Summer is officially over so you know that the fall season is right around the corner. The temps are slowly dropping allowing everyone to get out from underneath the A/C and travel somewhere new. If you are looking for an ideal fall getaway spot, look no further than Galveston. Our Texas coastal home is a great spot to spend a vacation getaway too and Halloween is the perfect excuse. There are plenty of fall related and Galveston Halloween activities and events to enjoy here in the area. Here is how to spend your Halloween with us in Galveston:
Island Boo Fest Trunk or Treat
Parents always want to make sure they provide a safe and fun place for their children to trick or treat at. This can be especially hard when you are visiting somewhere new for the first time. Luckily Galveston has you covered with the 2nd annual Island Boo Fest Trunk or Treat happening in town. The Galveston Golf Cart Society is proud to bring this event back for another round this year to benefit the Galveston County Food Bank. All children ages 2 to 12 years of age are encouraged to participate in the free trick of treat. Trick or treat bags are provided to each child for free. Additional activities are also available at the Haunted Mayfield Manor. Since the Galveston Golf Cart Society is putting on the event you are free to bring a golf cart to the event to drive around in at Saengerfest Park. In addition to trick or treating there will also be a golf cart decorating contest too. Make sure to bring canned goods for the food drive. The Island Boo Fest Truck or Treat is taking place Saturday October 29th from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Saengerfest Park.
Galveston Ghost Stories
Come take a look in to the storied history of Galveston by visiting Menard House here in town. From October 21st through the 28th Menard House will be offering tours of the property. 1838 Menard House is the oldest home in Galveston and shares some of the most haunted experiences. Each tour will offer you a look into the house while you walk around hearing about its haunted history. Adults of drinking age will also be offered complimentary beverages including beer and wine on the porch before the tour begins. Tickets are available for purchase for this spooky event!
Island Oktoberfest
Not all events you enjoy during your Halloween stay have to be directly associated with the holiday. Feel free to check out all the incredible fall related activities and events in the area too such is Island Oktoberfest. This is the city’s main Oktoberfest event and has been going strong for 40 years! Island Oktoberfest is three days full of Oktoberfest activities that include arts and crafts, live music with dancing on two stages, children’s activities, and so much more. Admission into the event is always free and German attire is always encouraged for festival goers. Of course, it would not be Oktoberfest without delicious German beer to go around. So, grab your stein and visit Island Oktoberfest taking place Friday October 27th through Sunday October 29th.
Ghost Tours of Galveston
As you have gathered with information about the tours of Menard House, Galveston has a rich storied history like no other. Menard House is not the only spot in town that offers spooky details into the unknown. Join a tour with Ghost Tours of Galveston Island where you can enjoy a tour like no other. These tours pride themselves in digging into the endless history to provide you with a thorough recount of what makes the spooky hauntings and stories of Galveston so interesting. You will not find cheap costumes or tricks with their tours but instead a new level of detail. Some of their tours available for the Halloween season include their Vampire Tour, Galveston Cemetery Ghost Tour, and Dash Beardsley Restless Spirits Tour. Their Original Ghost Tour on the Strand is the original offering and continues to be the most popular tour year to year. You will hear about all the hauntings of the Strand district that have shaped Galveston to what it is today. Reservations are required in advance so purchase your tickets with Ghost Tours of Galveston.
More Halloween Fun in Galveston
As you can see Galveston has all kinds of Halloween and fall-related fun when you visit for Halloween. To have the best experience possible, make sure to reserve one of our vacation rentals for your stay. You will enjoy spacious and privately owned homes with all the amenities and features you could want. Look today at our current selection of Halloween homes just in time for your visit to Galveston.
