Many Texas locals belove Galveston, and there are many reasons why. Galveston offers many fun and lively activities for family, friends, or solo trips to the beach town!
3204 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX, islandfamous.com/thespot
The Spot is a cult favorite of any Galveston local. The perfect place for classic American cuisine, The Spot serves locally sourced seafood, a beachfront view, and world-famous burgers. If you’re in the mood for a good traditional American meal with a beach view, The Spot is where you should head!
1824 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX, millersseawallgrillgalveston.com
Miller’s Seawall Grill has served delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for years. Beloved by the Galveston community, Miller’s is known for its seafood selection and its traditional take on an American breakfast. For those who want a plate of steak and eggs with a view of the sunrise, Miller’s Seawall Grill is the place for you.
2410 The Strand, Galveston, TX, hearsayonthestrand.com
Chic antique is the name of the game when it comes to Hearsay on the Strand. You’re immediately transported to a vintage atmosphere when you enter the restaurant, eyeing a menu full of fun cocktails and cuisine. More elevated than most Galveston local restaurants, Hearsay on the Strand provides upscale dining with an energetic feel.
5400 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX, hilton.com
Hilton Galveston Island Resort is a modern beachfront hotel just steps away from the beach while providing its own fun on the resort. With an outdoor pool and swim-up bar, the hotel offers so much that you might not want to leave! Perfect for couples or families, the hotel is just a 10-minute drive from Pleasure Pier and the Grand 1984 Opera House.
2300 Ship Mechanic Row St, Galveston, TX, thetremonthouse.com
The Tremont House is a luxury Galveston hotel with a flare of Southern charm. Designed to offer high-quality accommodations, the Tremont is one of the most popular hotels in Downtown Galveston. This hotel is beaming with luxury, with a rooftop event space, a cafe, and a bar.
4000 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX, fsotg.com
Four Seasons on the Gulf is a colorful Galveston hotel located on the Seawall for optimal proximity to the beach. With townhome-style floor plans, this hotel is for those looking for a more personalized Galveston experience. You can spend the day at the beach and come home to cook a fun dinner with friends or family with their full-size kitchen appliances!
2326 The Strand, Galveston, TX, tinasonthestrand.com
Tina’s on The Strand is the one-stop shop for all things shopping. From candles to jewelry to body care, Tina’s has it all. They offer a selection of accessories, shoes, and home goods for various customers. Located on The Strand, Tina’s is the perfect stop for some post or pre-lunch shopping.
2301 The Strand #102, Galveston, TX, mercantileonthestrand.com
Shopping is always in season at Mercantile on The Strand! The Galveston modern gift shop carries homeware, men’s products, jewelry, home decor, and much more. Mercantile on The Strand is the ideal spot to pick up a gift for a loved one, an item to refresh your home, or even just a fashionable piece of jewelry for yourself.
2202 The Strand, Galveston, TX, graciesgiftshop.com
Looking for the perfect piece of Galveston to take home with you? If so, Gracie’s is the store for you. Gracie’s is located on The Strand and carries jewelry, cookbooks, children’s accessories, and home decor. They have the beloved Nest fragrances and needlepoint pillows for any true home decor lover.
3204 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Located on the Seawall, DRIP offers fun and flavorful cocktails to sip on before you head over to any of the delectable restaurants on the Seawall. They are known to serve delicious bloody marys and signature mojitos.
111 23rd St., Galveston, TX, stuttgardentavern.com
Stuttgarden Tavern offers a dog-friendly patio, pool table, indoor beer hall, and rooftop bar. The vast menu selection is crucial to Stuttgarden’s beloved customers, making it the perfect place to stop for drinks. They offer trivia on Tuesday and Sunday nights and live music on Mondays and Fridays.
2028 Postoffice St., Galveston, TX, rudyandpaco.com
Rudy & Paco Restaurant and Bar is ideal for a pre-dinner cocktail with a side of chips and salsa. The South and Central American-style restaurant knows how to make the perfect cocktail to satisfy that margarita craving!
2314 The Strand, Galveston, TX, yagascafe.com
Yaga’s Cafe caters to a broad audience with multiple menus, one being the healthy menu. Despite the beautiful food selection, Yaga’s also features a concert calendar with many lively bands and performers. They stay open for customers to enjoy live music and get their dancing shoes on!
2411 Mechanic St., Galveston, TX, soundbartx.com
Get your vocal cords ready because the Sound Club in Galveston is the place for some good fun and karaoke! Transitioning from a soundbar to a nightclub to a home bar, Sound Bar truly does it all. This perfect place to go for some nighttime fun with friends is on Mechanic Street!
2024 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX
Located inside the Grand Galvez Hotel, The Founders Bar is the perfect end to a night in Galveston. Open until 11 p.m.; this bar offers an upscale feel with a menu full of signature cocktails. The Founders Bar is perfect for a romantic nightcap or a final round of drinks with friends.
1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX, moodygardens.com
Moody Gardens is by far a cultural staple in Galveston. The best place to take your family for an adventure-packed day, Moody Gardens offers an aquarium, theatre, paddlewheel boat, and rainforest pyramid; this multitude of activities ensures no kid is left without a smile on their face!
1402 Broadway Ave. J, Galveston, TX, galvestonhistory.org
When you step foot at Bishop’s Palace, you are immediately transported to an ornate castle filled with historical facts and Victorian-style decor. You can take friends or family on a self-guided tour through the castle halls or opt for an educational group tour!
2501 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX 77550, pleasurepier.com
I couldn’t discuss cultural experiences in Galveston without mentioning the Pleasure Pier! Full of rides and amusement, the pier offers numerous activities that take you over the Gulf of Mexico in a whirlwind of fun. You can ride on the Pirate’s Plunge, grab a bite to eat at Big Top Bites, and finish the day off with a trip to the Pelican’s Bag gift store!
With all there is to do in Galveston, sometimes we forget what drew us there in the first palace, the beach! Grab an umbrella and some towels, and head to the beach to bask in the sun and enjoy the water.
Photography by: Courtesy of Yaga’s Cafe
