The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Galveston Island, Texas (TX)

May 21, 2022 Carley Gatson

Discover the best top things to do in Galveston Island, United States including Reel Men Fishing Charters, Zipp E-Bikes, Church of the Living God Galveston, The Strand, The Seawall, Moody Mansion, Galveston Historic Seaport - Home of the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA, 1892 Bishop's Palace, 1859 Ashton Villa, Galveston Naval Museum.
Restaurants in Galveston Island

1. Reel Men Fishing Charters

Excellent
99%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 166 reviews

Reel Men Fishing Charters

Grab your gang, some sandwiches, and a few drinks, because it’s time to do some serious fishing. Reel Men Fishing Charters offers you the experience of a lifetime to catch your own big fish and enjoy life out on the sea. Founded in 2013, our fully licensed and insured business works with everyone in the family, no matter if you’ve been fishing your whole life or never held a fishing pole before. Our team provides competitive prices, attentive service, and all the equipment you’ll need. Fishing is our way of life, so come on down and experience Reel fishing with Reel men. All you have to do is gather your group, bring some snacks, and lather up the sunscreen -- the adventure awaits!

2. Zipp E-Bikes

Excellent
97%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 93 reviews

Zipp E-Bikes

Enjoy the RIDE... Enjoy the whole island.... Get out in the open air. Soak in the sights and sounds… Now is your chance! Have fun and see the things around you with a fresh new pair of eyes. Ride like a kid again! There is really no better way to see Galveston Texas than form the seat of a comfortable and easy electric bike

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
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Satisfactory
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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. Moody Mansion

2618 Broadway St, Galveston, Galveston Island, TX 77550-4427 +1 409-762-7668 http://www.moodymansion.org/
Excellent
60%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 736 reviews

Moody Mansion

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.

7. Galveston Historic Seaport - Home of the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA

2200 Harborside Dr Pier 21, Galveston, Galveston Island, TX 77550-1667 +1 409-763-1877 [email protected] http://www.galvestonhistory.org/sites/1877-tall-ship-elissa-at-the-texas-seaport-museum
Excellent
57%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 786 reviews

Galveston Historic Seaport - Home of the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA

Galveston Historical Foundation brought ELISSA, an 1877 square-rigged iron barque, from a scrapyard in Piraeus Harbor, Greece to Galveston to begin restoration work in 1978. By 1982, GHF staff and volunteers completed restoration and transformed this rare, historic vessel into a floating museum that would actively sail. Today, the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA is one of only three ships of her kind in the world to still actively sail and welcomes over 40,000 visitors annually. She also serves as the Official Tall Ship of Texas, a National Historic Landmark and a symbol of the Gulf Coast’s historic beginnings as a seaport and active waterfront. The 1877 ELISSA welcomes visitors at the Texas Seaport Museum. Experiences Galveston’s maritime history daily.

Reviewed By Mgnorrell - Canton, United States

We love history and especially old ships. This one didn’t disappoint. Great self guided tour on main level and below deck. Also fun to see the docks with other ships.

8. 1892 Bishop's Palace

1402 Broadway St, Galveston, Galveston Island, TX 77550-4938 +1 409-762-2475 [email protected] http://www.galvestonhistory.org/sites/1892-bishops-palace
Excellent
63%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,305 reviews

1892 Bishop's Palace

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!

9. 1859 Ashton Villa

2328 Broadway St, Galveston, Galveston Island, TX 77550-4642 +1 409-765-3402 [email protected] http://www.galvestonhistory.org/sites/ghf-managed-properties
Excellent
66%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
4%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 47 reviews

1859 Ashton Villa

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.

10. Galveston Naval Museum

100 Seawolf Parkway Blvd Seawolf Park, Galveston, Galveston Island, TX 77550 +1 409-770-3196 [email protected] http://galvestonnavalmuseum.com/
Excellent
49%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 637 reviews

Galveston Naval Museum

Welcome Aboard! Galveston Naval Museum is home to two Historic Naval Ships listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Touring both the USS Cavalla and the USS Stewart, you'll learn what sailors and submariners ate, where they slept and how they worked together as a fighting force during World War II. We are more than a WWII museum. We are an educational center and unique venue for Ship Sleepovers, private events and special occasions. Our Mission: To PRESERVE the historic integrity and authenticity of our ships. To REMEMBER and HONOR our Greatest Generation who sacrificed so much for our enduring freedom. To EDUCATE all generations about American history, U.S. Navy heritage and innovation, and the courage of our military heroes and their families.

Reviewed By Wyosoldier - Cheyenne, United States

The park is seperate from the military display area, so there is a parking fee. It is wonderful they were able to rescue and preserve these historic ships. The sub is very well preserved but the destroyer escort is suffering from rust issues. It is still worth the visit and to read their story. It is called Seawolf Park in remembrance of a WWII sub that didn't return. The compass on the ground has plaques of all the WWII subs that are still on patrol.

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