Galveston Holidays 2026 & 2027

Spread across 32 miles of sandy shores, Galveston Island and its namesake city are home to sunbathing beaches, coastal trails, native wildlife, fascinating history and resort town living. Offering a relaxing contrast to the cowboys, ranches and skyscraper-filled metropoles of mainland Texas, Galveston is also known as a haven for birdwatchers with more than 300 species – from striking roseate spoonbills to elusive rails – passing through the island each year. Major sanctuaries include Galveston Island State Park, the Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary and East End Lagoon, which is also a prime location for kayaking, surfing and paddle boarding.

Across town, Moody Gardens offers golf with spectacular views of the Gulf, and opportunities for boating and sailing through Galveston’s inlets abound. The island boasts excellent angle fishing, and fresh-caught seafood features at almost every local restaurant.

For those interested in the cultural side of Galveston, the island was once a pirate stronghold, a former immigration port for European immigrants to the United States and the birthplace of Juneteenth in 1865. Galveston’s diverse past is central to the history of the Gulf Coast region and visitors can explore it all at the outstanding Bryan Museum, which also displays items from mainland Texas dating back 12,000 years.