Whenever a family thinks of Thanksgiving, they typically think of the incredible feast they expect to have back home. This year, allow your family to create new traditions by vacationing somewhere for the holiday. Specifically, come spend your holiday week with us here in Galveston. The sunny shores of our Texas home provide you with beach views and beautiful weather, things that are not common across the country this time of year. You can still hold onto your family values while enjoying new activities and events in the area. Take a look at why Galveston is the best location for your Thanksgiving holiday this year:
Galveston Island Turkey Trot
If you take a look at most cities, you will find that they offer an annual race each year to help families get their appetite going before the big Thanksgiving feast. Galveston is no different, as we also offer our own Galveston Island Turkey Trot the morning of Thanksgiving each year. This year’s event will be our third annual race that takes place along the Galveston Island Seawall, offering a beautiful flat course for you to run on. Participants are encouraged to either run, jog, or walk as you take in the wonderful views of the Gulf Coast beside you. The Galveston Island Turkey Trot is a 5K that is ran on an out-and-back course. Participants will start and finish at Menard Park, located behind the McGuire Dent Recreation Center. Participants are also encouraged to wear their best turkey outfits to really bring out the fun and spirit of the event.
Early visitors will be given a race shirt should they pick up their materials by November 18th. A medal ceremony will take place the morning of the event to award the 1st place overall along with age group awards at 9:00 AM. Join this year’s Galveston Island Turkey Trot to enjoy an exciting race while supporting HART, a local nonprofit that targets health and fitness. Discounted registration is available until October 15th before entry cost goes up to full price. Like in previous year’s the Galveston Island Turkey Trot will take place on Thanksgiving morning.
Holiday in the Gardens
Everyone knows that when you visit Galveston, one of the top attractions in the area to visit is Moody Gardens. You will easily be able to find Moody Gardens here in the city with the giant pyramids being a part of the city horizon. Moody Gardens is known for the four pyramids that houses its attractions including an aquarium, rainforest habitat, and more. During the winter months you will find Holiday in the Gardens taking over the amusement park. You have never quite seen anything like this as Moody Gardens is completely transformed into a winter wonderland. One of the most popular parts of the event is the Festival of Lights that is a mile-long trail where you will stroll past lit up holiday displays, holiday music being played, delicious seasonal food, and more. That is not the only fun for the family to have though! The Arctic Ice Slide is back so you can slide on down. Check out the 3D holiday films or try out the Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer 4D experience. Get a photo with Santa, catch a train ride, and much more. You will find holiday attractions all across Moody Gardens for this festive event. Holiday in the Gardens kicks off on November 18th this year and will run through January 6th.
Board the Polar Express
This Thanksgiving will also overlap with another popular event that runs exclusively here in Galveston. It is time to board the Polar Express as this popular train ride returns to Galveston from November 8th through December 23rd. The Galveston Railroad Museum is bringing back the popular The Polar Express experience which includes a 60-minute train ride to the North Pole and back again. Make sure you get to the Galveston Railroad Museum an hour in advance to see the train steam into the train depot for its unique presentation. Live entertainment will also be on hand at the museum along with Santa Claus presenting his festive dance. Each of the train cars will be decorated with Christmas décor and riders are able to pick out which seating they prefer from standard, deluxe, or premium class. Tickets are already on sale for this special event so make sure to book in advance for a popular time to ride over Thanksgiving.
Galveston Is Ready for You
There is no time like the present to start planning ahead for your Thanksgiving getaway to Galveston. Our vacation rentals will offer the best home away from home just in time for the holidays. Book now and come see why Galveston is the best place to spend your Thanksgiving.
The fall season is a great time of year to get out and explore somewhere new. The cooler weather lets you stay outdoors for longer and get to take in the sights. A great place to visit any fall season is right here in Galveston. Our Texas home features beautiful sandy beaches and plenty of local activities to keep you busy with. Traveling around Halloween can be tricky when your kids most likely want to enjoy some trick-or-treating. Luckily, there are plenty of spots right here in Galveston you can take them to for a safe and friendly trick-or-treating experience. Here are the best places to trick-or-treat and celebrate Halloween in Galveston:
Menard House
Galveston has an incredibly rich history here in Texas with many neighborhoods and buildings being 200 years old! Exploring the historic side of Galveston is always recommended during your stay. Many visitors will make their way to Menard House during their visit to take a tour of the oldest building in Galveston. This building was built in 1829 by one of the founders of Galveston and features a Greek revival style. Most of the furniture and the rest of the furnishings inside the home are all original dating back to the early 1800s. Eventually, the home was sold to other families and came into disrepair. Now, the home has been repaired and reconstructed to look just the way it did when it was first built.
