Location: Galveston
Top Things to do in Galveston
The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Galveston, Texas (TX)
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. Saengerfest Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
2. El Jardin Del Mar
3. Galveston Pocket Park 2
4. Seawolf Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Located on Galveston’s Pelican Island, the park offers one of the island’s most popular fishing piers, picnic sites and playground. The park is also home to the Galveston Naval Museum. Visitors can watch ships make their way through the Galveston ship channel, drop a line and catch some fish or learn about military history from a local historian.
Reviewed By paulgG2935QE - Tucson, United States
Quiet reflection, noisy activity with the children, a picnic ,fishing from the pier or watching the freighters arrive and depart. These are some of the activities that can be found at Seawolf Park. If you are palnning on visiting The Galveston Naval Museum, be aware that there is a $6.00 parking fee for the park as well as a addition and separate fee to visit the Naval Museum
5. East End Lagoon Nature Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
The vision for the East End Lagoon Nature Park and Preserve is to provide a natural experience for both residents and visitors. By utilizing both the natural beauty and man made improvements it will be possible to explore the intersection of man and nature while focusing on the ever changing environments of a barrier island.
Reviewed By AnnaLiseBrown
I absolutely love the new trail at the East End Lagoon! It's a great place to go to unplug and be in the moment with the sounds of nature all around. You are sure to see and hear many species of birds while walking the trail. It's my new happy place! Many thanks to the Galveston Island Park Board for making this trail happen.
6. Moody Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,705 reviews
Surrounded by vivid colors and wildlife from across the globe, you're immediately engaged at the Rainforest and Aquarium Pyramids. Moments later, you're transported via state-of-the-art imagery and sound at the MG3D Theater with the world's first Giant Screen 6P Laser Projector on the largest screen in Texas. Then, the thrill of the Ropes Course and Zip Line, Speed Exhibition and Colonel Paddlewheel Boat awaits. And whether it's morning golf, a spa afternoon, a Palm Beach playdate, or a dreamy overnight hotel stay, take this moment and make it your own as you immerse yourself in some real quality time.
Reviewed By steverM9274BF - Evansville, United States
Moody Gardens New Year Palooza was exceptional! Too many great activities to list! See picture! From the Penguin Experience to Iceland to Rainforest to Aquarium to the Colonel Paddle wheeler to Festival of Lights to Ice Skating to ...! 4 yo Granddaughter, 6 yo Grandson, their parents, Wife and I were pampered! Special Thanx to Adriana in Reservations, Scot the Bellman, Aurelia our Banquet Server and Raymond Banquet Manager who seemed to always be “there”! Highly Recommend
7. Galveston Island State Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 428 reviews
Historic park offering camping, hiking, bird watching, biking and swimming.
Reviewed By hitomi12
I like the camping site, clean, complete with picnic table, water tap, firepit exclusive for each spot and shared shower/restroom just 150ft from the camping ground. They were fully booked, so book 1 week before going! The weather in the afternoon was warm, but the breeze was rather nice! There were lots of mosquitoes after sunset. Our handheld fan with spray and mosquito repellant were lifesavers and do use bug spray for around the table and tent. We brough some deadwood too because collecting there aren’t allowed. We also cooked, but some folks just drive for food coz restaurants are within 10min drive. Activities are plenty, we did the hike by driving to the trail and did about 1 mile hike. It was flat and no shades along hiking route and at camping ground so wearing a good sandal and good hat/sunglass a must. There were puddles you’d have to walk through so feet will be wet. We saw people crabbing and fishing on the small jetty!! The staff suggested to go to Jamaica beach and definitely lovely spot where you can just back you car few feet from the shoreline!! The drive is about 5 mins from the camping ground. We left about 10am, it was already hot which explained why we saw some people packed and left before 9am coz it got hotter so between 9am-3pm plan to go to the beach or sightseeing around Galveston. We had an awesome camping, and our kids 6/8/10 y.o truly enjoyed their 1st real camping. It’s a perfect spot to laze around.
8. East Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 202 reviews
East Beach is known as Galveston's "party" beach for its laid-back feel, seasonal events and the only park on the island where alcohol is permitted and sold. Located on the far east end of the island, the expansive beach is ideal for outdoor adventure speakers offering special events and unique activities like volleyball courts, horseback riding, birding and fishing. It is also a private event destination with pavilion and stage, perfect for weddings, corporate events and more.
Reviewed By yodamap - Austin, United States
Really nice beach, East beach is close to the hopping area of Seawall Blvd. It is very clean; and if you look there is free parking. Worth the time.
9. NOAA Fisheries Service Galveston Laboratory
10. Stewart Beach
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 354 reviews
Families are the focus at this popular, amenities-rich beach park, where volleyball, sandcastle competitions, concerts and other family-oriented activities are the norm all summer long.
Reviewed By waynebG4428RY
My family and I had a wonderful day on Stewart Beach! The gentle breeze, the blazing sun, and crashing waves all added up to an amazing day! We were all burned a bit, but the fun outweighed the burns!
