 Million Cruise Terminal in Galveston
• Hotel Lucine: New Full-Service, 1960's Boutique Hotel opened 2024
• Major Renovations to the Historic Hotels Grand Galvez and Tremont House
• MSC sets sail out of a new cruise terminal in November 2025

Juneteenth Celebrations:

• Galveston will celebrate 160 years of Juneteenth with a wide range of activities and reenactments (June 14-22).
• The Freedom Walk Tour takes visitors on the march of freedom to the sites of emancipation.
• And Still… We Rise exhibit is open year-round at Ashton Villa.

Looking Forward To:

• Fall Festival Lineup; Galveston Greek Festival, Octoberfest, ARToberFEST and art market, Dia de Los Muertos festival and parade, Galveston Island Shrimp Festival, and more.
• Winter Wonder Island: Moody Gardens Festival of Lights and Ice Land, Polar Express Experience at the Railroad Museum, Dickens on the Strand historic Victorian festival, and more.

Family-Friendly Attractions:

• Seek thrills and amusements at Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier.
• Discover nature, marine life, and world class accommodations at Moody Gardens.
• Try hands-on learning at 20+ Galveston museums including the Galveston Children's Museum.

Culinary Delights:

• Dive into Galveston's culinary landscape, featuring fresh seafood, Tex-Mex delights, and Southern comfort food.
• Experience waterfront dining with picturesque views of the Gulf of Mexico.
• Sample local specialties like shrimp gumbo, seafood boils, and Gulf Coast oysters.
• Indulge in delectable desserts and craft cocktails at some of Galveston's newest culinary spots: Los Habanos Café, 1817 Steak & Seafare, The Fancy, and more.

Historical Treasures:

• Explore the island's stunning architectural heritage, from Victorian mansions to historic buildings like Bishop's Palace and Moody Mansion.
• Explore historic museums like the Galveston Naval Museum, The Bryan Museum, newly reopened Historic Seaport, and more.

Arts and Culture:

• Discover the island's vibrant arts community through galleries, museums, and theaters.
• Visit the Galveston Arts Center and view contemporary artworks by local and regional artists.
• Stroll the many art galleries of Postoffice Street in historic downtown.
• Attend live performances and music festivals showcasing diverse talents at the Grand 1894 Opera House or Island East End Theatre Company.

Beach Getaways:

• Relax on Galveston's beautiful 32 miles of beaches, featuring warm Gulf waters and soft sand.
• Engage in water sports activities like surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
• Enjoy beachfront amenities, including beachside dining, live music, and beach volleyball.
• Witness stunning sunsets and create lasting beach memories.

Nature and Wildlife:

• Experience the island's diverse ecosystem, including marshes, wetlands, and coastal prairies.
• Take a guided eco-tour with Artist Boat to spot migratory birds, dolphins, and other wildlife.
• Spot marine life and get a historic tour of Galveston with Baywatch Dolphin Tours.
• Book a tee time at Moody Gardens Golf Course for a relaxing, seaside golf escape.

Cruising:

• Galveston is home to the fourth busiest cruise port in the U.S.
• Carnival debuted its first ship outside of Florida, Carnival Jubilee, last winter. Carnival Cruises also homeported a fourth ship in Galveston, Carnival Miracle, offering longer cruises to South and Central American destinations.
• Galveston's new Royal Caribbean terminal hosts one of the largest cruise ships in the world, Allure of the Seas.
• Norwegian and Princess cruise lines join Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Disney cruise lines (seasonal) sailing from Galveston.
• Extend Your Vacation with Pre- or Post-Cruise Fun in the historic downtown and Strand.

Luxury Travel:

• Experience Luxury at The Villas where five private 800-square-feet villas sit nestled in a quiet corner of the iconic San Luis Resort. Guests have the option to upgrade their travel arrangements and arrive via luxury helicopter, limo, or Bentley.
• Take a spa day at the luxurious Grand Galvez Hotel and Spa.

Meetings and Weddings:

• Galveston Island's beachfront facilities offer a unique and exciting setting for meetings and conventions without the high price tag of most beach destinations.
• Galveston is one of Texas's top locations for destination weddings and quickly becoming a national wedding destination.
• It is home to AAA rated four-diamond hotels, such as the San Luis Resort and Moody Gardens Hotel.
• Book your stay at a highly rated, historic hotel, like the Marriott Autograph Grand Galvez Hotel and the Marriott Tribute Tremont House.
• Historic venues like Garten Verein, Carr Mansion, which earned a Michelin key in 2024, beach homes, and other sites make perfect wedding and reception venues.
• The Victorian-style Conservatory at The Bryan Museum provides an elegant option for ceremonies or receptions.