Location: Galveston
Top Things to do in Galveston
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What to do and see in Galveston, Texas (TX): The Best Historic Sites
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. Moody Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 736 reviews
Restored to its turn of the century splendor, the 28,000 square-foot, four-story structure was completed in 1895. Today, our guests visit 20 rooms on a self-guided tour that depicts the home life of a powerful Texas family. The Moodys established one of the great American financial empires. Based on cotton, it grew to include banking, ranching, insurance and hotels. The mansion is one of the finest places to visit, a trip back in time. Touring the museum should definitely be on the top on the list for things to do on Historic Galveston Island. Tour Information: Self-guided Audio Tours: Children 6 & Under Free Self-guided audio tours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (last tickets sold at 4p.m.; house closes at 5 p.m.) Behind-the-scenes Tours: Exclusive docent-guided tours to areas not normally open to the public 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday | limited size tours | reservations highly recommended Group Tours: Moody Mansion tour descriptions: Self-guided audio tours: Two audio tours allow you to set your own pace through the house and grounds. • The Moody Family tour features six members of the Moody family telling stories about their ancestors. This tour is also translated into Spanish. • Mary’s tour, appropriate for children and adults, is narrated by an actress portraying the late Mary Moody Northen as if she were guiding you through her home. Guided 25th Anniversary Tour: Behind-the-scenes tours celebrate the 25th anniversary of Moody Mansion’s restoration. A knowledgeable docent guides guests through areas not normally open to the public, describing Mary Moody Northen’s vision for preserving her home and sharing her collections. These tours are conducted at 4 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tour size is limited; reservations are highly recommended.
Reviewed By ksufan88 - Wichita, United States
Tickets can be purchased online or at the gift shop (located at the back of the property along with some off-street parking) with credit or debit (no cash). We received an excellent explanation of what to expect during the tour from the lady at the gift shop who handed us the audio devices (sealed in plastic bags). There were three audio choices at each of the stations in each of the rooms open for tours on the first and second floors (regular information, personal diary snippets, and regular information in Spanish). There is also a short introductory video and three old cars to see in the garage. The home contains period furnishing and family photographs, and the audio tour is well done. We were able to see everything in 90 minutes.
2. 1892 Bishop's Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,305 reviews
The Bishop's Palace (a.k.a. Gresham House) is a contributing building in the East End Historic District, a National Historic Landmark. The house is listed in the National Register of Historic Places at the national level of significance in the area of architecture. Architectural historians list the Bishop's Palace (Gresham House) as one of the most significant of Victorian residences in the country. It is owned and operated by Galveston Historical Foundation.
Reviewed By elchaco - Houston, United States
I've been to Galveston so many times and this was the first time visiting Bishop's Palace. The self guided tour allows you to enjoy the house at your own pace and really take in the details and experience what it was like to live in those times. I thought my kids (8 and 14) were going to be bored, but turns out they really liked it too!
3. 1859 Ashton Villa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Built by James M. Brown, Ashton Villa was the first of many. Not only was it the first house to ever be built on Broadway Boulevard, but it was also the first mansion to be built on the island and one of the first private brick residences in Galveston. Construction of the house began in 1858. It was a gift for his wife, Rebecca Ashton Stoddard. The family moved into the home on New Year's Eve day, 1859. Ashton Villa was saved from demolition in 1970. Galveston Historical Foundation took charge of restoring the house, and after four years of work and research, it was opened to the public in 1974. Although it retains only a few pieces of original furnishings, her architectural details are still intact, as well as many of the paintings executed by Mr. Brown's daughter, Betty. The City of Galveston transferred ownership of the house to GHF in Galveston Historical Foundation. It is currently available as . special event rental.
Reviewed By CWilliam202 - Los Angeles, United States
This building, conveniently located beside the Galveston Visitors Center (with ample parking), is a must see for many reasons. First, it predates the civil war and survived the battle of Galveston (1862; 1863). Also see the Hendley Building (off Strand and 20th) to see another relic from the Civil War. Some historians point to chipped capitals on the building's decorative columns as damage specially from cannon fire during the battle of January 1st, 1863. Secondly, the building is the commemorative home of the Juneteenth proclamation made by Union General Granger. On June 19th, 1865 the general read General Order #3 wherein he stated the Emancipation Proclamation from 2 years earlier was now in full effect (the 13th Amendment was not yet ratified and Lincoln's Emmancipation Proclamation had only gone into limited effect up unto this point). REGARDING JUNETEENTH As fellow reviewer here Ken pointed out, Ashton Villa is not the actual site of that 1865 pronouncement (although many people, books, brochures and websites say as much). It is the ceremonial home as the original building (at Strand & 22nd) is no longer standing. A state of Texas historical plaque stands on the now empty lot at the corner of Strand and 22nd where the pronouncement in 1865 was made. Lastly, Ashton Villa is important because it survived the great storm (hurricane) of 1900 which decimated much of the rest of Galveston island. Ashton Villa is a rental venue now (weddings, etc.) and not open to tours... but it's gorgeous Victorian era architecture makes for a stunning photo nonetheless. Do yourself a favor a drop into the visitor center (at the old carriage house) and ask the kind staff inside all about it.
4. Fort San Jacinto Historic Point
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By lovelyric08
Enjoyed this spot to watch the incoming ships. Not many people on a rainy day so a good day to have a lunch in the car. Mainly just a parking area by the water but there is a marker. Not sure how crowded this gets since there are beaches nearby.