There is something to be said about seeing top attractions whenever you travel somewhere new. Most travelers whether they are amateur photographers or someone who track their journey through pictures on social media end up taking some kind of photos when they visit somewhere. Whenever you make your way to Galveston you will want to take pictures from the moment you arrive at our incredible home. Galveston is a great-looking vacation destination that has plenty of spots that are popular for pics. Knowing where to find these spots will make your travel itinerary more attainable during your stay. Here are the most photographable places to visit in Galveston:
Moody Gardens Aquarium Tunnel
One of the most photographable places happens to take place indoors at the Moody Gardens Aquarium. This local aquarium has all of your favorite underwater critters from rays to sharks to jellyfish. Kids will get a kick out of the expansive habitats and so will the adults. While taking photos of the wonderful underwater animals is always a blast there is one particular spot inside the aquarium that is sure to be your favorite. The aquarium tunnel is a glass tunnel that takes you through the biggest exhibit that features huge fish swimming including sharks! Since the tunnel is glass you will be able to see a shark or two swimming right above you. You will see the eyes of your child light up in this incredible spot perfect for pictures.
Beachtown
Like other cities, Galveston has many neighborhoods in the area with some more desirable than others. Beachtown is the top neighborhood in the city and it is clear to see why. Beachtown offers the most pristine beaches along the coast. White sand and blue water trace the edge of the coast all the way through the neighborhood. What also helps it stand out is the seawall that runs along Seawall Blvd. The beach here is relatively new compared to the rest of the city and has plenty of room for those visiting to stretch out. Beachtown is especially known for wedding and engagement photo shoots. If you are looking for the best beachside photos Beachtown is where you want to go.
Murals Around Town
Galveston has added a variety of murals to the city over the years that continue to be a popular photography spot. Murals are a great way to see the unique art of a city and Galveston’s does not disappoint. The Stewart Beach pelican mural showcases this majestic bird with its wings stretched out encouraging you to do the same for a quick photo. The Greetings from Galveston mural is always one of the most popular spots for a quick photo when you visit. Each of the letters in Galveston showcases a different scenic view from the area. This mural can be found in Saengerfest Park and is a great spot for social media pics. The Postoffice Street mural offers a simpler artwork but can be used for cute photos. The mural is an oversized umbrella painting surrounded by individual colored bricks. Head over to Seawall Blvd and see the McGuire-Dent Recreation Center mural that showcases the sea turtles that frequent the Galveston coast. The Shark Shack mural also provided a lively painting backdrop perfect for a quick photo.
Big Beach Chair
Back over at Saengerfest Park visitors will also find the popular Big Beach Chair. The name fits the description exactly as it is exactly what the name implies. This oversized beach chair is popular for photos where you can have a quick laugh during your vacation. The park also features an oversized chess game along with a classic red telephone booth. The park is known for having a variety of activities for the whole family to enjoy so make sure to stick around and explore after you snap your photos!
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
There is no attraction in Galveston more popular than the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. This local pier features all of your favorite midway rides including a Ferris wheel, rollercoasters, and much more. While you have probably seen a carnival or fair before you may not have seen one all on a single pier. As you enjoy the rides high up in the air you will have the ocean all around you. Make sure to snap some pics from the pier so you can enjoy the incredible view. The entire family will have a blast here on the pier.
More Fun Here in Galveston
It is always important to make sure you document your travels especially when you visit somewhere special like Galveston. Book one of our vacation rentals in the area today so you can be close to each of those photographable spots. Book now and get ready for Galveston!
Stepping into the dynamic world of owning a vacation rental is always an exciting prospect. It can also be overwhelming for those who are new to the industry. A successful vacation rental business involves meticulous attention to detail and the ability to navigate a fluctuating market fluidly in order to stay available to guests and remain competitive no matter what the travel season brings. Trying to take care of it all on your own can feel impossible, which is where the property management team at Porter Vacation Rental Management comes in! We know what it takes to help new property owners build their vacation rental business up with confidence. We’re just as well-versed in helping experienced vacation rental owners take their business to the next level of exciting and profitable success. No matter what category you happen to land in, you’ll find that the following are just five of the many reasons to work with us when you’re ready to realize your vacation rental’s full potential.
