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

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where to travel right now

Free Austin music festival + 6 more Texas travel ideas in January

Photo by Renee Dominguez

Austin's Free Week music festival is a great way to support local artists during the slow season.

If your New Year's resolution is to travel more in 2026, CultureMap has you covered with seven newly opened hotels, deals, and fun events happening around Texas in January.

Houston wanderers can enjoy a free music festival in Austin, visit the iconic Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, explore the vast collections at the San Antonio Museum of Art, or stay local by checking in at a newly opened hotel in the Heights.

Here are our top picks for January Texas travel events, hotel news, and more.

In Austin

Donation-based festival Free Week is returning to Austin's famed Red River Cultural District (RRCD) from January 9-10. This year's festivities will include performances from over 80 musicians and bands at 13 different venues across both days. CultureMap has also compiled a list of our must-see artist picks. Local restaurants are also pitching in with food and beverage deals during the festival. Donations and a percentage of food and beverage sales will benefit the cultural district, which will dole out payments to artists who play, grants to the venues, and other assistance and preservation projects throughout the year.

The Ruby Hotel & Bar in Round Rock is kicking off the new year with a special relaxing deal for January and February stays, via its "Getaway & Decompress" package. Guests who book a two-night stay using the code "GETAWAY" will receive a 15 percent discount, and a "serenity-inducing" Sweet Dreams sleep kit that includes an eye mask, pillow mist, and relaxation balm. Room rates begin at $129 per night, and reservations can be booked online or via phone.

Room reservations are now available at the Inn at Green Pastures, a recently opened hotel in Austin's Bouldin Creek neighborhood on the same historic property as Southern restaurant Mattie's. The three-story inn features 63 guest rooms (including nine suites), a private pool, lounge, bar, and a brand new restaurant called Henry's Nite & Day. Nightly rates at the Inn at Green Pastures start at $395.

At home in Houston

Houston is starting the new year with a brand new hotel: Hotel Daphne recently opened in the Heights, boasting 49 guest rooms across a five-story building. It also features an all-day, Italian-inspired restaurant called Hypsi, a vine-wrapped courtyard and patio, jewel-box library, lobby retail shop, and an impressive art collection. But the most magnificent features of the property are the numerous mature Live Oak trees that have remained undisturbed during the hotel's construction. Rates at Hotel Daphne begin at $359 per night.

Hotel Daphne lobby Hotel Daphne introduces sophisticated vintage flair to The Heights. Photo by Julie Soefer

In San Antonio

Nine historic artifacts housed at the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) have recently been promised for a return to their rightful homes in Italy. One has departed already, but there's still plenty of time to admire the remaining eight pieces before they, too, are returned to the Italian government in 2030. The museum also features art from all over the world, including pieces from pre-1500s America. Admission is free for SAMA members and for children aged 12 and under, and tickets are $24 for adults with additional discounts for seniors (65-plus), military, and students.

In Dallas-Fort Worth

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is gearing up for its 2026 extravaganza on January 16, with 23 days full of action-packed livestock and horse shows, live music, a carnival, shopping opportunities, and so much more. The main events are the daily rodeos at Dickies Arena, including the Best of the West Ranch Rodeo, Best of Mexico Celebración, Cowboys of Color Rodeo, and Bulls Night Out Extreme Bull Riding. Rodeo ticket prices vary by event and date, but there are many ways to get discounts for the Stock Show.

It's nearly time to don your best cowboy hat and boots and ride up to Fort Worth. Photo courtesy of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

The Arlington Museum of Art is celebrating beloved author Jane Austen's 250th birthday with a special exhibition featuring costumes and jewelry from film adaptations of two of Austen's most iconic works: Pride and Prejudice (2005) and Emma (2020). The exhibit, Dressed for the Drawing Room: Fashion in Jane Austen’s World, will run from January 9 to March 22. Unlike the ticketed Game of Thrones exhibit, which is also on view at the museum, Dressed for the Drawing Room is free to visit. Attendees only need to pay for parking ($10 per car).

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