Getting out of town and enjoying some well-deserved time in scenic Galveston, Texas is always something for travelers to look forward to enjoying alongside family and friends. While there are plenty of opportunities to settle in, relax, and enjoy the experience at your own preferred pace, there’s something to be said for all of the Galveston sightseeing adventures available to experience along the way as well! Rich in history, scenic landmarks, and stops that invite guests to come and make the most of the fun, sightseeing is something you simply won’t want to miss while you’re here. The following are a few of the top stops to make sure you’ve added to your agenda the next time you’re in town.

 

Explore Moody Gardens

A must-visit destination for diverse sightseeing and a ton of fun too is Moody Gardens. Open from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm daily with extended hours until 10:00 pm on Fridays, Moody Gardens is in fact a collection of family-friendly attractions to check out. Here, you’ll have access to discovering an Aquarium Pyramid which houses everything from penguins to sharks and offers up a unique look at marine habitats. A second pyramid brings the Rainforest to life before your very eyes and also hosts a 3D and 4D theater to check out. At Moody Gardens, you can take in your surroundings on a paddlewheel boat cruise or cool off on the lazy river at Palm Beach. No matter how you choose to spend your time, you’ll be getting a unique look at the fun Galveston offers while enjoying quality time with those you love most. It’s a win-win all the way around.

 

Stroll the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

Located at 2501 Seawall Boulevard, the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is a perfect destination for those who are looking to pair history with family fun and sightseeing during their Galveston getaway. This waterfront destination is packed with midway games, fantastic fair food, and a collection of captivating retail shops as well. It’s open on weekends much to the delight of locals and visitors alike looking to enjoy time in a space that’s entertained Galveston crowds for many eras. It’s also a destination that hosts a variety of special Gulfside events and live music throughout the year so it’s well worth your time to check out the annual calendar before you arrive.

 

Don’t Miss Out on Downtown Sightseeing

Historic downtown Galveston is a great place to walk, admire the architecture, and learn more about the area’s history while you’re here. Downtown Galveston is known and loved for its many Victorian-era buildings that have stood the test of time and continue to impress onlookers to this day. Some date back to the 1800s and speak to a time when Galveston was known as the “Wall Street of the South.” When you’re planning on doing some sightseeing in this area, there are four distinct districts to consider exploring. The Strand is a prime place for area shopping and dining as well as annual events like Mardi Gras. It’s also a hub for Victorian architecture. West Market is a great place to dine in style and enjoy spending time in renovated historic buildings like Maceo Spice and Import Company. At Pier 21, you’ll find waterfront entertainment at its finest and easy access to museums, restaurants, and a marina from which many boat tours depart. Postoffice Street is the final downtown sightseeing stop which is popular for its boutiques, antique shops, and galleries as well.

 

Book Your Stay in Galveston Today

Now is the very best time to turn your Galveston getaway plans into a reality. When you know you’ll want amazing accommodations in place to top off your stay in style, reach out to Porter to learn more about our exciting and inviting vacation rental options available. We look forward to seeing you in Texas soon!

 

FAQ

 
How can I get around Galveston when I’m sightseeing?

Feel free to leave your vehicle behind when you’re enjoying sightseeing in Galveston. Here, there are plenty of taxi companies to choose from as well as ridesharing options like Lyft and Uber. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, you’ll find bike rentals readily available as well.

 
Are there any budget-friendly options for some of the major attractions in town?

Yes! If you want to enjoy savings on some of Galveston’s biggest attractions, you can always consider investing in a Galveston Island Pass. Each pass provides discounts up to 40% off on up to four of the area’s participating and exciting attractions.

 
What’s the best time of year for Galveston sightseeing?

Galveston is fortunate enough to enjoy warm year-round temperatures and plenty of sunshine that make it ideal for sightseeing in all seasons. That means there’s never a bad time to head this way and enjoy experiencing everything you can.

 
Are there pet-friendly rentals available to book when I want to enjoy sightseeing in Galveston?

Yes. The team at Porter is happy to help travelers get settled in a gorgeous Galveston-area rental that not only keeps them close to the places they’re excited to explore but offers up the very best of pet-friendly living too.