Local Experts Who Are Dedicated to Your Success
Vacation rental owners who choose to partner with Porter Vacation Rental Management will find themselves aligned with local experts who know the area inside and out and have a handle on what it takes to make our properties stand out from the rest. Our team is fully dedicated to our homeowner’s success starting from day one and we treat properties we manage with the same care and dedication we would our very own. We’re a boots-on-the-ground team that believes in the value of building strong and lasting relationships with the property owners we partner with. When you work alongside Porter Vacation Rental Management, you’re never just a number in the system. With us, you’re always an integral part of our professional family and we treat every success across our portfolio of properties as a collaborative win! Our team is here to handle the details of managing vacation rentals on behalf of homeowners, but we’re also passionate about the work we do and love passing along that enthusiasm to our partners to ensure everyone finds the experience as inspiring as it is rewarding.
Transparent Management Style
Choosing your property management company for a vacation rental you’ve invested so much in is a big choice. When you partner with Porter Vacation Rental Management in Porter TX, you’ll find the peace of mind you deserve thanks to our consistent and unwavering dedication to a transparent management style. We believe in open and honest communication at all times and make sure the homeowners we partner with feel heard when it comes to being able to share their business goals and idea regarding their property under our care. Similarly, our team offers up easy access to everything that’s happening with the rentals we manage, and we make time to have thorough conversations with homeowners about our customized management plans. We’re also committed to keeping homeowners aware of any home changes or updates we would recommend in order to increase occupancy rates and make a property more appealing to a larger number of prospective guests. When it comes to the financial aspect of property management, that’s just as clear and straightforward when you work with us. Homeowners we partner with never encounter hidden fees and our pay-performance model means there are no signup fees or costs to worry about either.
Masterful Marketing Standards
Having an amazing vacation rental to offer guests is step one. Once we have your property looking its very best, it’s time to integrate it into a customized marketing plan. The properties we manage get in front of an impressive audience of prospective guests thanks to enjoying a prime place on our website as well as large partner platforms that are popular for rental listings. This time of visibility and exposure leads to increased occupancy rates year-round for our homeowners. Additionally, our team takes time to implement search engine optimization, email marketing, social media listings, and direct-to-consumer options when it comes to creating a comprehensive marketing plan that’s tailored to our homeowner’s profit goals. Beyond the strategy of reaching a wider audience, our team carefully tracks market trends to ensure the properties we manage are always priced competitively in comparison to other homes in the area. This makes our portfolio of options more appealing to travelers year-round and more accessible as well. It’s a win-win for everyone!
World-Class Homeowner Services
Homeowners who work alongside our property management team at Porter Vacation Rental Management point to our attention to detail as a defining characteristic that makes us worth sticking beside for the long term. We wouldn’t have it any other way! Owning a vacation rental is exciting but requires market savvy and that’s why our team is here to handle all of the details that matter most on behalf of our homeowners. The foundation of our management style is quality and integrity with an emphasis on providing a comprehensive suite of services to our homeowners that take the stress out of the experience and enhance the success. To that end, we offer homeowners who partner with us a dedicated account manager starting on day one. This means you never have to wonder about who to turn to when questions, concerns, or ideas arise regarding your property. Once homeowners know that we’re firmly on their side, we turn our attention to the home we’re responsible for managing. Our team has a wonderful ability to be able to pick out the most unique aspects of every home we manage and showcase those features successfully throughout our integrated marketing. Of course, our services begin long before listings are posted. We handle the initial home evaluation and update recommendations as well as staging for marketing photos that are bound to make a big impression on prospective guests. We also handle the maintenance and housekeeping schedules for the homes in our managed portfolio and are happy to schedule additional property care upon request. In addition to making your sure vacation rental is clean, safe, and impeccably presented, we also handle rental payments and contracts as well as TPT taxes for homeowners who are looking to let go of the stress related to those documentation processes as well.
