The crisp and breezy days of fall in Galveston are finally here! The season brings a perfect blend of mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and endless outdoor opportunities. We encourage all of our fall visitors to get outside and see all that Galveston has to offer. From festivals and serene nature escapes to historic tours and seaside adventures, here’s your guide to the top outdoor activities in Galveston to soak up every moment of your autumnal allure.
Fall Festivals & Events That Live Outdoors
Local festivals and events are always a huge draw for both those on a staycation in Galveston or visitors coming from other states. You will find quite a few different fall events and festivals to check out this season.
The Galveston Pirate Festival taking place from September 19–21, 2025 is a thrilling, family-friendly event complete with a pirate invasion, treasure hunts, costume contests, pirate music, and activities across multiple locations. The festival is found all over The Strand and Seawolf Park and includes tours of the USS Cavalla and USS Stewart. Weekend passes are affordably priced, making it a great event on your wallet.
Get ready for the Shrimp Festival & Sandcastle Contest in late September, where you can indulge in coastal favorites such as shrimp. Head over to Saengerfest Park or East Beach to check out the AIA’s annual sandcastle competition.
ARToberFEST is returning once again during the middle of October. This is Downtown Galveston’s premier fine art festival that features well over 100 artists. Additional activities also include live music, food stalls, and hands-on workshops in the Historic Cultural Arts District.
Harvest Moon Regatta is a local favorite and is on the calendar for October 26th. Grab a front-row seat along the Seawall as this nautical race features dozens of sailboats. This is a thrilling and free spectacle for marina and is great for nautical enthusiasts.
Island Oktoberfest closes out the month of October for a free, festive gathering at the First Lutheran Church. Like any good Oktoberfest, this event will come with German fare, beer, music, dancing, and more. Island Oktoberfest is perfect for families and culture lovers alike.
Nature & Wildlife Adventures
One great way to encourage some outdoor play is by finding the local wildlife. You can combine kayaking and birdwatching for an incredible experience. You can explore through the Galveston Bay Estuary or marshlands on a guided eco-art kayak tour that is a great opportunity to see dolphins, herons, and fall bird migrations. like Lafitte’s Cove and Galveston Island State Park are great spots to see migratory birds in action as they nestle in the area. You will find over 2,000 acres of beaches, dunes, wetlands, and trails in the park to explore. Additional activities that are frequently enjoyed here include hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. There are also exciting guided programs to sign up for such as sunset kayaking, beach walks, sunrise fishing, and night hikes during fall. The park continues to be a national highlight for both its affordability and amount of outdoor activities to enjoy.
Historic & Cultural Outdoor Explorations
No stay in Galveston is complete without a little outdoor exploration over in the Strand Historic District. This is a charming, Victorian-era style street that is packed with shops, museums, and art galleries. Take a ride on the vintage trolley or stop by Pier 21 with its tall ship and maritime exhibits. Historic Galveston Ghost Tours will help you find the spooky side of fall with haunted walking tours. You will be taken through sites such as Sealy Mansion and Ashton Villa. Haunting stories will be woven through your expedition as you find a fun twist on Galveston’s spooky history. Seawolf Park is nestled on Pelican Island and offers a unique memorial park with plenty of outdoor activities. Relax with fishing or picnicking with close-up views of the historic USS Cavalla submarine and USS Stewart destroyer. This charming waterfront is the perfect spot for a little autumn sun.
Beachside Leisure & Active Enjoyment
It is time to hit the pier and a visit to Pleasure Pier Boardwalk is just what the family needs. This local pier is open year round and extends out into the Gulf. You will find thrilling rides aboard the roller coaster and Ferris wheel. You can also check out the games, snack stalls, and vibrant Gulf views for a fun mix of adrenaline and nostalgia. Galveston features over 32 miles of shoreline so you can find a beach for every vibe. Stewart Beach is family-friendly with amenities like playgrounds and snack bars, while quieter options like West End offer tranquil settings for fall relaxation.
Plenty of Outdoor Fall Fun in Galveston
As you can see, the outdoor fun is plentiful right here in Galveston. The only thing to make a fall day in the area even better is a stay in our luxury vacation rentals. Book your family stay today for the best family trip to Galveston yet!
