While many travelers come to Galveston for the beach, it’s also a vacation destination rich in history to discover. A great stop to add to your itinerary when you’re looking to connect with the authentic past here is 1892 Bishop’s Palace.
Incredible Architectural and Stories to Discover
1892 Bishop’s Palace is found at 1402 Broadway Avenue in Galveston and is an exciting testament to engineering design and architectural wonders. It’s easily the most recognized landmark in Galveston thanks to its Victoria castle façade that was carefully crafted by Colonel Walter Gresham and Nicolas Clayton back in 1892. Bishop’s Palace took no less than six years to complete and to this day, remains a treasured area landmark for visitors and locals alike to enjoy.
What to Expect When You Visit
The impressive façade of 1892 Bishop’s Palace is just the beginning. Those who take time to step inside will be treated to a stunning collection of interior features that are restored and era specific. From gorgeous fireplaces and furnishings to features lined with silver, no expense was spared in the construction and outfitting of Bishop’s Palace. Throughout Bishop’s Palace, there’s also an array of colorful stained-glass windows to admire situated alongside mesmerizing stonework and bronze sculptures. The home is lavishly decorated from top-to-bottom speaking to a time period of opulence that was truly one-of-a-kind.
How to Tour
Bishop’s Palace is open Wednesday through Monday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm and closes on all major holidays. When you drop by, you’ll have the option to enjoy a self-guided tour when you pick up a free audio guide at the entrance. If you’re looking for a bit more insight into your surroundings, there are also opportunities to enjoy a group tour with a reservation made in advance. Private tours are also available upon request and offer up some behind-the-scenes insight that’s sure to inspire! Admission tickets to Bishop’s Palace are $15 for adults and $12 for children 6 to 18.
Elevate Your Galveston Getaway in Style
When travel plans bring you to Galveston, the dedicated team of property professionals at Porter has the stylish vacation rental you need to elevate your style in luxury and comfort at every turn. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting and inviting property options available, including our rentals that keep you close to Bishop’s Palace. We can’t wait to help you make more of every single moment you’re in town and look forward to welcoming you to Galveston soon! Enhance your getaway with our Galveston vacation rentals with a fitness room or enjoy waterfront convenience with our rentals featuring a boat slip.
Packing your bags and heading to Galveston in the name of fun is something for every traveler to look forward to. Whether you’re someone with a heart for time on the shoreline or you’re looking to shop and dine in style, Galveston has you covered. It’s also a place that’s perfect for history buffs and when you’re looking to experience history come to life, there’s no place better to find yourself than the Galveston Historic Seaport. Located at 2200 Harborside Drive, this area hosts the iconic 1877 Tall Ship Elissa and is designed to inspire at every turn!
Where to Find the Historic Seaport and Tall Ship Elissa
Visitors looking to make the most of their time at the Galveston Historic Seaport will want to head over towards Pier 2, Suite 8 to enjoy the journey. This area is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm with the last tickets sold at 4:30 pm on those days. Admission to see the ship, museums, and galleries is $16 for adults and $10 for children aged 6 to 18. Children under the age of 5 can always enjoy entrance for free. It’s good for visitors to note that the exhibits are closed on major holidays. If you’re visiting and require a wheelchair, the museum galleries and all on-site restrooms are wheelchair accessible. There are just 8 steps leading to the ship’s main deck and a few steps to board the on-site Seagull II.
What to Expect During Your Visit
A trip to the Galveston Historic Seaport is a chance to learn about the area’s rich past and the rich Texas culture that comes along with it. The 1877 Tall Ship Elissa that’s on-site was purchased by the Galveston Historical Foundation and was restored in 1982. Today, guests are invited to step aboard this floating museum that’s also a treasured historical landmark. The ship can still actively sail and offers up a unique insight into maritime innovations and changes over time.
As of 2021, a visit to the Galveston Historic Seaport can also include a visit to the “Ship To Shore” experience. Here, visitors follow along in the footsteps of early immigrants who arrived in Galveston in the 1880s after making dangerous sea voyages. Visitors interested in digging into immigration specifics regarding their own families can enjoy access to the Galveston Immigration Database at the historic seaport as well. Here, you can search for information specific to ship passengers utilizing an authentic manifest.
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A trip to Galveston is a great opportunity for travelers to unwind, relax, and relish time under the sun and on the sand. A visit this way also offers up options for digging into military history—especially when you make time for a stop at the Galveston Naval Museum. Whether you’re one for maritime strategy or you’re excited to explore massive military vessels, the Galveston Naval Museum is a place that’s sure to inspire!