Superior Guest Experiences
An essential part of running a successful vacation rental is providing guests with top-tier customer service standards along the way. Those who choose to partner with the Porter Vacation Rental Management team can leave the heavy lifting to us on this front and simply enjoy the journey! We take care of customer service details for our homeowners from booking through check-out. We’ve implemented a digital booking system that’s simple and streamlined so guests can enjoy the peace of mind they deserve when they find their dream vacation home and are ready to reserve their stay. Of course, while the digital makes for a smooth reservation process, our team of live agents is here to handle customer service calls too. Our 24/7 guest care line is available throughout a guest’s stay and our maintenance team is readily available to handle any issues that arise unexpectedly as well. When guests know they have a property management team of experts they can count on, they’re likely to return time and again in the name of an unforgettable experience!
Reach Out to Learn More Today
When you’re ready to take your vacation rental business to the next level of success, Porter Vacation Rental Management is here to help. Reach out today to learn more about our services and how we can get started realizing your home’s full potential.
It has been a whirlwind of a summer season this year with record-breaking heat here in Galveston. Of course, the summer is always the most popular time of year to visit Galveston to enjoy a summer break from school and work. However, the best time to visit will always be the fall season. This time of year sees cooler temps take hold along with the same exciting fall things to do in Texas. Take a look at why your vacation getaway to Galveston is always best enjoyed in the fall:
Feels Like Fall
Texas is right here in the southwest so we get to experience a warmer climate than most parts of the country. This means our summer can get toasty but it also means our fall and winter seasons are much more mild. When you visit in the fall you will find enjoyable weather for the entire duration of your stay. The fall season in Galveston often features temps in the 70s making for an enjoyable experience especially if home is already getting chilly. This makes for an incredible vacation getaway where you can spend all of the time outdoors having a blast with your family.
Island Oktoberfest
The fall season brings about a variety of exciting events that will make for a vacation getaway to remember. One such event is Oktoberfest which celebrates the fall season and German heritage all over the world. Oktoberfest can also be found here in Galveston on Friday, October 27th, and Saturday, October 28th put on by the First Lutheran Church of Galveston. The event is always free to attend and will be an absolute blast for the whole family. Dressing up in your best German attire is always highly encouraged but never required. While at Oktoberfest make sure to try out the Wurstabenddessen, the sausage dinner that is complete with wurst and a variety of German sides. The event will take place in Downtown Galveston where you will also find incredible live music and dancing happening all around. Beer tents will be serving all of your favorite German beers by the mug or pint. Since you will be in Downtown Galveston you can easily shop around the local stores in between your event festivities. Don’t miss out on this highly popular fall event right here in Galveston!
Galveston Island Shrimp Festival
Come start off the fall season with a visit to Galveston while the Galveston Island Shrimp Festival is on. This is the ultimate foodie event where you can enjoy delicious shrimp, gumbo, and much more. The Galveston Island Shrimp Festival will be taking place September 22nd through the 23rd right at the onset of the fall season in the Historic Strand District. It features a variety of activities each more fun than the last. Stop by the gumbo cook-off where amateur and professional chefs prepare the best gumbo. Purchase a Gumbo Sampling Cup to try out a little bit from everyone! The Shrimp Scamper 5K Fun Run is a great way to burn off some calories while dressed in your best shrimp attire before digging into the food. The Ron Hoover Boat Show showcases some beautiful boats up close. Live music will be on hand along with the Lil’ Shrimps Parade perfect for kids. The Galveston Island Shrimp Festival cannot be missed!
Baywatch Dolphin Tours
With Galveston being located right on the Texas coast you would be remiss to not find some time out on the ocean! Check out Baywatch Dolphin Tours for the best dolphin watch tours here in the city. The tours are a great combination of dolphin sightings and learning about the Galveston harbor history. You will be taken three miles through the harbor as you learn all about the common and local Atlantic bottlenose dolphins that find the area to be their home. each voyage lasts for approximately 45 minutes and practically guarantees you will see these loveable critters in the water. Four vessels are available for the tours making sure you always have a spot to book. Baywatch Dolphin Tours also offers party boats where you can have a party out on the water to celebrate a momentous occasion. Book a tour now and see just how incredible dolphins are out in the wild!
