FREE THINGS TO DO IN GALVESTON

  • 1. Galveston – Port Bolivar Ferry – Many travelers ride the ferry while visiting Bolivar Peninsula or Galveston by walking on.  With an upper observation area outside and a sitting area with a/c inside that’s surrounded by windows the view is amazing both inside and outside. From Bolivar the path gives you a great view of Fort Travis and the Bolivar Lighthouse, tankers and ships anchored or traveling into port or out to sea. Coming into the Galveston Landing you’ll pass Seawolf Park on one side and the U.S. Coast Guard Station on the other. As the ferry turns into the Galveston dock in the distance you’ll also see the Galveston Yacht Basin.
  • 2. The Strand – The Strand is a charming historic district in Galveston, lined with ornate late 1800s buildings and filled with restaurants, art galleries, museums, shops, bars, and more. Here, you try some old-school candy at La King’s Confectionery, shop for souvenirs, visit the Pier 21 theater, take a horse-drawn carriage, or learn about history at the Railroad Museum. Explore the area on a segway tour, or uncover its dark side on a ghost tour. Plan your visit during Mardi Gras in February when The Strand is taken over with parades, music, and parties.
  • 3. The Seawall – Walk along this eight-mile seawall built to protect Galveston from the raging winds and waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
  • 4. Tree Sculptures – The Galveston Tree Sculptures Tour is a self-guided tour open to the public! You can enjoy the tour by walking. biking, riding or any other method you choose. Please be respectful of the yards and do not enter through gates without permission. Climbing on, sitting or hanging on the sculptures is not permitted.
  • 5. East End Historic District – It is hard to pick your favorites when visiting the East End Historical District. Old world charm welcomes visitors to the East End, an area of more than 50 city blocks. Broadway forms its southern border, 10th Street the eastern edge, Mechanic Avenue its northern tip and 19th Street the western side. The district is designated as a National Historic Landmark and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The tree-lined streets feature an array of architectural styles and eclectic dining spots. Spend an afternoon touring the streets, crash a neighborhood block party and stay overnight as a guest in a one-of-a-kind vacation rental.
  • 6. Galveston Island Brewing – A great family friendly island attraction. Relaxed atmosphere, local feel & playground for the kids. Beer served by the flight, pint or snifter. A Light menu to snack on. Food trucks most weekends. Growlers fills and cans to go!
  • 7. Rosenberg Library – Rosenberg Library, a public library located at 2310 Sealy Street in Galveston, Texas, United States, is the oldest continuously operating library in Texas. It serves as headquarters of the Galveston County Library System, and its librarian is also the Galveston County Librarian.
  • 8. Old City Cemetery – Established in 1839, the Old City Cemetery is the earliest burial ground in the region and one of seven burial grounds in Galveston’s Broadway Cemetery.
  • 9. Church of the Living God Galveston – A body of believers striving to #belikejesus. We believe in the transformation of people as they find healing, identity, and purpose through Christ.
  • 10. Nautical Antique Warehouse – Hello and welcome to Nautical Antiques & Tropical Decor, the premier supplier of Nautical Antiques. We carry Ship Salvage that includes Bells, Binnacles, Buoys, Compasses, Code and Courtesy Flags, Old Glass Fishing Net Floats, Liferings, Brass, Copper, and Galvanized Navigation Running Lights and Lanterns, Oars, Rope, Sextants, Engine Order Telegraphs, Ships Wheels and much more. In addition, we carry new (not salvaged) tropical decor including hand sculpted wood Figureheads. We spend a month each year abroad searching ship breaking yards and chandleries of Asia and the Near East.

BEST NON-FREE THINGS TO DO IN GALVESTON

  • 1. Baywatch Dolphin Tour – This Galveston Baywatch Dolphin Tour is a great way to see dolphins on the water in just a few hours. Meet your group and captain at Pier 21 and join the boat you’re assigned for this experience. Then, take off on the water to enjoy some time searching for dolphins in their natural habitat.
  • 2. Historic Galveston Ghost Tour – Discover the darker side of Galveston on a ghost tour. Pass by mansions and other historical sights where spooky and mysterious things are said to have happened, and hear about the island’s secrets, paranormal events, and haunted history that dates back 150 years. This tour is a fun way to learn a bit about Galveston’s history.
  • 3. Island and Bolivar Tour, Open Cockpit Biplane Ride – This Galveston Island and Bolivar Point Lighthouse Private Flight Experience gives you one of the most comprehensive flights over the island, allowing you to take in key landmarks including the Bolivar Point Lighthouse. Ride in an open-cockpit biplane with just you and your group of up to two with a private pilot flying the plane. See the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier and more.
  • 4. Galveston Island Ghost Tour – Galveston’s history is filled with dark and gruesome moments. Uncover the city’s haunted past as you walk around town with a small group and tour guide. Stop at historic mansions and buildings that are known for paranormal activity and keep your eyes peeled for any otherworldly guests that might make an appearance.
  • 5. Galveston Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour – Discover the sordid history of Galveston while enjoying drinks in the city’s haunted bars and restaurants on this pub crawl. Meet your guide and group in the city center and hear stories about ghosts, murderers, and paranormal activity. Stop at the Railroad Museum, Saengerfest Park, Hendley Market, and much more throughout the night. Drinks are at your own expense.
  • 6. First Mate Open Cockpit Biplane Ride in Galveston – Unless you own a plane yourself, the chances of soaring over Galveston in a biplane are slim. Book this Galveston First Mate Open Cockpit Biplane Ride for a unique and amazing experience that takes you up in the sky to see bird’s eye views of the city’s attractions. Some highlights include the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, Galveston Historic Seaport, and some Texas battleships.
  • 7. Galveston Dark of the Moon Ghost Tour with Red Light District – Combine a spooky ghost tour and a look into the old red light district on this group tour in Galveston. Your guide will take you to several places, like The Strand, the Railroad Museum, The tremont House, and more, telling you stories of the history and rumors surrounding the area.
  • 8. Replica 1908 Model-T Electric Golf Cart Rental – Tour around Galveston in style, on a replica of a 1908 Model-T electric golf cart with the famous ahooga horn. You can choose a 5 or 8 seater for this self-guided tour, where you can spend as much time as you like. You can see Pleasure Pier, the historic district, the Kemp Ridley Sea Sculptures, and more. It’s up to you.
  • 9. Galveston Red Light District Tour – Discover Galveston’s sordid past during an evening walking tour of the city’s Red Light District. Join a small group and your guide to walk the streets and listen to stories of mobsters, bootleggers, and brothels. Learn how the island was once a “sin city,” where men could come to drink, gamble, and look for love once they crossed into the mob-run “Free State of Galveston.”
  • 10. Galveston’s Secrets of the Strand Walking Tour – Prebook this popular Galveston Secrets of the Strand District Walking Tour to guarantee your spot on the tour on the day you prefer to go. Dive into the district’s history with a guide who knows it well. See main attractions in the area such as the Galveston Railroad Museum, Tremont House, and Grand 1894 Opera House, as you learn how each played a big role in the city’s past.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS NEAR THE CRUISE PORT

BARS NEAR THE CRUISE PORT