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.
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.
There is no time for an exciting vacation getaway than the summer and we have the ideal destination for you. Galveston is the premier beachside destination here in the state of Texas and we could not be any more excited for you to visit. The summer season is a great time to visit as you can find a variety of Galveston summer events perfect for your adventure. Take a look at the top summer events we have coming up here in Galveston this year:
On the Sidewalk: Summer Concert Series
There is just something about the warm weather of summer that brings out the need for live music and Galveston makes sure to deliver. Our home offers the annual On the Sidewalk, a summer concert series like no other. Maceo’s Spice & Import Co. brings out their summer concert series every Thursday right outside their location. Maceo has been a Galveston staple since its opening in 1944 and can be found in one of the historical buildings in the city. You will take a step back into American history the second you enter the building to find a variety of specialty import foods and spices. Their café offers some delicious eats such as sandwiches, soups, and much more. Maceo’s On the Sidewalk: Summer Concert Series will have a local artist play outside the building for those who wish to hear some free live music. Bring your own chair to hang out in comfort and enjoy some of the tasty food that Maceo has to offer. On the Sidewalk: Summer Concert Series takes place every Thursday from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM until early September.
Galveston Island Shrimp Festival
The summer season may have just started but one of the best summer events in Galveston takes place on the last official day of summer. The Galveston Island Shrimp Festival will be here before you know it offering one of the top events of the year. The Galveston Island Shrimp Festival is a two-day event that features all things shrimp. The party officially starts on Friday, September 22nd for the official Friday kick-off party at Saengerfest Park. This year’s festival will be the 14th annual event and the kick-off party is expected to be 800 people strong at least. This shrimptastic party will feature some live music, a fried shrimp dinner, and an open bar. Show up for some tasty food and drinks! The actual festival event will take place Saturday, September 23rd where you will find several different activities to enjoy. Start your day with the 5K so you can earn your future shrimp-themed food of the day. The event lets you enjoy a race with the first 400 participants also getting a participation medal, an exclusive t-shirt event, and 3 free beers. After your race enjoy the food with the famous gumbo stroll. Gumbo is a delicious entrée enjoyed by many in Galveston and it’s even better with shrimp. The stroll starts at noon through the Galveston Historic Strand District where award-winning cooks will create some absolutely incredible gumbo. If you want to skip the stroll and instead go grab some food head over to the event for a shrimp dinner plate. You can always register a cook team to participate in the event yourself too. End your summer season with the best shrimp ever here at the Galveston Island Shrimp Festival.
Lego Camp – Summer Camp at Galveston’s Children’s Museum
There is nothing that kids love more than Legos so let them have their brick-building fun during a Lego summer camp put on by the Galveston Children’s Museum. This summer camp will allow your kids to have the tools and processes to feel like an artist or engineer with Lego fun. This three-day camp is perfect for children ages 4 to 10 with days filled with fun. The Lego summer camp will take place August 7th through the 9th just in time for the summer season before the kids go back to school. Each day will be held from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM where something yummy is provided for the kids along with unique activities. Registration is required with the Galveston Children’s Museum in advance. Additional camps available this summer also include a Maker Camp, Sewing Summer Camp, Water and Wind Camp, Robotics Camp, and Cardboard Creations Camp. Make sure to book as soon as possible before the Lego camp is fully booked!
Summer Fun in Galveston
Summer events are a great reason to come and visit Galveston. You will find the best stay in town when you book one of our exclusive vacation rentals in the city. Enjoy private homes that offer exclusive amenities and will keep you close to each of these events. Reach out today and come see Galveston this summer!
If you are looking for the ideal spot to spend Memorial Day Weekend this year, look no further than Galveston. Our Texas home has plenty of fun and excitement here that makes for an incredible vacation getaway anytime of the year. This includes Memorial Day, which sets up the rest of our summer season. With so many activities and events in the area, you will not want to spend your holiday weekend anywhere else. Take a look at some ways to enjoy your Memorial Day in Galveston:
2023 Memorial Day 10K & 5K
Help honor the men and women who have dedicated their lives to our US military with the annual Memorial Day 10K & 5K. This is your typical 10K or 5K race that takes you around Galveston for some enjoyable racing experience. All attendees will be provided with a timed race where your finish time will be tracked by a chip. All 10K and 5K finishers will receive a medal for participating in the race and a unisex t-shirt. Make sure you register today before this popular Memorial Day race is all booked up!
Enjoy a Weekend Adventure Pass
One of the top attractions in Galveston is Pleasure Pier that is located right on the water. Each weekend, visitors can purchase a Weekend Adventure pass that allows you to enjoy attractions such as the Pleasure Pier, Kemah Boardwalk, and Downtown Aquarium Houston from Friday to Sunday of the weekend of your pass. This allows you unlimited entry into all three attractions for one great price. Memorial Day Weekend takes this special day one step further by allowing it to also be used on Memorial Day for a total of a four-day weekend! This means the amusement park rides at Pleasure Pier are fair game. Enjoy rides such as the Iron Shark Rollercoaster, Texas Star Flyer, Galaxy Wheel, Pirate’s Plunge, and many more. Or try out the 5D theater ride that includes a trip down to the Mysterious Underworld this Memorial Day holiday. Pleasure Pier also features their own personal midway arcade with games such as whack-a-mole, balloon pop, and other amusement park games. And that is just one attraction available on the weekend pass!
