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

Riverside Reno

Fresh makeover turns Hill Country hotel into modern riverside refuge

Photo courtesy of Hacienda Del Rio\u200b

No matter how cosmopolitan the hotel gets, nothing can beat the trees around this pool.

After a two-year renovation and rebranding, Hacienda Del Rio Hotel and Bar has opened in Gruene, a historic district within New Braunfels. Formerly the Gruene Outpost River Lodge, the property along the Guadalupe River now has 48 renovated rooms, new outdoor sports like pickleball, and updated amenities at the pool.

The River Lodge's previous aesthetic was DIY and rustic, but the new Hacienda Del Rio has a much more cosmopolitan, contemporary design. The new look is full of midcentury styles, but with other eclectic elements mixed in. A press release declares the space was "designed in the spirit of Spanish colonial architecture," but don't expect anything old-fashioned.

$Hacienda Del Rio\u200b Hotel and Bar interior$ These earthy tones mellow out an otherwise energetic space.Photo courtesy of Hacienda Del Rio

Texas-based hotel group French Cowboys was behind this major makeover, which started in April 2023. That puts Hacienda Del Rio in a family with Camp Comfort and The Meyer Hotel in the Hill Country town of Comfort; the Claire Hotel near Canyon Lake; the Gruene River Inn and Heidelberg Lodges in New Braunfels, and Webber East in Austin.

The Hacienda can accommodate up to 178 guests in a variety of room layouts including kings, double queens, and suites. Bathrooms and showers are new, and rooms are outfitted with smart TVs, plus custom steel doors and windows. Photos of guestrooms, although they are colorful, show off a streamlined sensibility.

A new clubhouse and cocktail bar draws guests who may not be staying overnight. Coffee and breakfast will be available in the morning, followed by daytime snacks, and finally a full bar in the evening. Anyone who stops by can enjoy beer, wine, and signature cocktails, plus shuffleboard, a pool table, and even some workspace. There will also be a new conference room for presentations, retreats, and more.

$Hacienda Del Rio\u200b Hotel and Bar interior$ This lounge is open to hotel guests and the public.Photo courtesy of Hacienda Del Rio

Departing from the artsy interior to New Braunfels' beautiful surroundings, guests can play pickleball, beach volleyball, and basketball on a half-court, plus fire pits near the river and kayaks, paddleboards, and floats. River adventures will be facilitated by Paddle Texas, which will offer rentals and experiences. Finally, a renovated pool and deck provide more leisure space.

“‘Del Rio’ reflects the area’s deep connection to the Guadalupe River, where guests can jump in, float, or just hang out by the water, whether it’s at the river or our pool," said French Cowboys co-founder Dylan Petrich in a press release. "And Hacienda captures our vision of creating a vibrant, social place where people can kick back, enjoy the outdoors, and grab a drink, all in one of the Hill Country’s most iconic destinations, without breaking the bank."

Rates start at $125 per night, and the food and beverage space is open every day. Introductory rates are available for those who book through December 31, 2025.

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