The Fall Season Has It Best
As you can see the fall season really is a great time of year to come and see how incredible Galveston is. You will be able to enjoy all of the outdoor activities and events to their fullest. Make sure to book one of our vacation rentals, which are also more readily available in the fall, for your stay. You will find the best vacation possible here in Galveston with our fall and seasonal properties.
It is time to pack up and start planning for your next adventure getaway! Get ready for the vacation you and your loved one have been looking for by making your way to Galveston. Our coastal Texas home is the perfect spot to unwind for a few days or check out the local activities. Any stay in Galveston is going to reward you with a memorable experience. This is especially true when you book a stay at one of our vacation properties such as Broadway Beauty #3. This is the perfect single-bedroom home rental in Galveston making it ideal for a romantic getaway or stop in town with your immediate family. Take a look at what Broadway Beauty #3 can offer you for your journey to Galveston.
Historic Strand District Home
Wherever you vacation, location is always an important factor. The same can be said for Galveston but luckily you can find Broadway Beauty #3 located right by the Historic Strand District. Here you will find a variety of lovely shops and restaurants that are all within short reach. Of course, the home itself is what will draw you into renting the property. Broadway Beauty #3 is located within the Broadway Beauty building where a variety of condo rentals can be found including this one.
The historic brick and central entryway on the outside make Broadway Beauty #3 a desirable property for any stay. Guests can enter the unit from either the front or back of the property. Once you step inside you will find a spacious condominium unit that is completely renovated and refurbished. Guests will find a completely inviting property the moment they step inside of Broadway Beauty #3. The natural wood flooring adds an elegant touch along with the charming art and décor found on the walls and furnishings.
You will find all the essential spaces to feel right at home including a spacious living room. A plush sofa and several reclined chairs allow you a moment to enjoy some peace and relaxation. The flatscreen TV has access to the complimentary Wi-Fi in the home to find your favorite streaming service. Unique art in the room adds a nice flair for the visuals. Head around the corner and find yourself in the cozy kitchenette that has everything to help you make a tasty meal.
The black and white checkered tile pairs perfectly with the white subway tile countertops. You will find a fridge and stove/oven range allowing you to prepare any entrée or side. You will also find all of the essential pans and bowls in the cabinets. Once you are ready to dig into your meal head around the corner to find the spacious dining room. There is room for everyone in the group to enjoy their meal below the starburst chandelier overhead. A window A/C unit makes sure that the room stays nice and cool even during the warm summer months.
Bedroom and Bathroom
Broadway Beauty #3 features a single bedroom that will offer a delightful evening of rest during your stay. The single bedroom is just around the corner from the living room making it easy to get to. Just follow the natural wood flooring back to the room where you will find a plush king size bed. It is fitted with the softest linens to ensure the perfect night of sleep. The room comes with plenty of drawer and closet space so you can unpack any clothing so nothing gets wrinkled in your luggage. The bedroom also comes with a smart TV so you can unwind with a lighthearted show before falling asleep. The bathroom is directly connected to the bedroom. You will find a soaking tub that has also been arranged into a standing shower as well. Essential toiletries are provided letting you have access to towels. Guests will also find that the sofa in the living room is a sleeper sofa comfortably accommodating two guests for the night. Altogether, Broadway Beauty #3 has plenty of room for up to 4 guests during your stay with us here in Galveston.
Local Fun
Staying at Broadway Beauty #3 will also keep you close to many of the attractions in the area. Seawall Blvd is less than half a mile away. Historic Strand District and Fisherman’s Wharf are both under a mile and a half away where a lot of Galveston fun can be found. The closest beach is just half a mile from Broadway Beauty #3. You will be right in the middle of everything you want to see and do right here in Galveston. Make the most of your stay on the Texas coast by reserving Broadway Beauty #3 just in time for your journey. Make sure to book today before this property is already reserved.
