There’s something endlessly exciting about knowing you have an upcoming vacation on the calendar. When your final destination happens to be Galveston, you’re in for even more fun! Here, travelers from across the map can enjoy customized adventures year-round thanks to the ample sun, sand, and surf available. For those heading this way with a passion for nature and wildlife, a journey is sure to be packed with inspiring moments. The following three-day itinerary is a great place to begin when you’re looking to enhance the unforgettable experiences every step of the way.
Day 1
The first day of your nature and wildlife journey to Galveston begins with a well-deserved trip to Galveston Island State Park. It’s a beautiful and inviting place to spend time with family and friends you’re traveling alongside. It’s also a wonderful place to enjoy watching shorebirds and marine life from the beach. There are two observation towers on-site when you’re looking to elevate your view over the terrain and spot incredible creatures in the distance. There are opportunities here to hike nature trails and photograph the landscapes as well as options to get out on the water by kayak and see what’s biting. The park is dog-friendly and it’s just $5 per vehicle to park.
After lunch, you’ll want to make time to enjoy a trail ride with the team over at Galveston Island Horse and Pony Rides. You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy this experience because the gear and instruction you need to enjoy yourself out on the trail is provided ahead of time. It’s a chance to enjoy spending time around some spectacular horses before heading out and exploring the beaches on horseback.
This evening, make sure to book your place on a BayWatch Dolphin Tour. These head out throughout the day and evening, but the later runs are wonderful when they’re hosted around sunset. Not only are the tours informative and scenic, but you’ll have a chance to see dolphins thriving out in the waters of their natural habitats. These tours are just $10 per person and depart from Pier 21.
Day 2
The second day of your nature and wildlife journey to Galveston has you making your way to see the sunrise at East Beach. Named for its easternmost location on the island, East Beach is the perfect place for early risers to commune with nature and savor a fantastic view. It’s $8 to park here and there are options to rent an umbrella and beach chair if you plan to stick around once the sun is high in the sky. You can bring drinks and food to East Beach for a breakfast on the sand where shorebirds are likely to keep you company.
When you’ve had your fill of time on the sand, make your way to the 61st Street Fishing Pier for an afternoon of angling that’s sure to inspire. The pier is open from March through December and there are rental rods and bait available for $8. It’s a great place to reel in exciting catches and a good place to pair your fishing with inviting views too.
The final stop on your itinerary for day two will be the Edward and Helen Oppenheimer Bird Observatory. Galveston is a top-rated birding destination in Texas, and this is a prime place to observe the many species that call the area home. Be sure to pack your binoculars and a snack because you might end up lingering longer than you originally planned.
Day 3
If you’re traveling to Galveston with the entire family in tow on your nature and wildlife journey, the last day of your stay should definitely begin at Stewart Beach. This destination is a great place to enjoy the Galveston landscapes and shorelines while pairing it with amenities like playgrounds, volleyball nets, and shelling. If you make your way in this direction early in the morning, you can stick around until the afternoon crowds show up to make the most of every moment.
This afternoon, make time to enjoy deep-sea fishing with the team over at Galveston Sea Ventures. This company specializes in offshore excursions and everything you need to enjoy a safe and productive day on the waves is included in the cost. There’s a good chance that you’ll reel in everything from red snappers and tuna to shark or king mackerel alike.
The last stop of the day is Kempner Park which is found just about a mile from downtown on Avenue O. This park has been a staple in the area for years and is popular among locals and visitors alike with a passion for birding. There’s a dancing pavilion on-site to check out as well that dates back to 1911.
Book Your Getaway to Galveston Today
When you’re excited to spend time in Galveston, the team at Porter has your vacation rental needs covered. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting options and to get started.