Explore Amazing Exhibits
The Galveston Naval Museum is located at 100 Seawolf Park Boulevard in Galveston and is open daily to the public between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. The museum functions as a unique educational center where guests have opportunities to tour a WWII destroyer as well as a WWII submarine on-site! In addition to these one-of-a-kind tours, the museum houses a variety of artifacts ranging from vintage marine products and restored vessels to weaponry, machinery, and more. As you browse displays featuring these stunning pieces, you’ll enjoy a look back in time that tells a story of rich naval history and the ingenuity of sailors through the decades. Once you return home, there are options to follow up your visit with a museum virtual tour to refresh your memories and review what you learned along the way.
Beyond the Artifacts
The Galveston Naval Museum goes above and beyond when it comes to providing the public with interactive and immersive on-site experiences throughout the year. While touring the USS Stewart and the USS Cavalla is sure to please, the museum also hosts reservation-based sleepovers where you can stay the night, take private vessel tours, and learn about the ships as well as the heritage preservation efforts that happen behind the scenes at the museum.
Plan Your Visit
Tickets to the Galveston Naval Museum can be purchased in advance of your visit online as an added convenience to guests. General admission for adults is $13 while children and those over 65 can enjoy visiting the museum for just $9. Group admission tickets, veterans, and active military can enjoy $9 as well with a valid ID in hand.
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When you’re on the hunt for a family-friendly vacation destination to enjoy, there’s no better place on the map than scenic and sunny Galveston, Texas. While this locale is loved by travelers from near and far and packed with options for fun to enjoy, a stop at Galveston’s 61st Street Fishing Pier is one you don’t want to miss. Located at 6101 Seawall Boulevard, Galveston’s 61st Street Fishing Pier offers up stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico, provides visitors with delicious fare, and is a perfect place to cast a line in good company when you can’t wait to reel in something exciting during your stay!
Enjoy a Pier Visit in Coastal Style
Galveston’s 61st Street Fishing Pier enjoys a place right on the Gulf, giving visitors a chance to soak up spectacular waterfront vistas with every visit. It’s a popular place to enjoy time among families and avid anglers alike. While those with a focus on fishing have the option to bring their own rod and bait along for the journey, there are also rental options right on site making a trip this way even more convenient. When you’re not waiting for something to bite, a trip to Galveston’s 61st Street Fishing Pier is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of time on the viewing deck. When cravings come calling, the pier hosts a variety of delicious options to enjoy including pizza, hot dogs, burgers, and beyond. They even serve up cold beer, soft drinks, and margaritas too. There’s a coffee shop on-site if you head this way early and could use a caffeine boost to start your day on a good note. Hoping to pick up some fun gifts for family and friends back home? Don’t forget to stop by the pier gift shop before you head out. There’s event and party space available to rent at the pier and depending on when you arrive, you might be right on time to witness an exciting fishing tournament here too. It’s typically recommended that visitors set aside anywhere from two to three hours to enjoy the pier—especially when fishing is on your to-do list.
Fishing Logistics
The pier is open for fishing fun 24 hours a day but it’s important to note that a fishing license is required to enjoy the experience. A temporary license can easily be purchased by anglers at nearby destinations like Wal-Mart or Academy Sports. A license can also be purchased directly through the Texas Parks and Wildlife online. Daily fishing rates are $14 for adults, $8 for children 12 and under and $1 for toddlers. Those 65 and older can fish for $6 a day and presenting a military ID will have you casting a line from the pier for just $8. Late-night fishing rates are also available for half-price after 2:00 am.
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When travelers decide to take a trip to Galveston, they’ll likely find there’s plenty of time on the itinerary for shoreline fun under the sun. There are also options for infusing history and learning into your stay when you make your way to places like the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum. When you’re traveling with family and looking for an activity that’s equal parts engaging and educational, this is one you won’t want to miss out on while you’re here.
Learn More About the Offshore Oil and Gas Industry
The Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum is located at 2002 Wharf Road in Galveston and is open for visitors to enjoy daily between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. The museum is always closed on major holidays including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. When you make time to visit this unique destination, you’ll find yourself in an educational center where you’re invited to step aboard a retired oil rig. Visitors here enjoy a first-hand experience when it comes to working on an oil rig and along the way, you hear stories about the Gulf Coast’s oil and gas industry as you traverse three levels of floors boasting exciting exhibits and insightful displays too. While some of the exhibits showcase information related to seismic technology, others focus on oil and gas exploration and production in the area. The museum is situated next to the Strand National Historic Landmark District and is easy to spot thanks to its elevated position on a jack-up rig.
