If you want time on the coast without fighting giant crowds, you will want to make your way to Galveston. Our Texas shoreline continues to be a top travel destination and doesn’t feature the crazy beach crowds of other states. During your stay you may find yourself interested in the free activities in the area to help save on your total budget. Galveston has plenty to offer that is free for the whole family. Here are the top free things to do in Galveston all year round:
Hit the Beach
As we mentioned, you will find plenty of space to hang out at the beach here in Galveston. We are best known as a top Texas coastal city that offers miles of beaches to explore. Heading to the beach is always free in the area, but if you drive, you may need to pay for parking. Galveston features over 30 miles of beaches giving you more than enough to see. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Stewart Beach and East Beach with both beaches featuring plenty of amenities including picnic tables and restrooms. If you find yourself in a vacation rental close to these beaches, you can easily walk to the beach to save money on parking. Seeing the sunset from either beach is a highly recommended activity by the locals that is of course always free.
Sandcastle Building
One of our favorite activities that is always free can also be found at East Beach. Throughout the summer season you will find several weekends where you can join in on sandcastle building lessons. These are provided by local pros who offer free classes right on the beach each Saturday in the summer. This is a great way to let your kids’ imagination run wild as they get to construct an exciting sandcastle. Many of our vacation rentals have beach gear on hand such as sandcastle equipment so you can enjoy this activity during the other months of the year too.
Take a Walk Along the Seawall
Galveston’s most famous structure continues to be the Galveston Seawall. This is the longest continuous sidewalk found in the country that stretches out over 10 miles. The path will take you along the coast so you can have views of both the city and the water. The Seawall is a popular spot for walking, jogging, running, and biking with many locals using it as their path for a morning workout. As you explore the path you will find plenty of historic architecture and art installations along the way. You will even come across different food vendors for when you are hungry.
Peek Around the Strand Historic District
Galveston is home to our very own historic downtown neighborhood that you need to explore. Walking around the city is always free, of course, and the Strand is where you want to check out. The area features well-preserved 19th century buildings that are now home to different art galleries and restaurants. During busier weekends of the year you can even find street performers and seasonal decorations in the area. This is a great spot to check out around the holiday season!
See the Port of Galveston
If you have anyone in the family who loves looking at ships and boats, you will need to take them over to the Port of Galveston. This is a busy side of Galveston that is home to Harborside Drive. Along here you can see the different cargo and cruise ships come in and out of the harbor. Shrimp boats will also pass by with huge catches of your favorite seafood meal. Pier 21 has several benches where you can take a seat and simply enjoy the view.
Find the Tree Sculptures
Back in 2008, Galveston was hit hard by Hurricane Ike that brought down several beautiful trees that have stood tall for decades. Local artists knew just what to do and turned the damaged trees into sculpted works of art. You will find these tree sculptures scattered around the East End Historic District. You can create your own scavenger hunt that will have you see sculptures of mermaids, whimsical figures, and different animals. There is even a free map online that you can download during your or visit the visitor center for a hard copy to help your exploration.
Get Ready for Galveston
These free activities will be around all year long here in Galveston to help you make the most memorable stay yet. Our vacation rentals are sure to keep the whole family comfortable with luxury amenities and plenty of space. All you have to do is find your favorite vacation rental in our listing and hit that book now button!
The winter season is in full swing, and with it comes the nonstop scheduling of holidays. This year take a different approach to your holiday season. Instead of spending it back home doing what you always do come make the trip to Galveston. Our Texas home has plenty of exciting events and attractions to enjoy especially if you visit for the New Year’s holiday. Here is what you can plan for taking place in Galveston for New Year’s:
New Year’s Palooza at Moody Gardens
Whenever you visit Galveston you will easily spot The Moody Gardens among the cityscape. The Moody Gardens is perhaps the most popular attraction here in Galveston and is easily recognizable with its dual pyramids. Each year The Moody Gardens throws massive celebrations for most of the big holidays. One of those holidays is New Year’s Eve where The Moody Gardens throws their New Year’s Palooza just in time to celebrate. The Moody Gardens will have two different ways for you to celebrate New Year’s Eve this year at their Palooza. The first is their New Year’s Eve Party with the Mambo Jazz Kings. This adults-only affair is the perfect way to bring in the new year with a little live music. The Mambo Jazz Kings will be on hand all night long performing their jazz hits. Dance the night away with an array of hors d’oeuvres along with two complimentary drink tickets. A cash bar will also be on hand should you need anything else. There will be a balloon drop where you can countdown to the stroke of midnight to celebrate the coming of 2025. The New Year’s Eve Party with the Mambo Kings will take place over in the Frances Anne Moody Ballroom.
The second New Year’s Eve event as part of the Palooza is the New Year’s Eve Cruise on the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat. This is the perfect option for those with kids in stow who want to bring in the new year together. The Colonel Paddlewheel Boat is a spacious boat that is always a popular attraction at The Moody Gardens. For the cruise families will be seated in a European or family style where you will be sharing a large table with others. General admission tickets will provide this experience while you can also add on a private window upgrade for our own personal table. Guests will board between 6:30 to 7:00 PM with dinner available from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. Enjoy a delicious meal with iced tea and lemonade included. Adults are also able to purchase beer, wine, cocktails, soft drinks, and bottled water as well for the family. Families will set sail on the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat from 7:00 to 9:00 PM as you the boat explores the local waters. This is a great experience for all ages and will have you back on land before bedtime for the little ones. Large groups of 20 and more can also be accommodated.
Last Chance to Experience Holiday in the Gardens
During your visit you will also be able to take advantage of the final days of the holiday season. January 1st will be the last day you can experience Holiday in the Gardens at The Moody Gardens. This season long event wraps up on New Year’s so you can see the incredible attractions one last time. Guests will take a step into ICE LAND where they will find all kinds of holiday exhibits. The Festival of Lights is a one mile long trail that is covered in over 2 million holiday lights. You will get to explore parts of The Moody Gardens that overlook the Galveston Bay along the way. During the trail you will make stops at the Dancing Tree of Lights and different concession areas where you can purchase hot chocolate and s’mores. Visitors will also be able to enjoy the massive ice sculptures found in Pole to Pole. You will encounter sculptures of reindeer, owls, polar bears, penguins, and many more. Over 2 million pounds of ice are used for these massive sculptures! Let the little ones hop on the Kiddie Train Rides. This will take them through holiday light exhibits and enjoy music along the way. Don’t forget about the ice skating rink and so much more during the last days of Holiday in the Gardens.
Book Today in Time for New Year’s in Galveston
New Year’s Eve is just around the corner so make sure you do not miss out on making it to Galveston this year. These are just a few of the many different ways you can celebrate here in town with the family Reserve one of our vacation rentals nearby to find the most comfortable stay in town. Galveston is waiting.