What to do and see in Galveston, Texas (TX): The Best Free Things to do

August 20, 2021 Enriqueta Cusson

More than 30 miles of beaches plus a wealth of cultural and historic institutions make this island a Gulf of Mexico vacation hot spot. If you go, don't forget your walking shoes: With 14 museums and 20 art galleries, plus several historic homes and mansions, there's a lot of ground to cover. Armchair pilots will love the Lone Star Flight Museum and those with more of a nautical interest can check out the Texas Seaport Museum. Families will enjoy the many child-friendly attractions, including Moody Gardens, with its replica of a tropical rain forest. It's easy to get caught up in all the activities, but don't forget to spend some downtime in the sun and on the beach.
Restaurants in Galveston

1. Kite's and Flagpoles Unlimited

8910 Seawall Blvd Corner of 89th and Seawall, Galveston, Galveston Island, TX 77554-6002 +1 409-744-4121 https://www.facebook.com/Txkitesandflags
Excellent
85%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 26 reviews

Kite's and Flagpoles Unlimited

Reviewed By sandy19552016 - Spring, United States

I've been wanting to get a kite for some time, but there aren't many places to buy one. We were visiting friends in Galveston and I saw the kites flying outside of this store and just had to stop. The saleslady at the store was very nice and helped me pick out the right kite for me and even gave me some tips on reeling in the kite. I also bought a few fun flags for our house flaghholder. So many fun choices on kites and flags.

2. Nautical Antique Warehouse

2202 Ship Mechanic Row, Galveston, Galveston Island, TX 77550-1502 +1 409-539-5469 [email protected] http://www.PiecesOfShip.com
Excellent
82%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 11 reviews

Nautical Antique Warehouse

Hello and welcome to Nautical Antiques & Tropical Decor, the premier supplier of Nautical Antiques. We have been in business for over 17 years and we carry Ship Salvage that includes Bells, Binnacles, Buoys, Compasses, Code and Courtesy Flags, Old Glass Fishing Net Floats, Liferings, Brass, Copper, and Galvanized Navigation Running Lights and Lanterns, Oars, Rope, Sextants, Engine Order Telegraphs, Ships Wheels and much more. In addition, we carry new (not salvaged) tropical decor including hand sculpted wood Figureheads. We spend a month each year abroad searching ship breaking yards and chandleries of Asia and the Near East. You are welcome to visit our storefront at 2202 Mechanic in Galveston, TX. (We're just a short 40 minute drive south of Houston, Texas) Regular business hours are Thursday - Monday from 10AM - 6PM and Sunday from 11AM - 4PM. We are closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays as well as the entire month of November, which is when we embark on our annual buying trip. Please feel free to call in advance to confirm hours if you're planning a visit.

Reviewed By Ktthunder - Texas Gulf Coast, United States

I love this place! I need to come in and shop for my new house soon, this place is the ideal decoration shop if you need authentic worldwide sourced nautical gear.

3. Church of the Living God Galveston

3315 7 Mile Rd, Galveston, Galveston Island, TX 77554-8827 +1 409-444-3600 [email protected] http://colg.org
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 31 reviews

Church of the Living God Galveston

Sunday 9a & 11a | 3315 7 Mile Rd, Galveston Church is so much more than a building or place to worship on the weekend. God's Church is about connecting relationally with Jesus and then with others, growing in our faith, and building a strong foundation for your family. Our deepest desire is that every person would believe in Jesus, belong to His family, be a disciple, and build His kingdom.

Reviewed By Bextronic - Pueblo, United States

Awesome place. Great people. Come as you are. You won’t regret it. Whether a short get away or moving to the island, COLG is great.

4. The Strand

2100 Strand St, Galveston, Galveston Island, TX 77550-1633 +1 409-762-2515 http://www.galveston.com/downtowntour/
Excellent
50%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,020 reviews

The Strand

A lively strip in the heart of historic Galveston feautures pubs, delis and specialty shops.

Reviewed By OriginalYouth - Fort Worth, United States

We always try to take a walk around at the Strand when we visit Galveston. There are lots of shops for all budgets, including souvenirs, toys, Resort Wear, collectibles, beauty products Etc. There are restaurants and lots of photo opportunities including street art and murals, a giant chair to pose with, covered awnings in an amazing candy store where you can watch them make fresh taffy.

5. The Seawall

Galveston, Galveston Island, TX +1 409-797-5182 http://Galveston.com
Excellent
51%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,882 reviews

The Seawall

Walk along this eight-mile seawall built to protect Galveston from the raging winds and waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Reviewed By Nomad062_10 - Omaha, United States

I never tire of driving up and down the seawall. Beautiful ocean view. Miles of beach. Functional and iconic. Plenty of activities, shops, and food. Must pay to park along the wall which is different from the last time we visited.

6. Galveston Island Visitor's Center

2328 Broadway St, Galveston, Galveston Island, TX 77550-4642 +1 888-425-4753 [email protected] https://www.galveston.com/visitorscenter/
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9 reviews

Galveston Island Visitor's Center

Official tourism guide for Galveston, Texas.

7. East End Historic District

Galveston, Galveston Island, TX +1 409-772-1011 http://www.eastendhistoricdistrict.org/
Excellent
57%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 234 reviews

East End Historic District

Reviewed By R2500QQmarkd - Weatherford, United States

The real charm of Galveston lies in its beautiful Victorian buildings. While many still need major work, the majority give a sense of the city's charm and extravagance from days gone by. Even if you only take a driving tour, make sure you visit this area before leaving town.

8. Rosenberg Library

2310 Sealy St, Galveston, Galveston Island, TX 77550-2296 +1 409-763-8854 http://www.rosenberg-library.org/
Excellent
63%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 204 reviews

Rosenberg Library

Reviewed By EFW2014 - Woolwich, United States

Great place, we went in and used computers in the lab. Staff was wicked nice. Bathrooms are clean. They offer copying and printing for a small fee. Free parking on Sealy St or out back.

9. Galveston - Port Bolivar Ferry

502 Ferry Rd, Galveston, Galveston Island, TX 77550-3146 +1 361-749-2850 http://www.galveston.com/galvestonferry
Excellent
70%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,109 reviews

Galveston - Port Bolivar Ferry

Reviewed By SugarBritches2013 - Galveston Island, United States

It’s just kind of exciting to ride your bike onto the fairy and go across the bay and just see all the things and smell the Seabreeze and take pictures of the seagulls flying across the ferry boat and watching the ships go by.You also sometimes get a chance to see the dolphins swimming next to the ferry which is kind of neat as well.

10. Tree Sculptures

Renaissance Historic District, Galveston, Galveston Island, TX 77550-4859 http://www.galveston.com/treesculpturetour
Excellent
58%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 786 reviews

Tree Sculptures

Reviewed By Pmorse0807

You can find these tree sculptures throughout homes in Galveston Texas. These pieces of beautiful art are made from trees that have been damaged from different hurricanes that have impacted the area! One of my favorites is the Tin Man and Toto.

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