The Galveston Historical Foundation offers tours and private events here at Menard House, allowing it to be a museum of Galveston’s earliest days. Each Halloween, the Menard House opens its front gates to trick-or-treaters. While the home will not be open for tours that evening, families will be allowed onto the property, allowing you to see this incredible building up close. Individual bags of candy will be handed out to the costumed children, making sure they get what they came for. The Menard House will have its gates open for trick-or-treaters on October 31st from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM and is free to enter.
Halloween Spooktacular
Galveston is also home to The Bryan Museum, a local museum that houses one of the largest collections in the world featuring American West and Texas artifacts, artwork, and historical documents. The Bryan Museum is located inside the historic Galveston Orphans Home and continues to be a local tradition to this day 10 years after opening to the public. Visitors can stop by The Bryan Museum Wednesday through Sunday and browse their incredible collections in person.
The Bryan Museum also hosts a variety of exciting events throughout the year that are each more exciting than the last. Each fall season, The Bryan Museum hosts the Halloween Spooktacular that is a treat for both adults and children alike. Come experience the Halloween Spooktacular this year on Sunday October 27th where children ages 12 and younger will be able to get into the museum for absolutely free. The whole family will be able to enjoy a variety of Halloween themed activities including a scavenger hunt, fall arts and crafts, a ghost hunt out in the garden, special photo places to snap a photo, a walking costume parade, outdoor games, and more. Listen to spooky stories out over in the gazebo.
Of course, you came here to learn all about trick-or-treating here in Galveston, and the Halloween Spooktacular will feature that as well. Decorate candy stations will be set up around the museum grounds where the little ones will be able to get all the candy they could want. If you end up being hungry for more than just candy, you can always stop by the Space Craft BBQ food truck for some tasty grub.
The museum is open during normal Sunday hours for the event so you can stop by whenever. The Halloween Spooktacular event itself will run from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM for all the ghoulish games, candy, and fantastical fun that you and your family could want!
Trick-or-Treat Around Your Vacation Rental
The best part of any stay here in Galveston is the chance to reserve one of our vacation rentals in the area, especially in our game room rentals. We offer a variety of homes found all across Galveston. You will find many of our homes to be in the most desirable neighborhoods of Galveston. Many of these neighborhoods are very safe and will provide a great opportunity for you and your loved ones to enjoy some trick-or-treating. Simply find your favorite vacation rental here in the area and get to planning. If you ever have any questions about where to spend your trick-or-treating at you can always reach out to our team to show you the way!
We are slowly approaching the end of summer, and with it comes cooler temps across the country. Now is the perfect time to start planning for your next fall getaway. If you are looking for the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation, head on over to the coast of Galveston. Our Texas home brings out all of the fun no matter what time of year you visit. You will find that the lineup of events taking place in Galveston this fall is second to none as well. Take a look at the fall events in Galveston this year:
Galveston Island Wine Festival
Each year, the local attraction center of Moody Gardens hosts a variety of events perfect for individuals of all ages. This includes festivals focused on family friendly activities. This also includes adults-only events such as this year’s Galveston Island Wine Festival that is quickly approaching. This annual event brings out some of Texas’s most renowned chefs and sommeliers for an incredible festival. The Galveston Island Wine Festival is a three-day event that kicks off on August 30th to celebrate a fun time with incredible wine, live music, and delicious food.
The event kicks off with the Seven on Seven Seafood Extravaganza, where you can easily pair your wine with sensational dishes. Saturday continues the fun with Penguins & Pinot: Grand Tasting located over in the Aquarium Pyramid. If you have visited Moody Gardens before, you know it encompasses different attractions located in beautiful pyramid structures. The aquarium pyramid holds some truly special animals in spacious habitats. Take a look at all of the wonderful creatures, including jellyfish, sharks, tropical fish, and of course, penguins.
Finish off the event with the Wine’d Down After Hours special located at Palm Beach with a dazzling fireworks show. You are in for a treat as the fireworks light up the sky and reflect off the Offatts Bayou. Tickets are now available for the Galveston Island Wine Festival taking place August 30th through September 1st here at Moody Gardens!