If you still have yet to make the most of your summer plans this year, you are running out of time. It may seem like summer just started, but before you know it the kids will be back at school and fall will be just around the corner. Make sure your summer ideas find fruition by booking a vacation getaway to Galveston this Labor Day. The extended holiday weekend is a great time to see the beautiful Texas coast and enjoy a variety of activities. Take a look at how you can spend your Labor Day Weekend in Galveston, Texas.
Free Sandcastle Building Lessons
Galveston is a well-known beach destination here in Texas where you will find plenty of sandy areas to relax. Of course, the kids will want to try their hand at sandcastle building, so make sure you have the property tools. Luckily, East Beach right here in Galveston will be offering free sandcastle building lessons on Saturday the 3rd at three different times. You will not need to register in advance and all of the equipment is provided. The lessons do have limited space, so arriving to East Beach early is highly encouraged. Your family will be shown how to make the most of sandcastle molds and equipment to create your own masterpiece on the beach. This is an exciting activity that is also easy on the wallet! The free sandcastle building lessons will take place on Saturday September 3rd at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.
Interpretative Tours with Bucket Brigade
The beach of Galveston is home to some truly unique creatures, and you will be able to learn all about them with the interpretive tours put on by Bucket Brigade. This local organization will be exploring the Galveston beaches on Saturday and Sunday or Labor Day Weekend for some hands-on activities. Guests will want to make their way to East Beach where the organization will be discussing different topics that impact beaches including the turbid water, seaweed, and marine debris, among other topics. Each tour is approximately 45 minutes in length and is offered on a rotating basis on both Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy this activity that is perfect for ocean lovers who make the trek to Galveston.
Sunrise Yoga
Last but not least, join Yoga Haven and SUP Gulf Coast for a Sunrise Yoga at the Beach on Saturday September 3rd. You will be able to start your day off with the gentle beauty of ocean waves and local wildlife. After your yoga session has come to a close hit the waves with a surfboard or paddleboard. If you venture out far enough, you may even get to see dolphins swimming around in the water! Vacation does not sound more relaxing than that!
Explore Moody Gardens Aquarium and Rainforest
Galveston is home to some truly stunning attractions, each more amazing than the last. Moody Gardens features some immersive attractions with their aquarium and rainforest. Their 1.5-million-gallon aquarium features some mesmerizing critters that includes sharks, seals, penguins, jellyfish, tropical fish, and so much more. You will get to learn all about ocean conservation as you walk through immersive exhibits. After you are done visiting one of the biggest aquariums in the southwest, make your way over to the Rainforest Pyramid. This huge tree top canopy exhibit features endangered wildlife and plants from rainforests of the world. Take a look at the river otters or spend time looking at the Komodo dragons. A variety of birds call the tree top canopy home. Moody Gardens also features the Discovery Pyramid where you can find hands on exhibits for inquisitive minds. Learn about making music, mess around with robotics, learn all about waves, and so much more. The most daring of guests can even take on the zip line and ropes course too.
Visit Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
There is no attraction in the area more popular or well-known than the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. This historic attraction features your favorite midway games. Enjoy a variety of rollercoaster rides including the Iron Shark Sky Shooter. The 5D Theater will hit all of the senses for a memorable experience. There is plenty of food on hand too with Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and a variety of food vendors to choose from. Make sure to inquire about their special deal tickets that can get you entry into Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier and other nearby attractions for one low cost!
Galveston Is Waiting
Make sure to find your favorite vacation rental with us today to keep you close to the Galveston coast and these other nearby activities. Our rentals in the West End and beyond will keep you comfortable while having the summer adventure you have been waiting for.
