Galveston Island Attractions

Historic Galveston Island is home to a variety of popular attractions, from landmarks and historic buildings to modern wonders and scenic natural areas. Taken together, these attractions make Galveston one of the most popular tourist destinations in Texas.

Galveston is one of the most historic cities in Texas. From its time as a major 1800s era shipping port, through the 1900 hurricane and up until modern day, Galveston has played a large role in shaping Texas history. Luckily, a good number of the landmarks and buildings that played a role in this history are still around today.

Completed in 1893, the Bishop's Palace survived the 1900 hurricane and is now part of Galveston's Historic Homes Tour.

Popular Texas waterpark Schlitterbahn has added a third location - Schlitterbahn Galveston Island. Like the other Schlitterbahn parks, Schlitterbahn Galveston Island features plenty of unique and innovative rides. However, unlike any other waterpark in the world, Schlitterbahn Galveston Island is 'convertible,' offering outdoor fun in the summer and indoor water rides during the winter.

Visitors crossing the causeway to Galveston will surely see the pyramids rising on the western side of the island. Those pyramids are just part of magnificent Moody Gardens. With attractions that include several aquariums, an IMAX theatre and even a rainforest, Moody Gardens is a must see for Galveston visitors.

Home to the 1877 tall ship Elissa, a national historic landmark, the Texas Seaport Museum tells the seaborne history of Galveston, which was known as "The Ellis Island of the West" in the 1800s.

Developed as Galveston's commerce center in the late 1800s, the Strand has survived over 100 years to be reborn as an island shopping mecca.

Catch an 1800s-style fixed rail trolley to view historic Galveston Island.

Departing daily from Moody Gardens, the Colonel is a 750-passenger paddlewheel boat - the largest of its kind sailing the Texas coast. You can hop aboard on a group charter or book the boat yourself for a private cruise.

Passenger trains were the mainstay of tourist traffic for Galveston until the 1960s. The Galveston Island Railroad Museum tells the story of the railroad's role in the early development of Galveston.

Galveston's historic downtown district has many buildings remaining that survived the 1900 storm, as well as the Strand shopping district, Railway Museum, and many more attractions.

Galveston County's only winery, Haak Winery is located in Santa Fe, a short drive from Galveston Island.

Completed in 1895, the Moody Mansion is the epitome of Victorian architecture in turn of the century Galveston. The mansion, which was home to the powerful Moody family, survived the 1900 hurricane and now has been restored and is open for tours and lunch.

Located in the historic Strand district, the Pier 21 Theater is a restored historic theater which shows films depicting Galveston's past.

Leaving from the Texas Cruise Ship Terminal, boats from both Royal Caribbean and Carnival cruise lines take passengers from Galveston to ports of call across the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean.

There is nothing more romantic - or relaxing - than riding through Galveston's historic district on a horse drawn carriage.

Located at the Galveston International Airport, the Lone Star Flight Museum displays rebuilt aircraft and historic photos of wartime aircarft from various eras throughout United States history.

Galveston's Mardi Gras Museum houses costumes and other Mardi Gras memorabilia from as far back as 1876.