• Restaurants + Bars
  • Entertainment
  • Arts
  • Society
  • City Life
  • Fashion + Beauty
  • Real Estate
  • Home + Design
  • Innovation
  • Travel
  • Sports
  • THE TOP 100
  • City Guide
  • Events
  • Charity Guide
  • Subscribe
  • Cities
  • Austin
  • Dallas
  • Houston
  • San Antonio
  • Fort Worth
Cities
  • Austin
  • Dallas
  • Houston
  • San Antonio
  • Fort Worth
culturemap logo
  • Restaurants + Bars

    THE LATEST

    Eric Sandler: Power couple behind Nobie's revive seafood-focused Montrose speakeasy after 2 years
    Quiote rides again
    Power couple behind Nobie's revive seafood-focused Montrose speakeasy
    By Eric Sandler
    Eric Sandler: Comfort food restaurant FM Kitchen quietly closes Montrose location
    FM switches off
    Comfort food restaurant FM Kitchen quietly closes Montrose location
    By Eric Sandler
    Eric Sandler: Texas hot chicken restaurant brings the heat to Katy and Spring
    Hola, my friend
    Texas hot chicken restaurant brings the heat to Katy and Spring
    By Eric Sandler

    SPONSORED BY

  • Entertainment

    THE LATEST

    Steven Devadanam: Houston reality TV stars the Hos return for Season 2 and ink exclusive real estate deal
    h-town ho-down
    Houston's Ho Family back for Season 2, inks exclusive real estate deal
    By Steven Devadanam
    Alex Bentley: Aubrey Plaza scams and schemes in solid Emily the Criminal
    Movie Review
    Aubrey Plaza scams and schemes in solid Emily the Criminal
    By Alex Bentley
    Alex Bentley: Bodies Bodies Bodies hit the floor in hilarious horror comedy
    Movie Review
    Bodies Bodies Bodies hit the floor in hilarious horror comedy
    By Alex Bentley

    SPONSORED BY

  • Arts

    THE LATEST

    Tarra Gaines: First-ever Houston Theater Week stages BOGO deals for 77 of the season's hottest shows
    prices down, curtain up
    First-ever Houston Theater Week stages BOGO deals 77 hottest shows
    By Tarra Gaines
    Tarra Gaines: 9 vivid and eye-catching August art events no Houstonian should miss
    best august art
    9 vivid and eye-catching August art events no Houstonian should miss
    By Tarra Gaines
    Tarra Gaines: Houston's best fall theater showcases Broadway sensations, cutting-edge works, and world premiers
    best fall theater
    Houston's best fall theater showcases world-class productions and more
    By Tarra Gaines

    SPONSORED BY

  • Society

    THE LATEST

    Steven Devadanam: Longtime leader of Houston's beloved holiday extravaganza closes up shop after 34-year run
    a fond farewell
    Longtime leader of Houston's beloved holiday experience stepping down
    By Steven Devadanam
    Steven Devadanam: Inspiring celebrity sports power couple hosts can't-miss gala with surprise Houston Astros guests
    a home-run cause
    Sports power couple hosts gala with surprise Astros star guests
    By Steven Devadanam
    Steven Devadanam: Houston's society queen hits the dance floor in red-hot Montrose nightclub's VIP bash
    sobe's back
    Houston's society queen dances away at Montrose club's VIP party
    By Steven Devadanam

    SPONSORED BY

  • City Guide

    THE LATEST

    : Stages
    Entertainment
    Stages
    : PH Design Shop
    Shops
    PH Design Shop
    : Westin Oaks Houston
    Hotels
    Westin Oaks Houston

    SPONSORED BY

  • Events

    THE LATEST

    : Color Factory
    8.17.22 | 9:00 am
    Color Factory
    : Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown
    8.17.22 | 7:30 pm
    Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown
    : Alley Theatre presents Clue
    8.17.22 | 7:30 pm
    Alley Theatre presents Clue