Experiences Beyond the Exhibits and Displays
Opportunities to browse the many on-site exhibits and displays at the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum on your own are made simple. Upon arrival, guests can grab a self-guided audio guide for just $5. There are also in-depth printed guidebooks that enhance your journey through the exhibits here. Additionally, there are options to book guided tours as well. If you’re looking for a group tour, be sure to book in advance, especially if you’re traveling with a group of 25 or more. If you’re heading to Galveston with the kids in tow and you’re wanting to make the most of your Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum experience, keep your eye on the calendar for Family Days. These happen on the second Saturday of each month from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm. There are special events for kids on-site as well as demonstrations and hands-on activities. On these days, all children under 18 can enjoy free entrance to the museum with a paying adult. On a typical museum visit day, adult tickets are $10 and children 7 to 18 can enjoy a visit for $6.
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A trip to gorgeous and inviting Galveston, Texas is always a treat for travelers year-round. While there’s more than plenty to do here, the beauty of a stay also lies in Galveston’s proximity to nearby scenic destinations to explore. When you’re looking to make the most of a day trip, consider stepping onboard the Port Bolivar Ferry the next time you’re in town.
Port Bolivar Ferry Logistics
Departing from 1000 Ferry Road North in Galveston, the Port Bolivar Ferry transports passengers and vehicles alike between Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula along SH 87. There’s no cost to utilize the Port Bolivar Ferry and at least one vessel of the larger fleet conveniently operates 24 hours a day! A second vessel opens up to passengers beginning at 6:30 am daily with an additional two vessels operating throughout the day depending on the volume of traffic. During the summer and holidays, it’s typical for up to five vessels to run at a time. If you do plan to bring your vehicle along for the ride, you’ll want to be aware that weight limits max out at 80,000 pounds with length requirements at 65 feet. Vehicles can also have a maximum height of 13.5 feet and a width of 8.5 feet. Each vessel can carry up to 70 vehicles at a time.
What to Expect
The Port Bolivar Ferry is operated by the Texas DOT and is a route that has been provided to passengers since 1934. A trip on the Port Bolivar Ferry spans 2.7 miles and takes an average of 18 minutes to complete. Up to 500 people can be onboard at once alongside 6 crew members. The Port Bolivar Ferry is an easy way to move between Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula that’s as scenic as it is convenient. There’s an upper observation deck outside complete with a sitting area and indoor observation options as well that are air-conditioned in the warmer months of the year. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer up great views of Fort Travis, ships, the Bolivar Lighthouse, Seawolf Park, and the U.S. Coast Guard Station depending on what direction you’re arriving from. A trip on the Port Bolivar Ferry also offers up some wildlife-watching opportunities as pods of dolphins thrive in these waters as well.
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A getaway to Galveston, Texas is always worth a traveler’s while. When you’re heading this way and looking to cool off in style, search no further than the exciting and inviting Schlitterbahn Waterpark!
A Family-Friendly Stop to Add to Your Itinerary
Schlitterbahn Waterpark is located at 2109 Gene Lucas Boulevard in Galveston and is just $39.99 a person to enjoy for the day. If you’re planning an extended stay in Galveston, annual passes in 2024 are slated to run just $99 a person. Hours do vary by season here so it’s always important to check the waterpark calendar before planning your fun-filled trip this way. No matter when you drop by you can count on enjoying a day filled with easy access to water rides, slides, coasters, and lazy rivers too.
How to Get Here and What to Enjoy
Accessing the fun at Schlitterbahn Waterpark is a breeze thanks to the destination’s location just 5 miles west of downtown Galveston. In total, Schlitterbahn Waterpark encompasses 26 acres of terrain and is divided into sections that are suitable for visitors of all ages. There are several water playground areas for little ones and zip lines and thrilling waterslides for older kids and adults as well. A fan-favorite waterslide to enjoy some friendly competition is The Screaming Serpents which are two slides side-by-side made for racing! Theres’ also a Thunder Tub raft slide to check out and the Massive Monster Blaster water coaster for a twisting and adrenaline-pumping journey to the pools below. Whether you go for a slow journey down the lazy river, or opt for the Cliffhanger body slide plunge, you’ll find there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Schlitterbahn Waterpark.