Galveston Island Shrimp Festival
The biggest event taking place in Galveston each year is the annual Galveston Island Shrimp Festival that focuses on all things shrimp and plenty more. This multiday event has something for everyone so the whole family can come enjoy the fun. The event kicks off with the Friday Kick Off Party, where 800 guests can enjoy a fried shrimp dinner, live music, and an open bar. This adults-only event is for those 21 years of age and older and will sell out. The next morning will be the annual Shrimp Scamper 5K Fun Run that invites everyone to join the fun. Participants will receive a performance t-shirt, participation medals, free beers after the event for the adults, and a costume contest.
Add on the Gumbo Stroll or Shrimp Dinner Plate option to your ticket to receive a delicious meal to refuel you for the day. The meals will be prepared by award winning chefs. You can even vote on your favorite shrimp gumbo for a fun cook off action. The Lil’ Shrimps parade lets the kids join in on the fun with their own costumed play. Live music will be on hand all day long for the event and include local vendors, a kids play area, and the Strand Merchant Walk About. Tickets are currently on sale for the Galveston Island Shrimp Festival that will take place on September 27th and 28th here in Downtown Galveston!
ARToberFEST
Join the local arts community and celebrate this year’s ARToberFEST taking place October 19th and 20th. This premier arts festival will showcase works of art from over 120 different US artists. The work will be presented by The Grand 1894 Opera House. You will be able to see each brush stroke of the paints or feel the smooth movements needed to create beautiful ceramic vases. You can even meet the artists and see their demonstrations up close. Don’t miss out on ARToberFEST this year!
Island Oktoberfest
Of course, you cannot feature fall events without featuring the area’s Oktoberfest. Galveston hosts the Island Oktoberfest each year for a family friendly event. You will be able to dress up in your finest German attire while enjoying live music, a live auction, authentic German food and drink, and plenty of children’s activities. The Island Oktoberfest takes place this October 25th and 26th for the whole family to enjoy!
More Fall Fun in Galveston
As you can see, there is plenty of fun waiting for you and the family right here in Galveston. Simply book your favorite rental with us and prepare for the perfect fall getaway.
Get ready for one last summer adventure by preparing for a Labor Day getaway. Everyone knows that Labor Day typically signals the end of the summer season, as the kids are back in or getting ready to go back to school. Labor Day also offers an extended weekend allowing parents to take time away from work. This means it is a no brainer to plan for an exciting adventure getaway. When looking for your Labor Day destination look no further than Galveston. Our coastal Texas town is an exciting summer destination and will still be providing all of the fun when you visit for Labor Day. Take a look at what the 2024 Labor Day Weekend in Galveston will look like.
Galveston Island Wine Festival
Galveston is a destination that features many exciting events throughout the year to make your stay even more memorable. This includes Labor Day Weekend, as the fan favorite Galveston Island Wine Festival returns to the shores of Galveston. This annual festival is scheduled to take place August 30th through September 1st for a weekend of wine and festivities. The Galveston Island Wine Festival takes place at the Moody Gardens once again so you know that the location will match the excitement of the event. The Galveston Island Wine Festival kicks off that Friday with a Welcome Reception and Seven on Seven Seafood Extravaganza. This is a unique experience where top tier chefs will be on hand to create seasonal dishes that are paired with wines from all over the world.
Return the next evening to enjoy the Penguins & Pinot: Grand Tasting at the Aquarium. As the name suggests, you will be having a wine tasting at the aquarium where you tour the Oceans of the World and enjoy a variety of wine, spirits, and food bites. There will even be marine animal encounters that are sure to take you to new depths! Wrap up your evening with the Wine’d Down After Hours at Palm Beach where live entertainment, dancing, and a dazzling fireworks display will close up the evening.
The Galveston Island Wine Festival will officially come to an end that Sunday with the Bourbon Dinner that provides a sampling of exclusive bourbons and of course delicious food. This is the perfect event for the adults in your group who want to enjoy the finer things of life such as exclusive wine and spirits. Tickets are now available for purchase!
Free Sandcastle Building Lessons
One of the many reasons why Galveston is a popular summer destination is our beautiful beaches. You will find that the numerous beaches give you plenty of room to stretch out under the sun and relax. Galveston is home to many different professional sandcastle builders who you can book to show you how to create your own works of art. Over Labor Day Weekend, however, you can enjoy free sandcastle building lessons over at East Beach. On Saturday August 31st at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM you will find these lessons to be absolutely free. The professionals will be bringing a limited amount of equipment so make sure to bring your own in case the event gets popular. No registration is required in advance, so you can simply show up and learn all about this popular beach activity!