    SPONSORED BY

  • SportsMap
  • Subscribe
  • City Life

    THE LATEST

    Ken Hoffman: Ken Hoffman on why a Houston Astros pivotal star's most heroic work is off the field
    the hero we need
    Ken Hoffman on why an Astros star's most heroic work is off the field
    By Ken Hoffman
    : New Texas rating system reveals which Houston-area schools make the grade
    making the grade?
    New rating system reveals which Houston-area schools make the grade
    By Jeff Ehling, ABC13
    Eric Sandler: Justin Verlander's national TV shout out for favorite Houston burger leads week's top stories
    This Week's Hot Headlines
    Verlander name drops EaDo eatery on national TV + more hot headlines
    By Eric Sandler

    SPONSORED BY

  • Fashion + Beauty

    THE LATEST

    : 5 Houston hot-pink essentials to rock this summer's viral Barbiecore trend
    I'm a Barbie girl, in the Barbie world
    5 Houston hot-pink essentials to rock summer's viral Barbiecore trend
    By Gabi De la Rosa
    : Luxe Uptown boutique fittingly wins best lingerie shop in America title
    a fitting win
    Luxe Uptown boutique fittingly named best lingerie shop in America
    By Gabi De la Rosa
    : Face the scorching Houston summer sun with these tips from local skin care experts
    here comes the sun
    Face the Houston summer sun with tips from local skin care experts
    By Gabi De la Rosa

    SPONSORED BY

  • Real Estate

    THE LATEST

    Hannah J. Frías: Stars at night are big and bright at this stunning $18.5 million Texas ranch
    down by the river
    Stars at night are big and bright at this stunning $18.5M Texas ranch
    By Hannah J. Frías
    John Egan: Retro Hill Country drive-in movie theater premieres on the market at $4 million
    Screen dream
    Retro Hill Country drive-in theater premieres on the market at $4M
    By John Egan
    Holly Beretto: Contemporary 'treehouse' masterpiece in Piney Point blooms on market for $2.8 million
    into the woods
    Contemporary 'treehouse' masterpiece in Piney Point lists for $2.8M
    By Holly Beretto

    SPONSORED BY

  • Home + Design

    THE LATEST

    John Egan: Texas builder unveils sleek prefabricated luxury homes starting at $600,000
    prefab fab
    Texas builder unveils sleek prefab luxury homes starting at $600,000
    By John Egan
    Katie Friel: H-E-B carts out new home decor and furniture for Texas shoppers
    Milk, Bread, Eggs, Accent Chair
    H-E-B carts out new home decor and furniture for Texas shoppers
    By Katie Friel
    Steven Devadanam: In-demand Houston interior designer opens door to elegant new showroom in Rice Village
    livable luxury
    Haute Houston interior designer opens elegant new Rice Village shop
    By Steven Devadanam

    SPONSORED BY

  • Innovation

    THE LATEST

    : 2 Nobel Peace Prize-nominated Houston doctors land on prestigious list of most creative in business
    distinguished dynamic duo
    2 Nobel-nominated Houston doctors land on elite 'most-creative' list
    By Shaina Zucker Pherigo, InnovatioMap
    Natalie Harms: Amazon tries on same-day mall delivery in Houston for in-demand items
    PRIME SHOPPING
    Amazon tries on same-day mall delivery in Houston for in-demand items
    By Natalie Harms
    Steven Devadanam: Houston's elite hospitals score No. 1 spots in prestigious new list of best in U.S. and Texas
    med center might
    Houston hospitals score No. 1 spots in list of best in U.S. and Texas
    By Steven Devadanam

    SPONSORED BY

  • Travel

    THE LATEST

    Teresa Gubbins: State Fair of Texas unleashes 10 creative fried foods for 2022 Big Tex Awards
    all's fair
    State Fair of Texas unleashes 10 creative fried foods for 2022 Big Tex
    By Teresa Gubbins
    Stephanie Allmon Merry: 7 spectacular surprises inside Chip and Joanna Gaines' new Fixer Upper castle in North Texas
    Royal revelation
    7 surprises in Chip & Joanna Gaines' North Texas Fixer Upper castle
    By Stephanie Allmon Merry
    Brianna Caleri: New Hill Country festival jams out with 15 Texas wineries and 3 bands
    The Juice
    New Hill Country festival jams out with 15 Texas wineries and 3 bands
    By Brianna Caleri

