The Texas Gulf Coast is a fantastic beach vacation destination for fun and relaxation. When you choose to stay on the Bolivar Peninsula for your next beach vacation, you can also easily access all the fun things to do in Galveston, TX. There are exciting attractions, things to do, and dining options.
Be sure to take advantage of our FREE Destination Guide. It is full of vacation tips, planning ideas, and more.
Your Crystal Beach vacation rental is just a short ferry ride from Galveston. The ferry can transport your vehicle, so there is no need to worry about transportation once you reach your destination. If you’d like to take the ferry between Crystal Beach and Galveston, check out our blog post with everything you need to know about the ferry service.
Please keep reading for all our favorite things to do in Galveston!
POPULAR GALVESTON ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
1. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
If you love the boardwalk atmosphere and carnival-style rides, games, and food, you’ll love the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier! Guests can also enjoy great shopping, dining, events, a 5D theater, and much more.
2. 1892 Bishop’s Palace
A National Historic Landmark, Bishop’s Palace is a great place to slow down and take in a little history. Enjoy stepping back in time as you walk through the ornate home and learn about its significance in Galveston. On the same street, the 1895 Moody Mansion is also available to tour during your visit.
3. Scenic Biplane Tour
If you are searching for a unique and thrilling experience during your vacation to the Bolivar Peninsula, we have just the thing! A scenic biplane tour is a perfect addition to your vacation itinerary. Thrill-seekers will love the opportunity to fly over Galveston and the beautiful Gulf beach from the open-air cockpit of a biplane.
4. Galveston Railroad Museum
All aboard! The Galveston Railroad Museum is the place to go for a fun adventure on the rails. Learn about the railroad’s history and impact on Galveston, explore numerous exhibits, and be sure to hop aboard the Polar Express during the Christmas season.
5. OceanStar Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum
Tour a retired oil rig and learn all about life on an oil rig when you visit the OceanStar. From 1969 to 1984, the OceanStar oil rig drilled for oil in the Gulf of Mexico until it was refurbished and turned into today’s museum.
6. Moody Gardens
Known for its three iconic glass pyramids, Moody Gardens has plenty to do, see, and learn! Explore a 1.5-million-gallon aquarium in the Aquarium Pyramid, take a walk through the rainforest (complete with live animals) in the Rainforest Pyramid, and enjoy attractions like the Discovery Museum, 3D and 4D theaters, interactive shows, a dinner paddlewheel boat, rope and zip line courses, a beach, a waterpark, dining, shopping, and more. If you visit during the winter holiday season, don’t miss the magical holiday experience at Moody Gardens!
7. Schlitterbahn Water Park
Make a splash at Galveston’s very own water park! Schlitterbahn Water Park is a large water park that features watery fun for various thrill-seekers. From lazy rivers, massive slides, and everything in between, the whole family is sure to have a blast at Schlitterbahn.
For Crystal Beach waterparks, click here.
8. Galveston Island State Park
Slow down and enjoy nature as you venture through Galveston Island State Park. You can paddle the waters, fish, photograph wildlife, camp, walk the beach, and even participate in a ranger program to learn about the park and wildlife.
9. Galveston Naval Museum
Have you ever wanted to tour a submarine? You can do just that and also tour a retired Destroyer Escort at the Galveston Naval Museum! Learn about all things Navy, including life on a ship, and enjoy viewing artifacts as you tour their grounds.
10. The Grand 1894 Opera House
You can catch an entertaining show at The Grand 1894 Opera House! This beautiful, historic Opera House hosts a variety of entertainment throughout the year, from stage performances to entertainers and dancers to operas.
Of course, there are plenty more fantastic things to do in Galveston, like walking tours of the city, haunted ghost tours, horse-drawn carriage rides, airplane tours, dolphin boat tours, pub crawls, and more. Like we said, there is something for everyone in Galveston!
GALVESTON DINING
Galveston is home to many delicious restaurants featuring all kinds of different and delectable cuisines! No matter what you’re in the mood for, Galveston has it. Click here for a comprehensive guide to some of the best dining in Galveston.
As you can see, there are plenty of fun and exciting things to do in Galveston, TX! From walking through a rainforest and coasting down water slides to visiting historic landmarks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during your Bolivar Peninsula vacation. Start planning your holiday today and be on your way to making beautiful memories. Staying with Swedes Real Estate in Crystal Beach, TX, offers you the best of both worlds. Enjoy the peace and quiet of our beachside community while also enjoying a day trip to popular destinations like Galveston.
Take a look at our available vacation rentals and start planning your vacation today.