Galveston is one of the most visited cities in Texas. A city with more than a few ways to have fun, whether you come alone, with a romantic partner or in a large group. Located just off the Golf Coast, this island is home to more attractions than you could possibly visit and explore in a single day, but this is a big part of the island’s charm and why so many people return for multiple visits. Thousands of cruises leave and visit its shores every year and many tourists visit its many attractions. It is high time you take a day for yourself and your loved ones to do the same.
Seawall Urban Park
One of the best attractions for large groups to enjoy is the Seawall Urban Park, with about 10 miles of continuous sidewalk and as much beach to enjoy. Along its length, a wide array of restaurants, luxury resorts, and attractions settled right off the beach are available throughout the year to both locals and visitors. In short, this is one of Galveston’s most sought-after attractions and one of the main draws for people all over the world, especially during the summer months of the year. You can enjoy some time in the sun, fill your stomach with a freshly cooked meal and spend quality time with the people you love all without leaving the beach.
Port Bolivar Ferry
For those looking to step off the island and explore some of the surrounding Gulf, you can choose to board the Port Bolivar Ferry. Until 1929, it was only possible for people to visit Galveston Island from the mainland via a skiff, the Tarpon or two barges. Today, the ferry is one of the most popular choices of travelling between the mainland and Galveston, and this trip is an adventure in and of itself.
Completely free to passengers, this ferry is responsible for bringing more than eight million people between Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula each and every year. Although this is an enormous number, you will not feel overly crowded and will receive plenty of opportunity to enjoy the ride. To accommodate large crowds, up to six ferries are run at once while one is in operation 24 hours a day, and this is the only option available for motorists looking to bring their vehicle to the island.
1877 Tall Ship ELISSA
For those with a love of history, the ELISSA is a three-mast sailing vessel and boasts the title of being one of the oldest sailing hulls still in operation to this day. Launched in 1877, this merchant vessel has a history filled with adventure and hard work, and it sailed under many flags throughout its long lifespan, including Norway, Finland, Greece and Sweden! Quite literally, you walk where hundreds of people toiled and sailed more than 100 years ago as you explore the decks of this National Historic Landmark.
Bishop’s Palace
Bishop Palace, also known as Gresham’s Castle, is difficult to miss when exploring Galveston Island. The architecture of this enormous property is unparalleled, with ornate bronze dragons and complex stained glass windows adorning the building. This is, of course, only what you can see from the street as you walk by it on your way to the next adventure.
If you stop to step inside this 19,082sqft building, you will see absolutely breathtaking fireplaces, antique luxury furniture, dozens of sculptures and textiles as beautiful as the day they were placed inside the building. This Victorian building, completed in 1892, has more than 100 years of history etched into every crevice of the property, and you can find it in the East End of the Galveston’s Historic District. This building is considered by Galveston residents to be the city’s dearest treasures and is something you cannot afford to miss out on during your trip into Galveston.
