"Not an ideal location during a hurricane..." Galveston by Bunsch

Jean Lafitte and his band of pirates established a settlement at Galveston in 1817, and it just got larger and wealthier until in the 1890's it was Texas' largest and wealthiest city. Then came the great hurricane of 1900, and the city was just about wiped out. It's very easy to see why when you stop in this multi-faceted city, a mere seventeen feet above sea level but with nothing whatsoever to impede the onrushing wind and waves.

The Victorian neighborhoods have been restored, particularly along the Strand, and the money returned in the form of cruise ships. I'll have to hope you find some other Galveston pages to introduce you to the various marvels on offers, because my visit was limited to taking the Port Bolivar ferry. But a pod of dophins waved goodbye as I headed across Galveston Bay, perhaps inviting me to return.

• Pros:Nice beaches!
• Cons:Low-lying with limited escape routes for hurricanes