Galveston Island, Texas
Texas the "Lone Star State" is very welcoming to Canadians often referred to as "Winter Texans." Galveston is where the Texas Coast begins and offers 32 miles of beaches, top attractions, famous festivals and pleasant weather year round.
Airport: Fly into Houston International Airport.
Weather: The weather in Galveston is pleasant year round. During the winter you can expect the temperature to be an average low of 6C and an average high of 18C.
Things to Do in Galveston Island
Galveston offers 32 miles of relaxing beaches, superb restaurants, top resort hotels, marvellous downtown shopping, numerous antique stores, incredible art galleries, fabulous entertainment and one of the largest and well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the country.
Shopping: Antique lovers, art aficionados and shoppers of all kinds will discover beautiful and interesting objects on display at Galveston Island's myriad of shops. Discover the famed historic Strand District and have fun shopping in the city's more than 100 curio shops, outlets, antique stores, art galleries, and numerous museums and gardens.
Dining: There aren't many places where you can enjoy Gulf shrimp, Louisiana crawfish, Galveston Bay oysters, and soft-shell crabs while you watch the very ships that caught them at work. The seafood here is fresh and always delicious.
Beach: Galveston Island is home to Texas' first nourished or replenished beach that continues to be one of its primary attractions. Galveston's beaches are ideal places for numerous sports and leisure activities.
Birding: Galveston is one of the top locations for birding in the United States. The Island is a central location for novice and expert birders, offering a wide variety of species. Water and shore birds are common on the Island throughout the year while rare species are spotted during fall and spring migration. In fact, three/fourths of all North American species travel through Galveston during fall and spring migration.
Golf: Less than an hour from Galveston, Houston is a golfer's paradise, and if you haven't yet visited this majestic Gulf Coast city, you're in for an unforgettable time, demanding fairways and relaxing days at one of the many golf courses offered here. The Woodlands Resort in Houston offers a great resort golf experience.
Fishing: Anglers will enjoy the Island's premium fishing options, which include the Seawolf Park Fishing Pier, which is open year-round, weather permitting. Private and public fishing charters are also available on the Island. Fishing is also permitted at the rock groins, or jetties, along the beachfront.
Outdoors: Galveston Island State Park: This 2,000-acre state park provides all the necessary elements that attract outdoor lovers. The campsites are complete with electricity and water hookups, and the barbecue pits and picnic tables provide a little luxury for the family. You can choose from hiking or biking trails, surf fishing for red fish and flounder, or just exploring the great Gulf Coast environs. The naturalist in the group will appreciate the park's wildlife, which features a variety of tidal birds and armadillos.
Holiday Tree Lighting (November 2011): A spectacular holiday event in Galveston, Texas
Annual Dickens on the Strand in Galveston (December 2011): Galveston kicks off its holiday season each year with the Dickens on the Strand.
Mardi Gras (Feb 2012): Galveston Texas is home to a large Mardi Gras festival, the Island tradition begun in 1867, and which is held in the historic Strand District on Galveston Island on the Texas Gulf Coast.
Bishop's Palace: Galveston's grandest and best-known building, the Bishop's Palace is an ornate delight of colored stone, intricately carved ornaments, rare woods, stained-glass windows, bronze dragons and other sculptures, luxury materials and furnishings, and impressive fireplaces from around the world (including one lined with pure silver!). If you can only visit one of Galveston's architectural treasures, the exquisite Bishop's Palace is the one to see. The building is owned by the Galveston-Houston Catholic Archdioces, and is managed as a museum by Galveston Historical Foundation.
Adults: $10
Moody Gardens: Featuring a 1.5 million-gallon aquarium pyramid, a 3-D IMAX theatre, tropical rainforest pyramid, and a Ridefilm Theatre. Delve into the oceans depths at the Aquarium Pyramid to see penguins, sharks and thousands of tropical fish. Explore the mysteries of science at the Discovery Museum or experience the action of the IMAX 3D, 4D or Ridefilm theaters. Cruise aboard the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat or enjoy beautiful white sand beaches and blue lagoons at Palm Beach.
Open Daily: 10am - 6pm. Day passes & 2 day passes available for purchase locally.
Moody Mansion Museum: Bought by W.L. Moody six days after the 1900 storm (reportedly for "ten cents on the dollar"), this imposing 28,000-square-foot limestone and-brick mansion has 32 rooms filled with opulent furnishings and heirlooms from one of Texas's most powerful families.
Open Daily: 11am - 3pm. Adults: $7
The Grand 1894 Opera House: The Grand 1894 Opera House is a year-round performing arts theatre that has been restored to its original grandeur. This jewel of a Victorian-era theatre (the "Official Opera House of Texas," by the Texas legislature) is Galveston's premier cultural venue for national-caliber performances. From stage performances to historical films to art exhibits, there's a multitude of entertainment and inspiration to experience. In its early days the Grand stage hosted stars like Paderewski and Anna Pavlova; now it brings national shows and celebrities like Bill Cosby, Willie Nelson, Paul Anka, musicals like Cabaret and Rent, and a full season of dance, dramas, musicals and opera. Call ahead for show times and tickets at (409)763-7173.
Texas Seaport Museum/ELISSA: Share the adventure of the high seas at the Texas Seaport Museum, home of the celebrated 1877 tall ship Elissa. Explore the decks of this floating National Historic Landmark which has also been designated one of America's Treasures by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Walk Elissa's decks and imagine the days when daring sailors challenged the world's oceans. In the adjacent museum and theatre, witness the story of Elissa's dramatic rescue from the scrap yard and her meticulous restoration.
Open Daily: 10am - 5pm. Adults: $8
Lone Star Flight Museum: The Lone Star Flight Museum is home to one of the finest collections of restored aircraft and aviation exhibits in the nation. Over 40 restored aircraft are displayed and most are in working condition. The collection includes WWII Fighters, Bombers, Liaison Trainers, and Executive Planes.
Open Daily: 9am - 5pm. Adults $8, Seniors (65+): $5
Post Office Street Arts & Entertainment District: Nestled in the famous Strand National Historic Landmark District, only three short blocks from The Strand, this district is home to quaint galleries that feature various types of art from local, national and internationally recognized artists.