No matter when you make your way to Galveston, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure. The weather here is appealing year-round with temperatures ranging from 50 degrees Fahrenheit up to 90 degrees depending on the season you travel. It’s never really too hot or too cold and even on the days you find yourself here and it’s raining, there’s plenty of indoor fun to make the day an adventure! When you’re getting ready to pack for your trip to Galveston and you’re heading here in the spring or summer, be sure to add essentials to your luggage like a swimsuit and towels alongside hats, umbrellas, water shoes, sand toys for the kids, and goggles or snorkeling gear for making the most of underwater fun. If your plans have you heading this way in the fall or winter, add a light coat, sweatshirt, and hiking boots to your list! Here’s a guide on Planning Your Galveston Vacation:
Get Ready to Enjoy Miles of Beaches
A trip to Galveston isn’t complete without quality time spent on the shoreline with good reason. Here, visitors can access 32 miles of shoreline perfect for sunbathing, building sandcastles, or digging their toes into the sand and watching shore birds. Before you arrive, it’s a good idea to decide what type of beach day you’re looking for. Destinations like East Beach tend to be a bit more crowded while Galveston Island State Park is home to beaches within preserves with fewer visitors to contend with.
Make Time for Water Sports
In Galveston, time on the water is just as appealing as time on the sand and you’ll want to be sure to set aside time to make the most of the fun. There are a variety of local companies that offer kayak and paddleboard rentals here so you can explore the waves at your own pace. Whether you’re up for jet skis or parasailing, there’s no shortage of options for customizing your time on the water.
Wildlife Watching Is a Thrill
When you’re putting those last-minute details on your Galveston itinerary, don’t forget to add a dolphin-watching tour. The team at Baywatch Dolphin Tours is easily accessible at Pier 21 and provides tours in dolphin-safe vessels for just $10 a passenger. The tour lasts 45 minutes total and is a wonderful way to get your eyes on these truly incredible creatures thriving in their natural habitats around Galveston.
Book Your Vacation Today
Elevate your Galveston getaway with a vacation rental booked through Porter. Reach out today to learn more!
Deciding to enjoy a great getaway to scenic Galveston is always a good idea for travelers. While the area is packed with options for activities, entertainment, and fun, it’s also a locale that’s loved for its rich history. If you’re the type that enjoys pursuing stories of the past, there’s a lot to learn when you head to Galveston for your next vacation. Here’s what to expect when you explore the history of Galveston.
19th Century Progress
The city of Galveston was officially chartered in 1839 thanks to its important role as a gateway to the Southwest. Before this could happen, Galveston needed to acquire everything from goods and shipping opportunities to financing and transportation that would connect them to the state. This was achieved in 1836 by Michael Menard who made it a mission to organize the Galveston City Company and find recognition within the greater Republic of Texas. From 1840 to 1870, Galveston welcomed immigrations from Europe in vast numbers, and development in the area boomed between the 1870s and the 1890s. The Strand made its appearance as “the Wall Street” of the Southwest and residents were able to flourish within banking, publishing, printing, milling, and cotton alike. Railroads were also on the rise, improving Galveston’s shipping capabilities.
Rebuilding After the Storm
In 1900, Galveston experienced a catastrophic storm that took the lives of over 6,000 people and left upward of 8,000 homeless. This event spurred the development of the Seawall of which the first section was completed in 1904. Rebuilding continued after and was successful enough for Galveston to eventually become a hub for amusement tourism.
The 60s and 70s
During the 1960s and 70s, Galveston took major strides in innovation. The city adopted a council-manager government and the Marine Biomedical Institute as well as the Texas Maritime Academy and Galveston College were established. A container terminal was opened by 1972 and the city made it a priority to put together the Galveston County Cultural Arts Council.
The Endless Appeal of Modern Galveston
Today, Galveston continues to thrive as a major tourist destination in Texas. It’s loved for its beautiful beaches, amusement park-style stops, world-class dining, and cruise ship terminal. From watersports to land-based fun, Galveston has something for everyone to enjoy and is also home to top health institutions, financial establishments, and educational programs.