Savor the Moment
All of the fun and adventure at Schlitterbahn Waterpark is sure to leave you with an appetite. The good news is there’s no shortage of savory options available on-site for guests! Visitors will find a variety of mouthwatering and budget-friendly dining options here. With over 14 eatery locations to choose from, you can curb a craving with pizza, BBQ, funnel cakes, sandwiches, grilled goodies, and beyond.
Include Retail Therapy into Your Day
Once you’ve had your fill of waterpark fun and you’ve satisfied your cravings, it’s time to purchase something to commemorate your trip. Schlitterbahn Waterpark is packed with fun shops to check out that carry everything from customized souvenirs and apparel to swimwear, sandals, lifeguard gear, sunglasses, and more. Take time to browse at your own preferred pace and enjoy the retail therapy that’s infused seamlessly into your waterpark day of fun.
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When you’re planning a trip to Galveston, there’s a good chance you’ve scheduled plenty of time for outdoor fun and adventure. However, Galveston is packed with great museums to check out when you’re looking to balance it out with indoor stops that are equal parts educational and engaging. If you have a heart for history, art, and culture alike, you won’t want to miss out on some quality time enjoyed at The Bryan Museum the next time you’re here.
A Must-Visit Museum for the Entire Family
The Bryan Museum is located at 1315 21 Street in Galveston and opened to the public in 2015. The museum is open Friday through Sunday and Wednesdays from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm with extended hours on Thursdays until 7:00 pm. A visit here is a chance to enjoy one of the largest collection of documents, historical artifacts, and art related specifically to the American West and Texas anywhere on the planet! The museum has a purposeful mission to bring history to life for locals and visitors alike through world-class exhibits, displays, and interactive learning opportunities.
Museum History
Before The Bryan Museum was an exhibition space, it functioned as the Galveston Orphans Home. It was purchased by J.P. and Mary Jon Bryan in 2013 and carefully restored to maintain its original historic structure. It opened as a museum to the public in June of 2015 and offers guests access to more than 20,000 square feet of exhibit space to enjoy. There are also manicured grounds and gardens to explore around the museum making a visit even more intriguing.
Galleries and Collections to Enjoy
In total, the permanent art collection on-site at The Bryan Museum spans more than 12,000 years. A visit this way gives guests a chance to browse everything from Native American cultural artifacts to twenty-first-century marvels. The collection has about 70,000 items to its name including 20,000 rare books. Other notable items on display within the galleries and permanent collection include historic firearms, fine art, folk art, portraits, religious art, spurs, maps, and cowboy chaps too! From arrowheads to a Spanish mission bell, the displays are vast and varied. When you head to the museum to enjoy the exhibits, be sure to check their calendar before you arrive. The museum hosts a variety of educational programs throughout the year as well as holiday events and lectures on-site.
Planning Your Visit
General admission tickets to the museum are $14 for adults and $12 for those 65 and older. Students can enjoy a $10 entrance while children ages 6 to 12 can enter for $5. Drop-in tours are available at The Bryan Museum on Thursdays at 5:30 pm and Saturdays at 11:00 am. Private group tours are available for groups of 10 or more with a reservation.
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Half the fun for travelers who have set their sights on a Galveston, Texas getaway is taking time to explore all of the iconic landmarks this area hosts. Among them is the famed Galveston Seawall. A top spot for sunseekers and history buffs alike, the Galveston Seawall spans an impressive 10 miles of terrain and sits 17 feet above sea level. These dimensions make it the longest continuous sidewalk in the U.S. and it’s also a place where visitors will find a collection of beaches, restaurants, and beyond to enjoy during their stay!
Seawall History
A devastating hurricane hit Galveston on September 8, 1900, taking the lives of hundreds of residents. After this immense tragedy, the city made finding a solution for future safety standards to be in place in the area a priority. The Galveston Seawall was constructed as a way to shield the island against high waves. It was also designed to create a higher point of protected elevation. While the original wall only stretched 3.3 miles, it has steadily been expanded over the years into the impressive feat of architecture it is today. Having this type of hurricane protection in place was a green light for the city of Galveston to begin building up the Seawall area as an entertainment destination for locals and visitors alike.
What to Enjoy During a Visit
Today, the Galveston Seawall is a great place for visitors to enjoy everything from shopping and dining to bar hopping or sunbathing too. Top shops in the area include the Salt Walter Gift Shop and Ohana Surf & Skate while curbing a craving is simple at local eateries like Miller’s Seawall Grill. If you’re in the mood to shuck Galveston Bay oysters, you can do so at Gaido’s Famous Seafood Restaurant at the Seawall. The Spot is a top pick for beachfront dining and multiple levels of seating to choose from.
