Galveston Things to Do Tips by H-TownJourneyman Top 5 Page for this destination

The Elissa The Elissa Review

The Elissa, an original 18th century Tall Ship now docked at the Texas Seaport Museum near the Strand district, was originally built in Scotland and launched in 1877. Over its long history the ship has resided in many countries, and during it's time has crossed the Atlantic on numerous occasions. The Galveston Historical Society purchased the ship in 1975, and after a lengthy restoration process in Greece & Gibraltar, it was sailed to Galveston, where it resides today. After continued restoration in Galveston, Elissa began sailing around to various ports along the Gulf Of Mexico, and continues to this day. Now, when the Elissa is not out on one of its voyages, it is available for tours to the public. Its a great opportunity to see firsthand not only a ship from a time past, but one that is still fully functional! Prices are very reasonable, $6 for adults, $4 for kids. A great historical place to visit while on the island!

Directions: At the Texas Seaport Museum on Pier 21, near the Strand district

Phone: 409-763-1877

Experience The Great Storm Pier 21 Theatre Review

The 1900 Galveston Hurricane was by far this city's most profound and influential event in it's history. Leveling and flooding the entire island, and killing over 8,000 people, the storm decimated the "Wall Street of the South", and Galveston never regained the prominence it had obtained prior the tragedy. But now the Pier 21 theater offers a vivid and moving account of what it was like amidst the chaos and confusion of the worst natural disaster ever to occur in the U.S. "The Great Storm" film contains actual film footage and photos of the destruction after the storm, as well as reenactments and animations of what it was like during the peak of the hurricane's wrath. It is an experience not to be missed while visiting the island, as it gives one amazing insight to what had occured right here just over a century ago, and why Galvestonian's still refer to this event as the storm of all storms! Admission is $3.50, and kids under 6 are free.

Directions: Located at the Texas Seaport Museum on Pier 21, near the Strand District

Phone: 409-763-8808

Sacred Heart Catholic Church Sacred Heart Catholic Church Review

Sacred Heart Church is a absolutely beautiful structure located near the Strand district on Broadway. The church's original building was opened in 1892, and was destroyed in the 1900 Galveston Hurricane that ravaged the city and killed thousands of people. The current building was completed in 1904, and partially rebuilt again after another hurricane in 1915. The church stands out among the many other Victorian style structures nearby, with it's lovely white color, and it's Moorish & Byzantine influences in design. Palm trees surround the perimeter of it, enhancing the wonderful architecture of the structure.

Address: 1302 Broadway St

Phone: 409-762-6374

A Drive, or Walk, Down Broadway Street

If you are coming to Galveston from Houston, driving down I-45 into town gives you the perfect opportunity to see some of the city's wonderful history and architecture! I-45 turns into Broadway St. shortly after crossing onto the island, and as you progress down Broadway, the scene turns quite beautiful very quickly! Broadway is home to many of the city's oldest and prettiest houses, a good deal of them being built in the 19th and early 20th century! Many of the old houses such as Moody Mansion and Bishop's Palace have been turned into museums for public viewing. Tall Texas Oak trees also line the street, giving it an even more beautiful look as you make your way down. Definately worth checking out, whether you're driving or walking!

Directions: Broadway St., near the Strand District

Bishop's Palace Bishop's Palace Review

Located on Broadway St., Bishop's Palace is one of the oldest and most beautiful mansions in all of Galveston. Originally completed in 1893, it was built and owned by Walter Gresham, a former U.S Congressman. The Catholic Diocese of Galveston purchased it in 1923 intending it to be the official residence of the bishop, even though only 1 bishop ever lived in it. In 1963 the church opened up the building as a museum. The wonderful architecture, both inside and out, make it a very popular attraction on the island. Built of limestone, sandstone, and granite, the structure has a very unique look to it on the outside. And it's gorgeous woodwork on the inside can impress any visitor that passes through. Bishop's Palace is open daily, and tours are generally given on the 1/2 hour.