    SPONSORED BY

  • Sports

    THE LATEST

    Steven Devadanam: Houston Astros honor Uvalde visitors with special Game Day experience and big win
    uvalde strong
    Houston Astros honor Uvalde visitors with Game Day experience, big win
    By Steven Devadanam
    Ken Hoffman: Ken Hoffman reveals the ultimate insider guide to the Little League World Series — and how he fired The Boss
    big little league
    Ken Hoffman's ultimate insider guide to the Little League World Series
    By Ken Hoffman
    Steven Devadanam: Houston Astros hometown hero's big return headlines can't-miss Hall of Fame Weekend
    he's baaaaack
    Houston Astros hometown hero's return headlines Hall of Fame Weekend
    By Steven Devadanam

    SPONSORED BY

  • Charity Guide
  • Tastemaker Awards
Travel Texas Houston
Promoted articles are produced by CultureMap sponsors and not by the editorial staff.
Home » Travel
On the Road
Lewisville: Lake adventures galore with a side of art and history
On the Road
Seek out murals, Munsters, and so much more in Waxahachie
LATEST NEWS
Comfort food restaurant FM Kitchen quietly closes Montrose location
On the Road

Life's a beach in Galveston, where history comes alive on the shores

Life's a beach in Galveston, where history comes alive on the shores

By CultureMap Create
Jul 13, 2022, 12:00 pm
Enlarge
Slideshow
kids at galveston beach
Life's a beach on Galveston Island. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
galveston railroad museum
Go back in time at the Galveston Railroad Museum. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
bryan museum exhibit
Learn all about the American West at the Bryan Museum. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
kids at galveston beach
galveston railroad museum
bryan museum exhibit

Road tripping on island time really only requires one destination: Galveston. The cool breezes, sparkling Gulf waters, and massive dose of “vitamin sea” are all the justification you need to head to the coast, but here are a few more reasons that Galveston Island is the place to be.

Beach, please
With 32 miles of coastline, Galveston Island has a beach for every mood.

Start with the Seawall. At more than 10 miles long, it’s the longest continuous sidewalk in the United States and it's perfect for a stroll or bike ride while stopping off at beaches, unique shops, restaurants, and attractions along the way.

The expansive, scenic East Beach is home to special events (like the AIA Sandcastle Competition) and concerts throughout the summer, but you’ll also love it for the beachcombing, volleyball, and horseback riding.

Stewart Beach is the family-friendly beach park that has activities like volleyball, cornhole, giant Jenga, a playground, and more.

Nature lovers will gravitate to Galveston Island State Park; it’s the region's go-to destination for swimming, fishing, bird watching, hiking, paddling, and more.

And for more serene surroundings, head to one of the West End Pocket Parks for a dip in the sea, a picnic, and watching the sunset.

Get Moody
On your must list should be Moody Gardens, a destination in its own right with a 4-diamond hotel, spa, convention center, and an 18-hole, seaside-links golf course.

That’s in addition to its world-class aquarium, living rainforest, and Discovery Museum — each recognizable by their respective glass pyramid structures. They even have a ropes course and zipline onsite along with a 3-D theater, 4-D Special FX theater, and the 20,000 Leagues Interactive Adventure.

Satisfy your seafood craving
If seafood’s your favorite thing on the menu, Galveston has your order covered. Savor an island-fresh meal overlooking the beach or head to a local seafood market and cook a meal at your home away from home.

Pro tip: Dine at the iconic Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant, which was founded in 1911 and is located right along the Seawall — and don’t leave there without trying the grilled shrimp and blue cheese grits and their famous pecan pie.

Get an A-plus in history
Galveston's early days are peppered with characters such as explorer Cabeza de Vaca and infamous pirate Jean Lafitte, along with a robust history of immigration from Germany, Italy, Greece, and more. Galveston was once the second-largest immigration station in the country behind Ellis Island!