Bucket Brigade Interpretive Tours
Exploring the beaches of Galveston is always a popular pastime so make sure to join the Bucket Brigade as they bring back their Interpretive Tours. These educational tours and a fun way to see the marine creatures and different parts of Galveston beaches. Participants will get hands on activities as you explore the turbid water of Galveston, seaweed, marine debris, and much more. These tours also take place at East Beach and will be available on Saturday August 31st and Sunday September 1st. Each tour last for approximately 45 minutes in length.
Pride at East Beach
Labor Day Weekend is also when Galveston will be celebrating our Pride weekend. Specifically, the festivities will take place on Each Beach along with Robert’s Lafitte bar. The celebration of Pride is a celebration of love and equality that will be complete with pageantry, exciting parties, and much more. The Pride Pageant will crown a Mr. and Miss Pride along with several other exciting highlights. Don’t miss out on the Beach Bash with live DJs and snacks or the Neon Party. There will be endless fun over this three day event taking place over Labor Day Weekend!
Now Is the Time to Book!
Labor Day will be here before you know it, so make sure to book ahead. Our vacation rentals will keep you close to these Labor Day activities while keeping you comfortable. Simply find your favorite rental and get ready for Labor Day Weekend.
The summer is finally in full swing and with it comes the opportunity for you and your family to get out and explore. If you need the perfect reason to come and check out Galveston, consider visiting over the Fourth of July holiday. This summer the Fourth of July will land on a Thursday allowing you to enjoy a long weekend away from home. Galveston has tons of summer activities to enjoy along with special events to bring in the holiday with. Take a look at how your Fourth of July can best be spent here with us in Galveston:
Galveston Island Independence Day Parade & Fireworks
Most places in the country offer a standing tradition of a Fourth of July celebration that ends with a dazzling display of fireworks in the night sky. Galveston understands this important tradition and keeps it going with our annual Galveston Island Independence Day Parade & Fireworks celebration. You will not find a bigger celebration in all of Galveston than this special event.
Galveston Island Independence Day Parade & Fireworks really brings out the summer fun with both activities that complete the event. You can kick start your Fourth of July holiday with the parade starting at 6:00 p.m. here in the city. You will find a parade filled with decorated vehicles, live performers, and patriotic floats from start to finish. Galveston Island Independence Day Parade will take place along Seawall Blvd starting at 22nd St and extending out to 45th St. The parade will last approximately half an hour giving you plenty of time to grab some food before the fireworks close out the event.
Speaking of fireworks, they will begin at 9:15 p.m. with the launch point found at 37th St. and Seawall Jetty. The Gulf of Mexico will be the backdrop as the fireworks are shot over the gulf allowing the bright fireworks display reflect off the water. You will not find a bigger or brighter Fourth of July fireworks along the Texas coast! Any spot along the Seawall will provide a great vantage point for the fireworks show. Make sure to show up early so you can grab a spot as close to the water as possible! Galveston Island Independence Day Parade & Fireworks is the best way to celebrate the Fourth of July here in Galveston!
Patriot Pass
One of the most exciting attractions found in Galveston when you visit, is the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. When you visit this local attraction you will find a combination of rides, food, and fun for the whole family. In fact, the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is one of the few locations in the world that features so many rides that will take you over the water. When you visit you will find a variety of coasters and rides including the popular Texas Star Flyer, Iron Shark Rollercoaster, Galaxy Wheel, and much more.
There are even rides perfect for young children so they can still have high-flying fun. Take a ride aboard the 5D Theater Ride that offers an elevated experience into the Mysterious Underworld. The Midway games section features plenty of fun and exciting games where you can win tickets for prizes. Local restaurants on the pier include Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. so you will never go hungry.
There is so much fun to experience at the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier that you may not be able to see it all in just one day. This is where the Fourth of July holiday fun kicks in with the Patriot Pass being available for a limited time. This year, purchase the Patriot Pass to enjoy four days of unlimited access to the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier’s rides. One simple pass will gain you access from July 4th through the 7th for unlimited fun.
The Patriot Pass does not stop there either. If you want to spend a day over in Houston, you will be thrilled to learn that the Patriot Pass will also get you entry into the Downtown Aquarium. This sprawling aquarium features several different habitats and exhibits including their Texas Bayou, Sunken Temple, Shipwreck, and much more. You will see incredible animals from a variety of fish to beautiful tigers. The Patriot Pass will also get you access into the Kemah Boardwalk if you find yourself in that area as well. With so much fun available in one pass you can see why it is easy to purchase a Patriot Pass during your stay!
