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Before you go
Your trip to Galveston.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Galveston – Texas Destination Houston and Galveston about 342 km from Austin
How to get there
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George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) 113 km
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Port of Galveston 1 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
By car, about 80 km from Houston via Highway 45. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is about 115 km away; Hobby (HOU) is closer. The Port of Galveston receives cruise ships, near the historic center.
How many days
One to two days: one for the Strand, the historic houses and the Seawall, and another for the beaches, the pier and Moody Gardens.
When to go
From March to May and from September to November, with warm but milder days. From June to August, for the beaches, with hot weather and many people on weekends. From June to November is the Gulf of Mexico hurricane season, and forecasts deserve attention.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Yes, because the island is long. In the center, the Strand and the historic houses are walkable, and a tourist tram often links the center to the Seawall.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Galveston
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Morning
Strand and Bishop's Palace
Walk through the Strand historic district and visit Bishop's Palace, a late 19th‑century stone house.
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Afternoon
Seawall and pier
Head to the Seawall, the seaside wall, and spend the late afternoon on Pleasure Pier, the amusement pier over the gulf.
2 days in Galveston
Day 2
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All day
Moody Gardens and beach
Visit the pyramids of Moody Gardens, with the aquarium and the rainforest, and finish the day at the beach.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Does Galveston have beaches?
Yes, along the Seawall and at the island’s ends, such as East Beach and Stewart Beach. Gulf waters are often turbid, brownish in color, because of rivers that flow into the area.
Can you catch a cruise from Galveston?
Yes. The Port of Galveston, adjacent to the historic center, is a departure point for cruises to the Caribbean and Mexico.
What happened in Galveston in 1900?
A hurricane destroyed much of the city, the deadliest natural disaster in United States history. Afterward, the Seawall was built and the island’s level was raised.
What time zone is Galveston in?
UTC−6 in standard time (Central Time) and UTC−5 from March to November, during daylight saving time.