Galveston
Welcome to Galveston | Bienvenido a Galveston (English | Spanish)
Why visit
Galveston is the easy island escape from Houston. Broad Gulf beaches, the Pleasure Pier amusement park, the historic Strand for shopping and Mardi Gras crowds (huge here), and Moody Gardens' rainforest pyramid. Walk the Bishop's Palace, Ashton Villa, and the East End mansions for Gilded Age architecture. Spring (March to May) and fall (September to October) are best. Warm but not punishing, and the seas are calmer.
When to avoid
June through November is hurricane season. Watch forecasts and don't book unrefundable trips during peak (August to October). Mid-summer beach water can be brown from Mississippi outflow and Sargassum-strewn. The seawall traffic is brutal on weekends. Many waterfront hotels look better online than in person. Pick the East End or West Beach for nicer stays.