Get Ready for Galveston
These are just a few of the many ways to spend your time here with us in Galveston this Fourth of July. Book your stay today and come see why the shores of Galveston continue to be a top Texas summer destination.
The summer heat is closing in quick, so it is time to cool off for a little summer getaway. Make the most of your upcoming summer season by planning for a summer vacation to the cool shores of Galveston. Our coastal Texas home offers you the perfect Southwest beach destination that also features many activities and attractions in the area. One of the best reasons to visit Galveston during the summer is access to some of the best events of the year. Galveston knows how to keep the fun going throughout your stay. Take a look at the top Galveston events happening this year in June.
Bucket Brigade Interpretive Beach Tours
Getting to know the area is always help when staying somewhere new such as Galveston. The Bucket Brigade offers weekend tours over at East Beach to help you learn all about our Galveston Beaches. There Bucket Brigade Interpretive Beach Tours all welcome for all ages and explores the different little critters and features that make up the beaches. Guests will find out there is more in turbid water and Sargassum than they know and plenty of little things can be found washed up all over the beach. Each tour is a fun and educational experience as you get hands on with marine debris and Sargassum landings. Each tour is offered every weekend on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 9:00 AM for approximately 45 minutes each.
Broadway Beauties Walking Tour
Galveston is home to some truly stunning and elegant mansions that are found all over town. You can have the chance to stroll by 20 different mansions and learn all about their families and contributions to the city when you join a Broadway Beauties Walking Tour here in Galveston. This tour starts over at the famous Moody Mansion before you head west to Bishop’s Palace and make little detours along the way to see all of these incredible homes up close. The Galveston Historical Foundation will lead the tour, and your guide will be able to answer all of your questions. Admission for the Broadway Beauties Walking Tour are $25 per person and need to be purchased in advanced. The tour is offered on six different dates in June, including June 1st, June 2nd, June 15th, June 16th, June 29th, and June 30th. Don’t miss this educational yet exciting walking tour of the area!
Professional Sandcastle Building Lessons at Sandcastle Days
Whenever you visit Galveston, you will immediately notice the incredible sandcastles on display at the local beaches. There is a reason for the sheer number of sandcastles as the area has several professional sandcastle builders who provide lessons during certain parts of the year. You too can learn how to build these stunning constructs when you join one of the free lessons taking place over at East Beach. Sandcastle Days takes place every Saturday from Memorial Day up to Labor Day meaning that every Saturday in June is open for you to enjoy. The lessons will take place at the water’s edge making sure you have the perfect conditions for your sand. The professionals will be on hand to show you certain techniques and what kind of structures are best to build. This event is welcome to all ages so everyone in the family can join and have fun. Professional Sandcastle Building Lessons at Sandcastle Days will take place every Saturday at East Beach from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and are absolutely free!
Bar 43 Summer Music Series
One of the best things to do when visiting somewhere is checking out the local music scene. You can experience performances from local bands when you stop by Bar 43’s Summer Music Series this June. This summer event series invites local artists or bands from the area to take up the stage each Wednesday night and select Friday nights. You will find some amazing local talent on display as their play their hearts out. Entry into Bar 43 is always free during the Summer Music Series, so you can enjoy the show for absolutely free. You will be able to order up any of your favorite adult beverages to enjoy during the show. Bar Bites will also be available along with some non-alcoholic options such as cold brew coffee and more. Bar 43 is one of the liviest bars in the area so you know their Summer Music Series is sure to be a hit! Music starts at 7:00 PM on their event nights.
Get Ready for Galveston
These are just a few of the many events taking place around Galveston this June. Book your vacation rental or condo today and get ready for an unbelievable time. Galveston always looks best when you have the comfort of a luxury vacation rental.
We all crave a beachside getaway when we can take one. Here in Texas you will find that Galveston will be your top beach getaway filled with exciting activities and attractions for all. Finding something for both the kids and children to enjoy is very easy here. Simply head over to Moody Gardens, the local amusement park for a little bit of everything. Moody Gardens has been a staple with the local community offering wonderful activities and lively events throughout the year. Take a look at what you can expect when you spend the day exploring the Moody Gardens:
The Three Pyramids
Finding the Moody Gardens here in Galveston is extremely easy; simply head over to the three pyramids that stand tall near the coast. The Moody Gardens is a beautiful amusement park that features several connecting areas inside each of the three pyramids. Visitors are able to purchase passes for the individual areas of the park, but you will save the most when you purchase a value pass that will get you into all areas of the park that day!