Address: 1402 Broadway

Phone: 409-762-2475

Moody Mansion Moody Mansion and Museum Review

Moody Mansion is one of the great Victorian style homes located on lower Broadway near the Strand district. It was completed in 1895, and bought by the Moody family shortly after the great 1900 Galveston hurricane. The house has been a museum since the mid-1980's, when the last Moody family member moved out. The Moody family was one of the richest in Texas at the turn of the 20th century, making much of their money in the cotton industry. This house certainly shows off the family's wealth, even without stepping foot in it at all! The red and white limestone & brick, along with the arches around the front, create a very beautiful look to the entire outside of the house. The inside has over 20 rooms to be viewed, all decorated and furnished with original family woodwork, art, and furniture. The guided tour also includes a short film about the family and the early days of life in Galveston. Great for history buffs, or anyone looking for an interesting piece of Galveston's past!

Address: 2618 Broadway

Directions: On Broadway, near 26th Street

Phone: 409-762-7668

Website: http://www.moodymansion.org/

Stewart Beach Stewart Beach Review

Stewart Beach is the big family-oriented beach on the island. Most of the events and activities that go on here over the summer are geared towards families and children. There are sandcastle competitions, concerts, and beach volleyball & soccer tournaments held throughout the summer. There is also a miniature golf course here as well. Nearby there is also a huge McDonald's to eat at. A great place to take the kids, but it can get quite crowded on weekends and holidays. There is a fee for vehicles to enter, and they are not allowed on the beach.

Directions: Located on Seawall Blvd. at 6th street

Website: http://www.cityofgalveston.org/recreation/beaches_stewart.cfm

East Beach East Beach Review

Touted as Galveston's "party beach", East Beach is the site of numerous festivals, parties, concerts, and special events. Over the course of the long Texas summers, the beach here can get packed, as it is one of the few beaches on the island that cars can drive along. It is also one of the few major beaches that drinking alcohol is allowed, which automatically draws many partygoers from all around. During the winter months and many week days, the beach is almost practically deserted, but this is in stark contrast to the gaggles of people here in the summer. Each Beach is located at the very eastern point of the island, and for vehicles there are fees for entrance.

Directions: Eastern end of Galveston Island

Website: http://www.cityofgalveston.org/recreation/beaches_apffel.cfm

The Galveston Seawall Seawall Review

In the aftermath of the horrific 1900 hurricane that killed over 8,000 people, and causing the entire island to submerge, officials decided that there needed to be some sort of barrier to protect the city of Galveston from future tropical storms. In 1902, construction began on the seawall, that now protects nearly 10 miles of the eastern end of the island from the potential ravages of storm surges caused by incoming hurricanes. Since it's completion, it has been tested several times by storms, and proving very effective in defense of the city. The seawall rises 17 feet above the beachfront, made of concrete. Much of the beachfront that is protected by the seawall also has huge blocks of Texas pink granite just in front of the wall as another front against the scurge of storms. During the construction of the seawall, and over the course of 6 years, the entire city of Galveston was also raised over 6 feet, with buidings being jacked up, and sand pumped underneath them. Seawall Blvd, running above & along the stretch of the wall, provides beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico, and is an excellent place to go jogging, or take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront. There are many restaurants, hotels & shops all down the seawall, and recently a carnival area was set up with many rides and games for people to enjoy.

Directions: Eastern end of the island

1900 Galveston Hurricane Memorial Galveston Hurricane Memorial Review

On September 8, 1900, the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history occured here on Galveston Island. A hurricane slammed ashore, and caused a storm surge that put the entire island underneath the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Along with the incredible devistation and destruction caused by the ferocious wind, rain, and flooding, over 8,000 people lost their lives. Over 90 of them were children and sisters at St. Mary's orphanage, which was completely leveled as a result of the storm. The hurricane changed the city forever, which had been the largest city in Texas. In the years to come, a seawall was built to protect the city, and the entire city itself was raised over 6 feet with sand being pumped in under all buildings and residences. 100 years later, in the year 2000, a memorial was dedicated on the seawall in rememberance to what had occured here a century ago, and the thousands of lives that were lost. After hearing the story of the dramatic events that went on here, seeing the memorial can be a sobering moment to say the least.

Directions: Located on Seawall Blvd, east of 61st street