Galveston Guide

Guide to Galveston: New attractions and old favorites offer lots to do on the island

Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark offers lots to do, inlcuding a ride on the world's tallest water coster, aptly named MASSIVE.

With historic roots and a renewed energy, Galveston remains a weekend favorite for many Houstonians, less than an hour’s drive south of the city, located on the Gulf of Mexico. Sure, it may not be as exotic or luxurious as Belize or Cabo, but it’s a lot more affordable.

For starters, Galveston is home to 32 miles of beaches open year-round for recreation, so no matter how many times you’ve been, you probably haven’t even seen half of it. And 15 blocks of brand new beaches located on a stretch of the Seawall west of 61^st Street, named Babe’s Beach after former Texas Rep. A.R. “Babe” Schwartz, were recently unveiled.

But there's so much more to do than lounge on the beach.

Play Time

Aside from the obvious “play time” beaches are known for, new attractions are popping up around the island. The latest is the world’s tallest water coaster, aptly named MASSIVE, at Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark. According to the website, “unlike a waterslide, a water coaster is designed to send riders on both downhill and uphill experiences.” Sounds fun to me.

If you’ve got kids (or are trying to relive your youth), another popular attraction along the beachfront is the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier amusement park, which stands over the Gulf of Mexico complete with 16 thrill and amusement rides, live entertainment, games, food and even a full-service restaurant.

Moody Gardens is one of those family-friendly attractions everyone has heard of, but there are new dimensions being added to the destination all the time. This family adventure resort is one of the most visited attractions and truly is a piece of paradise. And what kind of paradise would it be without a links-style, par-72 golf course with scenic views of the Bay?

Moody Gardens also features a Discovery Museum, 3-D and 4-D theaters, water park, a ropes course and zip line, historic paddlewheel boat and the famed Moody Gardens Hotel.

The island’s newest green space and a spot that’s quickly becoming Instagram-famous is Hendley Green Park, which provides visitors a place to relax after taking in the shops and various attractions in historic downtown Galveston. The mini-park built by the Galveston Historical Foundation, includes a central lawn for outdoor recreation and seating, perfect for picnicking, thanks to the grove of 30 newly planted oak trees. The area also has accompanying tables and umbrellas, helping keep you (and your picnic) in the shade.

If you’re a beach-lover more interested in water activities, Galveston has definitely stepped up their water adventure games lately. Galveston Helicopters offered at Stewart Beach offers five exciting tour options, showcasing different views of the island from the beach to the bay. Thanks to Extreme Water Sports the island now offers fly boarding (think futuristic movies water activities), where flyers strap on a jet-pack device and hover up to 35 feet above Offatts Bayou with rides lasting 20-60 minutes.

New to East Beach, Galveston Island Horse & Pony Rides offers horseback riding along the shore for a romantic experience and Galveston Water Adventures on Pier 21 is offering a new sunset cruise, a perfect way to escape responsibilities on land for a evening. Another new adventure is Sea Scout Base Galveston, which offers sailing adventures on Sundays.

If you consider yourself a foodie, check out Harborside Mercantile, a quaint new restaurant brought to you by highly celebrated Houston restaurateurs Ricky Craig and Joshua Martinez. The eatery located in a historic building on The Strand features Southern coastal food including home-style po'boys, muffuletta sandwiches, seafood platters, and more, offering only the freshest local seafood.

Sleepy Time

When it comes to finding a spot to lay your head after a long day at the beach, Galveston has plenty of options, of all price ranges. For a nicer, luxury stay, check out Hotel Galvez and Spa, the only historic beachfront hotel on the Texas Gulf Coast. The pool and swim-up bar make this popular amongst travelers, not to mention the complimentary shuttle and courtesy bikes for guests to explore the island.

The San Luis Resort Spa & Conference Center is a 32-acre beachfront hotel and spa that is another favorite. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, grab a refreshing cocktail at H20 Ultra Lounge for people watching and fun summer vibes complete with fire pits and a drink menu full of tropical martinis.

The Tremont House is an island boutique-style hotel located in the heart of downtown, with a unique rooftop bar, thrilling guests since 2011. Guests should also take advantage of the Jazz Group Trio du Jour Friday and Saturday nights from 6 - 10, whether you’re a hotel guest or just there for dinner and drinks.

The sprawling island also boasts a number of charming bed and breakfasts and family-friendly houses and condos. You’ll find lodging accommodations fit for you and the entire family (should you choose).

Aruba, Jamaica, oh I want to take ya

Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama

Key Largo, Montego, baby why don't we go, TO GALVESTON

hotels

REVIVING THE ALAMO

Texas landmark the Alamo reclaims historic cannon from private ownership

Photo by Gower Brown/ Unsplash

A 90-pound cannon used in the Battle of the Alamo is returning to its San Antonio home.

It turns out the Alamo's original 1836 cannons are good for more than just defense — they also make a sturdy birdbath. After serving as a garden ornament for Samuel Maverick’s descendants, an authentic piece of San Antonio history is finally returning home to the revered mission.

According to an Alamo announcement, the swivel cannon weighs 90 pounds and is approximately three feet long. The relic was originally found in 1852 when Maverick built a home near the northwest corner of the battle’s site.

The lawyer and land baron was saved from death when he was urged by William Barret Travis to ride to the Texas Declaration of Independence convention in Washington-on-the-Brazos to send reinforcements. Returning to the Alamo’s grounds, he found a cache of cannons buried where the Hotel Gibbs sits today.

From there, the cannon wound up at the Maverick family’s Sunshine Ranch on the Northwest Side, where it was eventually incorporated into the garden DIY project. In 1955, the cannon was removed from the ranch, and the current location remained a mystery until the Alamo received a call from a Maverick relative in Corpus Christi.

Alamo cannon This Alamo artifact gives an idea of what the cannon will look like once restoration is complete.Photo courtesy of the Alamo.

“The relative graciously donated the cannon to the Alamo,” wrote a rep from the mission. “Alamo Senior Researcher and Historian Kolby Lanham and Head Conservator Pam Jary Rosser drove down the very next day to take this piece of history home to the Alamo.”

Although the artillery is mostly intact, it is missing its trunnions (the pivot-point protrusions on the sides of the barrel) and cascabel (the knob and neck assembly at the rear of historic muzzle-loading cannons). The parts were removed by the Mexican army to make the cannon inoperable.

Once preservation is complete, this cannon and the Alamo Collection’s other battle cannons will make their way to the upcoming Visitor Center and Museum, where they will be joined by rocker Phil Collins' collection of Alamo artifacts. The Alamo is in the midst of a $550 million preservation project, which includes conserving the Alamo Church, Long Barrack, and the mission’s original footprint. The museum is on track to debut in late 2027.

history museums artifacts texas history the alamo