The first pyramid is the Aquarium Pyramid that is a sprawling aquarium complete with huge habitats for aquatic creatures. The Aquarium Pyramid is one of the largest aquariums in the Southwest and features 1.5 million gallons of water. The incredible critters that you can see up close include penguins, jellyfish, sharks, seals, tropical fish, and much more. A variety of conservation messages can be found around the aquarium to educate how important it is to protect our oceans. You can even get behind the scenes with animal encounters that include the Penguin Encounters and River Otter Encounters. Or visit the Coral Reef Lab to learn about this fragile species in a behind the scenes lab experience.
The Rainforest Pyramid takes you above the water for a full treetop canopy experience. Over 1,700 exotic animals and plants are protected here in the habitat for you to see in expansive exhibits. The animals include river otters, komodo dragons, ocelots, tamarins, Saki monkeys, and a variety of birds that fly all over the enclosed space. The habitat is designed after each of the rainforests found in Africa, Asia, and the Americas will a different experience found inside each one. You will be able to get up close to many of the different exhibits and see how these lovely animals interact with each other. You may even catch the sloths sleeping in the trees as they have free roam over all the exhibits!
The final pyramid is the Discovery Museum that brings science to life in sprawling exhibits. The Moody Gardens will be opening up Body Worlds RX: Prescriptions for Healthy Living her soon that demonstrate how our healthy bodies operate. This exhibit will offer a unique perspective on preventative healthcare while having you learn all about the human body. In addition to the Discovery Museum you will also find the 3D and 4D movie theatres that offer a truly unique perspective on film. The state of the art projects will immerse you into an experience like no other. The 3D movie selection includes Fungi: The Way of Life and Cephalopods: Aliens of the Deep, both truly enriching and educational films. The 4D movie selection includes Octopus: Blue Planet II that adds additional experiences to the film.
Seasonal Attractions
You will find that the Moody Gardens also features incredible seasonal attractions that rotate throughout the year. Summer will be here before you know it so make sure to explore the Palm Beach attraction that is open during on weekends during the month of May and every day starting on June 1st. This outdoor water park features Galveston’s only white sand beach along with a variety of attractions including the lazy river, wave pool, tower slides, splashpad, and Aquarium Adventure Playground. The Shoreline Café will offer all the food and beverages including adult beverages you could want as you relax underneath the sun. Visitors will also find the ropes course and zip line area available when weather permits here at Moody Gardens. Take the to treetops as you fly at high speeds down a zip line course. The ropes course is perfect for the explorer in the family who always seems to be climbing up on things. Finally, the Moody Gardens also offers an onsite spa and golf area too. Enjoy a spa day as the boys schedule a tee time on the green Moody Gardens really does have something for everyone!
More Fun Waiting for You in Galveston
Moody Gardens is just one of the many attractions you will find here in the area. Make the most of your stay by reserving one of our vacation rentals to enjoy a full array of amenities and great views. Galveston is waiting for you!
There are tons of reasons why you want to hit the beaches here at Galveston this year. Galveston is known as the best coastal area to hit up for an exciting vacation getaway. You will find beautiful beaches and tons of waves to soak up. What makes these waves even better is that they are perfect for a little surfing. If you have never surfed before Galveston is a great place to try it out. It is also an ideal spot for those familiar with the sport too. Take a look at all the different aspects you need to know about surfing in Galveston:
Gets You Ready for Surfing Anywhere
Jumping into surfing without knowing without knowing what you are doing can be difficult. Surfing is more than just riding a board along the wave. Those new to the sport will want to know what to watch out for and how to prepare yourself for the next wave. The best way to get ready for surfing is by taking a surfing lesson here in the area. Luckily for you, Galveston has plenty of options to choose from when it comes to surfing lessons.
One of the local favorites is found over at Valz Surf. This year-round surfing provider offers knowledgeable surfing instructors who will show you all the tricks. You will be taken from land to sea so you can start catching waves in no time. Valz Surf specializes in beginner surfers, those who have never experienced it before. You will be taught how to initially get up on your surfboard before jumping into basic surfing skills. Water safety is always a priority and is incorporated into the lessons. These surf lessons can be provided in private one-on-one instruction or with a small group so everyone can learn together. Whichever way you prefer, Valz Surf has you covered. You can schedule your surfing lesson today by calling 409-771-6571. Valz Surf is open year-round, weather permitting.
