What To Do in Galveston Before Checking in for Your Cruise

What To Do in Galveston Before Checking in for Your Cruise

Galveston, TX, was founded in 1838, destroyed by the Great Storm of 1900, and raised and rebuilt by hand. Since then, the island has grown to a population of 53,000, and it hosted 8.1 million visitors in 2022.

Needless to say, there are days worth of things to do in Galveston. Here are a few highlights to get you started.

Museums and Tours

From science and nature to Western artifacts to hands-on exhibits, get your learning on by exploring these Galveston landmarks:

• 1892 Bishop’s Palace: Intricate Victorian woodwork and stained glass
• Bryan Museum: American Southwest artifacts and artwork
• Galveston Railroad Museum: Historic collection of locomotives and railcars
• Ship to Shore Immigration Experience: “Ellis Island of the West” interactive exhibit

The Moody Gardens complex deserves a special mention with its interactive Discovery Museum, a huge aquarium, and a rainforest replica featuring free-roaming animals.

On the Water

Get out on the Gulf of Mexico and feel the salty sea spray on your face; a little taste of what’s to come aboard your cruise ship:

• Pier 21: Scenic views and tour hub
• Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier: Traditional amusement park
• Schlitterbahn Galveston Waterpark: Massive heated indoor waterpark
• Baywatch Dolphin Tours: Dolphin-spotting in natural habitats

For the most casual of excursions, get sand between your toes at the sparkling beaches and watch the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets over the 32-mile coastline.

Historic Downtown Galveston

Known as the “Wall Street of the South” in the 1800s, Historic Downtown Galveston is home to majestic iron-front buildings and diverse shopping:

• The Strand: Boutiques and specialty shops in restored historic buildings
• Postoffice District: Art galleries, eclectic shops, and unique eateries
• Pirates! Legends of the Gulf Coast Museum: Interactive pirate history experience
• La King’s Confectionery: Handmade sweets, treats, and ice cream
• The Grand 1894 Opera House: One of the few theaters left of its era in Texas

Don’t forget to grab a cup of coffee at MOD Coffeehouse and lunch at Riondo’s Ristorante.

Fresh Seafood

Located right on the Gulf, Galveston is home to the freshest seafood in Texas:

• Gaido’s: Pecan-crusted red snapper
• Fisherman’s Wharf: Stuffed shrimp enbrochette
• The Spot: "Spot Sampler" seafood combination platter
• Seafood: Snapper Pontchartrain
• Shrimp ’N Stuff: Fried Oyster Po'Boy

Honorable mentions go to Benno’s on the Beach for Cajun-style BBQ crab and Katie’s Seafood House for a rare Gulf species catch of the day.

What To Do in Galveston Before EZ Cruise Parking

Spend a couple of days exploring what to do in Galveston before checking in for your cruise. Then, make your final pre-cruise stop at family-owned EZ Cruise Parking so that we can take excellent care of your vehicle during your voyage.

We recommend that you book today; we have plenty of space available that fills up quickly.