Kemah Boardwalk is found just north of Galveston and is a quick drive away. This is another great amusement park found right by the water. This family friendly entertainment complex includes more retro rides, including a two-story carousel and wooden rollercoaster. The property also includes a boardwalk where you can walk alongside the water for beautiful views and a small aquarium. Speaking of aquariums, the Downtown Aquarium Houston is the final stop with your Weekend Adventure Pass and just 30 miles north of Kemah. This is a huge aquarium filled with all kinds of fun. You will find giant habitats that include incredible underwater critters such as sharks, rays, sea turtles, and many more. The aquarium also has a variety of rides along with a stingray reef where you can pet and feed the stingrays. Downtown Aquarium Houston also features a loveable tiger that is viewable from its comfortable exhibit. There is so much to see and do when you purchase a Weekend Adventure Pass for Memorial Day Weekend!
Memorial Day Weekend Cruise In
Another great event taking place Memorial Day Weekend is the Memorial Day Weekend Cruise In, a classic car show like no other. This event is perfect for those with their own classic car that they want to show off or for attendees who wish to see some cars in person. This event takes place on Saturday May 27th 2023 and will provide an evening of fun. Some activities on hand include live music, food trucks, ice cold drinks, and much more. This is a family friendly event with no alcohol served. Expect to see incredible vehicles such as hot rods, classic cars, motorcycles, and custom builds. The kiddos can have a blast with yard games as dad gets to see his favorite cards. Entry is just $5 for both participants bringing in their own vehicle or for spectators.
Hit the Beach
Make sure to spend some of your time in Galveston for Memorial Day on the beach. There are 32 miles of beautiful beaches here in Galveston on which to relax. One of the most popular beaches is Babe’s Beach that features the historic seawall that is important for Galveston’s development. Visitors can also find water-based fun, including boating, fishing, surfing, and kayaking from the beach too. There is something for everyone when they come to a Galveston beach.
Memorial Day Is Upon Us
Get ready for a thrilling Memorial Day Weekend when you choose Galveston for your holiday destination. Make sure to book one of our vacation rentals here in the area.
You probably already know, but Texas is as big as it gets! Residents of Texas pride themselves in their home, and the size of the state does not disappoint. One can easily drive 10 hours and still be within state boundaries. This allows residents to book a Texas staycation here in the state while still feeling like they traveled somewhere new. Our vacation rentals in Houston and Galveston will make sure you have the stay of a lifetime too. Take a look at what a staycation in Galveston and Houston can do for you:
Enjoy Free Art Exhibits at Rice University
Houston is home to one of the largest private universities in the country, Rice University. This local Texas university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs with many focuses being some of the top ranked programs in the country. Visitors of Houston can enjoy the extensive collection of art work located at the university. The Rice Public Art collection features rotating exhibits from artists originating from all over the world. Best of all, visiting the Rice Public Art is absolutely free! Check out the collection throughout the year to find seasonal exhibits, meet and greets, and informational lectures. Make sure to take a university tour after your visit!
Houston Botanic Garden
You will feel like you stepped outside of Texas when you visit the Houston Botanic Garden. This local collection features various exotic and native plant life right here in the Houston city limits. The property features 132 acres of beautiful bayou landscape that is often visited by local wildlife such as butterflies and migratory birds. The Houston Botanic Garden features different collections of gardens each themed after unique ideas such as Stormwater Wetlands, Culinary, Coastal Prairie, and Global Collection Garden. You can even have your wedding here at the garden for a memorable event like no other. Visiting the Houston Botanic Garden allows it to continue supporting its education and research. Make sure to visit this local attraction on any day of the year with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Whenever you visit a coastal city, you can expect a pier filled with a variety of local shops and restaurants. The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier does not disappoint and features all kinds of fun. Guests can enjoy the pier after they purchase a Pier Walk-On Pass that lets you explore the many restaurants and gift shops. Find something for someone back home who was unable to join in on the fun The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier also comes with several amusement park rides that are fun for the whole family. There are 15 different rides that you can enjoy, including the Galaxy Wheel, Gulf Glider, Sea Dragon, Pier Pile Up, Cyclone, and many more. Come check out the pier for yourself when visiting Galveston!
Baywatch Dolphin Tours
Another great way to spend your time on the coast of Galveston is by heading out to sea! Specifically, we are talking about joining in on the fun with Baywatch Dolphin Tours. The Gulf of Mexico is home to all kinds of wonderful creatures including dolphins. You can see these majestic animals in their natural habitat by joining a tour with Baywatch Dolphin Tours. Their daily tours take you three miles through the Galveston Harbor where you are educated about the local common and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in the region. This affordable activity has been voted as one of the top activities in Galveston year after year. Come see these incredible creatures up close!
Vacation Rentals in Houston and Galveston
Of course, any vacation getaway to Houston or Galveston deserves a vacation property like no other. Our vacation rentals will provide you the home away from home that you have always wanted. These beautiful properties are all individually owned and make for the best stay in either city. You will find full-size homes that include spacious common areas such as relaxing living room spaces and gourmet kitchens. Each bedroom comes with plush mattresses and fine linens. En suite bathrooms can come with walk in showers, soaking tubs, and plenty of space for everyone. Enjoy spacious yards that can feature patio decks with outdoor kitchens or even a swimming pool. Best of all, our vacation rentals will keep you just a short distance away from the best activities in town.
Your Texas Staycation Awaits
As you can see, Galveston and Houston are the perfect places here in Texas to see something brand new while being close to home. Our vacation rentals are sure to keep you and the family comfortable all stay long. Simply find your favorite vacation rental we have to offer and make your reservation for your trip today!