Book Your Getaway Today
Take your Galveston adventure to the next level of excellence by booking your vacation rental through Porter. Reach out today to learn more and to start planning!
An island adventure is easier to access than you might imagine when you set your travel sights on gorgeous Galveston, Texas. Boasting 32 miles of sand and a wide variety of local attractions, activities, and entertainment to add to an itinerary, you’ll want to find the route that gets you to the fun as fast as possible! Here’s your guide to getting to Galveston:
When You Prefer to Fly
The most convenient airport to head to when you’re flying into Galveston is the William P. Hobby Airport. This destination is located in Houston and from here, it’s just a 40-mile drive without traffic from the terminal to Galveston. Another option for those taking to the skies to reach Galveston is to fly into George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston which is a bit further of a drive at 70 miles out. Of course, if you’ve booked a private flight, are flying yourself in or in the area on specific business, flying into Scholes International Airport right on Galveston Island is also a choice as well.
Rent a Car or Book a Limo
Once you arrive at the airport, the easiest follow-up step for customizing your transportation needs during your stay is to either rent a car on-site or use a luxury car/limo service. Rates from Houston range from $150 to $400 per trip depending on the type of luxury car or limo you reserve. Car rental prices vary as well but there are plenty of options to choose from right at the airport. If you want to skip driving yourself into Galveston altogether, consider using a rideshare service from the airport like Uber or Lyft. There are also options to book shuttle services out of Houston airports that cost anywhere from $40 to $100 per passenger.
Details to Keep in Mind
If your arrival into Galveston lines up seamlessly with a trip to the beach, you’ll want to invest in a beach parking pass to make life easier. Both daily parking and annual beach parking passes can be purchased at beach parks or at the Park Board Plaza Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm.
Book Your Stay in Galveston Today
Enjoy every moment of your well-deserved Galveston getaway with accommodations that top it off with luxury and style by booking through Porter. Our rentals are designed to inspire, and our team is happy to handle the details while our guests focus on the fun ahead. Reach out today to learn more!
A trip to Galveston is always a great way to spend time with family and friends. Home to 32 miles of gorgeous beaches and amazing attractions and activities to explore, getting around Galveston is refreshingly walkable if you want to leave the car behind. That said, there are other unique ways to get around this area that you can consider adding to your itinerary too the next time you’re in town.
Take the Trolley
A popular and convenient way to get around Galveston is to hop on the area trolley. It’s a $1 far for adults and free for kids with an adult accompanying them for the journey. The trolley follows two loops known as the Seawall Loop and the Downtown Loop respectively. The Seawall Loop travels between Steward Beach and Moody Gardens with a free transfer to the Downtown Loop included. The Downtown Loop travels between The Strand and the Seawall.
Bike and Golf Cart Rentals
Galveston is a good place to slow down and take life at a vacation pace. To that end, many visitors opt to rent a bike or golf cart to get around while they’re here. Both options are inviting and provide an open-air feel while still getting you where you’re going a little faster than if you were walking.
Try Surrey Rentals
A more unique take on Galveston transportation is the iconic Surrey rental. This four-wheeled bike can accommodate anywhere from 2 to 6 people at a time depending on preference and pedal power gets you to your destination in no time.
Enjoy a Horse-Drawn Carriage
If you’re not in a rush and you’re looking to travel in a one-of-a-kind style in Galveston, a horse-drawn carriage ride might be the way to go. These trips often depart downtown and are offered through companies like Island Carriages on Postoffice Street. Traveling this way is a chance to appreciate amazing creatures as well as take time to get a closer look at the surrounding area’s architecture and scenery.
Rent a Car
Car rentals are also available in Galveston if you prefer to be in charge of the driving. Head over to the Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal for options through Dollar, Thrifty, Hertz, and Enterprise too.
Book Today
When a trip to Galveston is calling, the team at Porter has the vacation rental you want and deserve. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting property options available and to start planning your next trip to Texas.