Many visitors head to the Galveston Seawall to enjoy a stroll on the sand or to take advantage of the great beach bike trails that maze their way through this area too. Island Bicycle Company is a great place to start when you’re looking to rent a bike and explore on two wheels at your own pace. Taking time to explore local art and history along the Seawall Interpretive Trail is a must. There are also options to admire the hand-painted mosaics that show ocean history along 70 concrete seawall benches. Top your Galveston Seawall visit off in sweet style with a stop at Rita’s Italian Ice before you go.
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The fall season is finally in full swing so now is the time to start planning for your next family holiday getaway. If you are looking for a holiday time where you can find exciting activities and events look no further than Thanksgiving. It is always best spent being thankful around friends and family but having a great location to do that in is important too. That is why you should come join us for all the holiday fun here in Galveston. Visitors can expect exciting things to do in Galveston on Thanksgiving. Take a look at what you and your family can expect with a Thanksgiving spent in Galveston in 2023.
Galveston Island Turkey Trot
The Thanksgiving holiday is best known for enjoying a delicious feast with friends and family along with celebrating everything you have to be thankful for. Family traditions can look like a variety of things from baking your perfect entrée to putting up your Christmas tree early. One tradition that is common across the States is participating in your local Turkey Trot, usually a 5K race that takes place the morning of Thanksgiving.
Turkey Trots are a great way to engage in some physical activity to help your body prepare for the delicious food coming later in the day. During your time in Galveston make sure you participate in our Galveston Island Turkey Trot. The 2023 race will be the second year making it a more recent addition to activities here in the area. This 5K race is perfect for runners and walkers alike who get to enjoy the incredible views of the Gulf Coast as they enjoy the race.
The Galveston Island Turkey Trot supports HART, a local non-profit that helps organize and support health and fitness here on Galveston. The race will begin at 7:30 a.m. and starts at the McGuire-Dent Recreation Center. Dressing up in your favorite turkey costume is always highly encouraged and is an all-ages event! Registration is required to participate in this year’s Galveston Island Turkey Trot.
Beach Time
While most places in the country will be dealing with the frigid cold weather by Thanksgiving you will find Galveston to still be very mild in terms of temps. Galveston is a beach side destination and you can still expect to enjoy some time at the beach during your Thanksgiving stay. Galveston features 32 miles of beaches so you will have plenty of room to find a spot to relax at. Head over to East Beach for one of the most popular beaches in the area. This is also the location of the boardwalk and pavilion and is home to a variety of entertainment throughout the year. It is also one of the few beaches that permits alcohol so you can enjoy an adult beverage, so you kick back on the sand. Stewart Beach is a great family-friendly beach with amenities including outdoor showers, lifeguards, playgrounds, and more.
Galveston ArtWalk
Throughout the year the Galveston ArtWalk will take place in the city every six to eight weeks. Historic downtown Galveston will transform into a sprawling art walk and Thanksgiving Weekend is always the biggest one of the year. Walk along the Strand Historic District along with Postoffice Street District to see all kinds of holiday lights strung and lit up on the street. You will find yourself in the holiday spirit in no time. Best of all, you can purchase incredible art found nowhere else and support local artists here in Galveston.
Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving
Not every family wants to spend their time on vacation for hours in a kitchen preparing a Thanksgiving feast. If you are in this mood this year, fret not as Galveston has many restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving for you to dine out at. Treat yourself to an upscale meal at a local steakhouse such as Landry’s Prime Seafood and Steaks. Enjoy a special Thanksgiving menu that features all your favorite entrees and sides.
Gaido’s is one of the most premium seafood restaurants here in Galveston and does not disappoint. For Thanksgiving they offer a special Thanksgiving buffet so you can enjoy all you can eat. Expect special turkey dishes but also incredible seafood, a specialty for Gaido. Another popular seafood restaurant in town that offers a Thanksgiving meal is Miller’s Seawall Grill. The place fills up quick so make sure to show up early whenever you go. Reservations are always highly encouraged when dining out on Thanksgiving Day.
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There is no better time to explore your own option for a Thanksgiving getaway to Galveston. Our vacation rentals will keep you close by all these exciting activities and more. Explore our luxury properties for the best stay in town.