Finding the Gear
Once you have the lessons nailed down, you will want to find the ideal surfing gear perfect for you. When it comes to finding great surfing gear, you do not want to just settle on cheap equipment from a box name store. Instead, head over to one of the local surfing shops that will have all of your surfing needs taken care of. Southern Spears Surf Shop is located on the southern coast of Galveston and is committed to offering some of the best gear in town. When it comes to visiting Galveston, you may prefer to rent gear for the day instead of purchasing brand new equipment to bring back home with you. Southern Spears Surf Shop has a variety of surfing boards for you to pick from. They offer a variety of rental times for you to choose from. Rent your board for a single hour if you don’t have much time available on the water. For longer periods of rentals, you can always choose a full day, two-day, three-day, four-day, and five-day options. This is perfect for those with an extended stay in the area and want to save on the total cost of their rental. If anyone in the family prefers not to surf, they can always rent out a paddleboard, kayak, boogie board, or skim board to have some fun in the water too. Other gear you may wish to purchase from the shop include wet suits and other apparel. There are plenty of fun gifts to purchase too to bring back home as a souvenir!
Where to Surf
Now that you are ready to hit the waves, you will want to know where to find the best surfing spots. The locals have mapped out the top spots on the coast where you can find the best waves. Head over to the Pleasure Pier, where you will find a popular spot for the locals. The waves can vary on choppiness, but overall, you will find plenty to ride. You may have noticed the plentiful surfers in the water when walking around the pier before! Additional areas that are popular for surfing include the street jetties along 37th, 47th, 51st, and 61st Streets. The best weather conditions to hit the waves with include right after a frontal system moves in. Storms can be more common in the spring and summer seasons, so keep an eye out and be ready to hop on in!
Get Ready for Surfing in Galveston This Year
If you have been telling yourself this is the year you learn to surf make sure you prepare yourself today. Our vacation rentals will be the ideal spot to hang around between your time in the water.
There are a variety of different activities to enjoy when you are off on vacation. Exploring somewhere new is a highlight to arriving at a travel destination and the same is always said for Galveston. During your stay you will find that the city has plenty of local markets where local goods can be purchased. This includes farmers and craft markets where a new level of creativity and support can be seen. Take a look at the local craft and farmers market in Galveston TX has to offer:
Galveston’s Own Farmers Market
Whether it is to develop a greater sense of community or provide locals with freshly sourced produce, a farmers market will always be a highlight of the city. Galveston is home to the Galveston’s Own Farmers Market that has become a staple for the community. This local farmers market focuses on everything local so you can help the community of Galveston while you purchase supplies for a meal. The market offers locally grown produce from various farmers so you can always find something fresh to use for dinner. Additional vendors will also be on hand to offer prepared foods along with edible farm products too.
Going to your local farmers market does more than just offer a great time. By purchasing directly from the vendors you can support local businesses while skipping out on higher prices that are the result of a middle man. Visiting the farmers market will also let you directly connect with the locals and understand the community even more.
The Galveston’s Own Farmers Market also provides a variety of events throughout the year too. Recent events include the Market Mile that is a one-mile fun run for you to run or walk. The Market Mile takes you past many historical spots in Galveston for a mini unguided tour of the city. The post-race activities include live music by Doc Mary’s, drinks, local treats, and of course a chance to shop at the farmers market.
The Galveston’s Own Farmers Market is open every Sunday with the exception of a few days each year; the market will be closed in 2024 on 8/11, 11/3, 12/22, and 12/29. From June thorugh September the market’s hours are 9:00 AM to noon. The market’s hours is slightly longer from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM from October through May. Come enjoy a visit to the Galveston’s Own Farmers Market located at 3304 Market right here in Galveston.
