The Strand
Historic buildings and shops.
Galveston
A Gulf island of Victorian mansions, a Pleasure Pier and the story of the deadliest natural disaster in US history, the 1900 hurricane.
The Strand has 19th-century iron buildings, and Moody Gardens has glass pyramids. Juneteenth began here in 1865, when enslaved people were told of their freedom.
- Best Time
- April to October
- Time Needed
- 1–2 days
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Year-round
- Getting There
- About 1 hour south of Houston.
What to See
2 of 4 are freeBishop's Palace
An ornate 1892 stone mansion.
Historic Pleasure Pier
Rides over the Gulf.
Juneteenth mural
The 'Absolute Equality' mural where it began.
Know Before You Go
- Battleship Texas is due back in 2027.
- Beach water is usually brown from the Mississippi's silt.
Where to Stay
Stay on The Strand or Seawall.
Where to Eat
Our picks are on the way.
Editor's picks. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Something wrong or out of date?
Traveler Reviews
Sign in and mark Galveston as visited to write a review.
Go Next
If You're NearbyHouston
Texas
A huge museum district, Space Center Houston nearby and one of the most varied food scenes in the country.
Full Guide
Worth a DetourSpace Center Houston
Texas
NASA's visitor center, with a tram to the historic Apollo Mission Control and a full Saturn V rocket.
Full Guide
Must-SeeThe Alamo and San Antonio
Texas
The mission where Texas fought for independence, four more UNESCO-listed missions and the River Walk.
Full Guide
Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Texas list.