Before the 1900 hurricane, the barrier island was even considered the second richest city per capita in the U.S. and was even dubbed the “Wall Street of the South.”

Learn about the fascinating immigrant experience in Galveston through an immersive experience at Ship to Shore, which features hands-on and interactive exhibits based on authentic and documented personal stories of immigrants landing in Galveston.

At the Bryan Museum, you’ll find one of the world's largest collections of historical artifacts, documents, and artwork relating to the American West.

And go back to a time when the world traveled by rail at the Galveston Railroad Museum, which shows off steam engines, locomotives, passenger cars, freight cars, and more.

The museum also features a re-creation of the Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe depots with 31 plaster statues in early-1930s dress, each telling a story of railroading history.

Celebrate Juneteenth all year long
Perhaps the island’s most profound historic claim is being the birthplace of the Juneteenth holiday. To learn more, you can take a self-guided Freedom Walk to see five historic sites and their importance to Juneteenth.

You’ll also want to swing by the5,000-square-foot Absolute Equality mural, which was unveiled in 2021 and illustrates the journey of Black Americans out of slavery into freedom and the present day.

Created by Houston-based Reginald C. Adams, it’s located on the side of the Old Galveston Square building downtown and was an initiative of the Juneteenth Legacy Project, an organization that raises awareness and contributed to a growing push to make Juneteenth a national holiday.

Learn more and plan your island time at Visit Galveston.

Read These Next
silver falls park crosbyton
Stop along the Texas Plains Trail Region for stunning vistas
jack ryan's patio drinks
Strike it rich with Kilgore's nostalgic charm and heaps of history
Festival Acadiens
Let the good times roll this fall in Lafayette, Louisiana
silver falls park crosbyton
Stop along the Texas Plains Trail Region for stunning vistas
jack ryan's patio drinks
Strike it rich with Kilgore's nostalgic charm and heaps of history
Festival Acadiens
Let the good times roll this fall in Lafayette, Louisiana
  • Latest News
  • Most Popular
  • Montrose Mexican staple plans new breakfast joint with caviar + coffee
  • Houston's Lizzo plays runaway bride in new video starring famous hunk
  • Girl Scouts bake up radical flavor for 2023 cookie season in Houston
  • New all-day cafe serves Louisiana favorites in familiar Heights space
  • Stop along the Texas Plains Trail Region for stunning vistas
    - promoted -
See All Latest News >
  • Houston's Ho Family back for Season 2, inks exclusive real estate deal
  • Comfort food restaurant FM Kitchen quietly closes Montrose location
  • Justin Verlander shouts out his favorite Houston burger on national TV
  • Power couple behind Nobie's revive seafood-focused Montrose speakeasy
  • Verlander name drops EaDo eatery on national TV + more hot headlines
Vote Now
Whats Eric Eating
8/12
Meet Eculent's mad scientist chef, plus more hot Houston food news
7/28
Riel talk about Montrose's award-winning restaurant, more food news
7/21
The dish on new Thai tapas, plus best Houston Restaurant Weeks hacks
Hoffman's Houston
8/15
Ken Hoffman on why an Astros star's most heroic work is off the field
8/9
Hoffman on the Houston stars dominating the Radio Hall of Fame awards
8/1
Hoffman's stone-cold prediction on the demise of a U.S. ice cream fave
Where to Eat Houston
6/23
Where to eat in Houston right now: 9 stupendous new restaurants
4/20
Where to eat in Houston: 9 new restaurants for steak, ramen, and more
3/21
Where to eat in Houston: 10 new restaurants from Wild fare to steaks
Home | About Us | News Tips & Suggestions | Submit An Event | Submit A Charity | Advertise | Media Sponsorship | Jobs | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
© 2022 CultureMap LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Be A CultureMap Insider
Get Our Emails
Sign Up

We will not share or sell your email address

Newsletters for exploring your city

Thank you for signing up Please verify your e-mail by following the link we just sent you.
Look for an e-mail from CultureMap <info@culturemap.com>