Galveston Island Market
Galveston is also home to additional markets in the area that offer a more intimate experience. The Galveston Island Market is one such smaller market where you can find a variety of artisans, vendors, and more offering unique goods. You will find that each vendor station has something unique and different at a high quality level. Visitors can expect to find tasty treats, local art, sculptures, jewelry, and more. The Galveston Island Market is also a year round market that takes place on the first and third Saturday of each month. This allows local vendors to have a consistent presence in offering their goods to the community. The Galveston Island Market is still on the search of a permanent spot and has rotating venues as of the present. You can find the Galveston Island Market on the first Saturday of each month located at St. Patrick’s Church and on the Third Saturday at McGuire Dent Recreation Center. The market is open each time from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Galveston Craft Show
If you are ever looking for handmade items your best option is to find the closest craft market. Galveston is also home to the Galveston Craft Show, a once a year market that brings together a variety of local artisans who offer handmade goods. This local market show is the top destination to find goods including home décor pieces, jewelry, artisan soaps, soap making kits, sewing items, and much more. There will also be a juried show that will have local artisans compete in their respected craft. Best of all the Galveston Craft Show takes place in conjunction with the Corvette Chevy Expo allowing visitors to have a full day of exciting activities with each show being vastly different. Both events together offer live music and can both be accessed for a single admission fee. The Galveston Craft Show takes place in March each year with the 2024 edition just recently held on March 16th and 17th. Make sure to not miss out on this thrilling spring market!
Get Ready for Galveston
These markets are just one of the many ways to enjoy your stay in Galveston. By reserving one of our vacation rentals you can enjoy the most comfortable stay in town. Take a look and find your property today!
Now is the perfect time to get ready for an incredible summer getaway. Make sure you make the most of your summer getaway by spending it here in Galveston. You will find that our coastal Texas home features some incredible summer activities to keep you busy throughout your stay. Galveston also features tons of exciting summer events that are exclusive to the season. Each event has something for everyone to ensure your group or family has the best time here. Take a look at the top summer events in Galveston:
Galveston Island Wine Festival
Whenever you travel somewhere new you want to take the edge off a little and relax. One great way to do that is by enjoying a glass of your favorite wine. During the late summer season Galveston hosts the annual Galveston Island Wine Festival where you can indulge yourself in incredible wine all event long. The Galveston Island Wine Festival is a two-day event where a lineup of wine-themed activities will await. The festival takes place at the Moody Gardens convention center ensuring each activity has plenty of room for everyone to enjoy. Events in the past have featured a variety of exciting events such as a sommelier seminar, luxury wine tasting with wines from all over the world, champagne social hours, seafood extravaganzas hosted by world class chefs. Enjoy some of the finest seafood expertly paired with luxury wine.
Additional activities include live music each day and access to the rest of Moody Gardens. This includes their Aquarium Pyramid where you can view incredible aquatic life in spacious exhibits. Their habitats include jellyfish, sharks, tropical fish, seals, sea lions, and much more. Specific details for this year’s Galveston Island Wine Festival has yet to be posted but will be available soon. Save the date for the Galveston Island Wine Festival taking place this year on August 31 to September 1st at Moody Gardens. Purchase your tickets today and get ready for one of the hottest summer events here in Galveston!
Texas Story Summer Camp
During the summer season you may wish for your kids to enjoy some educational activities while they are off from school. If so, visit Galveston around the Fourth of July week to sign your kids up for the Texas Story Summer Camp taking place at The Bryan Museum. From Monday July 1st through Wednesday July 3rd your kids can enjoy a three-day summer camp with activities during the day. The Bryan Museum is a local museum that is known for its incredible educational activities. The Texas Story Summer Camp will have a focus on history, art, writing, drama, and much more. Your kids will be able to enact out popular stories and be a little creative on their own. The camp is geared for children ages 8-12 making it perfect for any elementary school aged kiddos in the family. The activities will include tours of the museum and take place each day from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Tickets are on sale now and priced at $175 per child. For additional information feel free to email education@thebryanmuseum.org.
Summer Theatre Camp
Another great camp for your children to attend is the Summer Theatre Camp put on by The Grand Opera House right here in Galveston. Each summer, The Grand puts on a summer camp where the group of children learn a new stage production. This year’s event will be an exciting production of the timeless tale of Hercules. The camp is a five-day experience for the children that begins on Monday July 15th and finishes up Friday July 19th. The children will attend daily classes that run from 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM before putting on the final show on Friday at 6:00 PM for friends and family to see. This is a great way for children who wish to get into theatre and need something to do during an extended stay in Galveston. Tickets are on sale now with registration for the camp costing $245 per child. Sign up early to save $10 on registration fees with an early bird discount. Your kids will love these camps held exclusively in Galveston.
Book Your Summer Stay in Galveston Today
These summer events are just one of the many different ways you can spend your summer here in Galveston. Before your trip make sure you reserve one of our trusted properties here in the area. You can experience full size homes with luxury amenities that will make your stay as comfortable as ever. You can beat the heat with central A/C, spacious living areas, and comfortable bedrooms to ensure you feel great all trip long. Simply find your favorite property in our listing today and get ready for summer here in Galveston!