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Historic centre · Galveston, Texas
The Strand
Galveston’s historic downtown district, with 19th‑century commercial buildings featuring cast‑iron facades, near the port.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About The Strand
The Strand is Galveston’s historic downtown district by the port, where in the 19th century the banks, cotton warehouses and commercial houses that made the city the richest in Texas were located. The street was once called the Wall Street of the Southwest.
The brick buildings with cast-iron facades and balconies largely survived the 1900 hurricane and now house shops, galleries, ice-cream parlors and restaurants. Museums in the area tell the stories of the port, the railroad and the hurricane, and a historic 1877 sailing ship, the Elissa, is moored at the maritime museum pier.
At year’s end, the Strand hosts a street festival with Victorian-era costumes, and during Carnival there are Mardi Gras parades.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, outside the midday heat; on cruise ship days the area is busier.
How to get there
On foot, in downtown Galveston, a few blocks from the cruise port.
Tip
Maritime museum admission includes the visit to the sailing ship Elissa; check the museum website for hours.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about The Strand
What is the Strand in Galveston?
The downtown historic district with 19th-century commercial buildings featuring cast-iron facades, now home to shops and restaurants.
Is the Strand near the cruise port?
Yes, a few blocks away; many cruise passengers visit the Strand before boarding.
What is the Elissa?
A historic 1877 sailing ship moored at Galveston’s maritime museum pier, open for visits.