Galveston Oh Galveston

I still hear your sea winds blowing.

The only words I know to that old country song. But, I think of it every time I come home from a visit to one of my favorite towns. An island off the Texas coast that was once the Houston of its time, you can see many remnants of the commerce and mansions still preserved today. This, once nationally known, island of grandeur just keeps coming back, even when hurricane after hurricane tries to blow it down. It’s a pure icon of what it means to be Texas Strong.

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There is so much to enjoy today in this historic town. From shopping on The Strand downtown, Schlitterbahn Water Park, to Pleasure Pier Amusement Park. Take a walk along the 10 mile long seawall, stay at your choice of a variety of hotel chains, or set sail on one of 3 cruise lines that leave out of Galveston. There are several visitor tours, from the Duck Tours (land and sea), Bay Watch Dolphin tours, Segway tours and even helicopter tours. Rent bicycles, surrey bikes, jet skis or kayaks.

The Strand – Downtown Shopping

The downtown shopping experience is different than most towns, as you can almost feel the presence of the old market, merchants, bankers and horse-drawn carriages. Well, you can still take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. At Christmas-time during Dickens On The Strand week, many dress as they did during Charles Dickens era and there are various events of old, including a parade featuring Queen Victoria. You’ll find souvenir shops, beach theme shops, jewelry, restaurants and anything from clothing shop to ice cream shops.

Pleasure Pier Amusement Park

Another spot you don’t want to miss along the seawall is the historic, Pleasure Pier Amusement Park built completely over the water. Built in the 1940s as a recreational facility for the military, turned into Pleasure Pier, then the only hotel at the time completely over water as the Flagship Hotel in the 60s, and now returning back to Pleasure Pier after another hurricane severely damaged the hotel, this family friendly theme park has enough entertainment to last all day. The adventure park has anything from Midway Games and the Carousel to the Iron Shark Rollercoaster, Skyshooter and 5D Theater Ride showing The Mysterious Underworld and Shark Attack. Fashioned with several food choices like burgers, pizzas, etc., you can also sit down and enjoy a meal at Texas’ first Bubba Gump Shrimp Company.

Schlitterbahn Water Park

Want adventure and stay in the water all day? Schlitterbahn Water Park is the place to be. The German name means “slippery road,” as the host city of the five parks in the country, New Braunfels, is a German town. At the 26 acre water park in Galveston, you can enjoy anything from the Lazy River to the Screaming Serpent water slide. From Tiki Tikes, a section for kids to the thrill of the Massiv Monster Blaster. If you’re visiting during winter month, no problem. A section of the park is a convertible indoor water park called Wasserfest, which has been awarded Golden Ticket for World’s Best Indoor Waterpark for eight years in a row. For more information and tickets click here.

The Seawall

This is not your ordinary seawall. Built from 1902-12 after the Great Storm of 1900 nearly left the highly populated island deserted. This 10 mile long, 16 feet wide and 17 feet high wall of concrete is delightful to walk along. Overlooking the beach and across the street from restaurants and gift shops. If you like to put your toes in the sand or cool off in the water, there are many steps along the path to do so. Check for “no swimming” signs and lifeguard shacks along the beach.

Grab a few souvenirs or beach attire at the famous gift store, Murdochs. The oldest bathhouse turned gift shop on the seawall has not only been around for over a century, but run by the same family, and now in its original location after being blown over by a few hurricanes. Learn more about Murdochs here.

Hotels

You won’t have trouble finding a place to sleep, as this 27 mile long and 3 mile wide island has a variety places to sojourn. Anything from renting a beach cabin along the shores, RV parking or pitching a tent on the beach to five star hotel resorts with ocean views and hot tubs. You may even find a few Bed and Breakfasts. One weekend I decided to get away to clear my head and take it easy. I stayed at the historic Tremont House (ironically a hotel). It is one of the Wyndham Grand hotels and sister to Hotel Galvez & Spa, located on the seawall, and offers a free shuttle to each other on the hour. The Rooftop Bar overlooks downtown with a view of the bay on one side and a view of the city on the other. This historic hotel brings me back to an era I totally enjoy researching. From the cathedral lobby with live jazz music playing near the bar and palm trees towering above, to the display of antiques and pictures from the past, this elegant European-style hotel is the belle of the ball.

Cruise Lines

Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise, and now Disney Cruise sail out of the Galveston Port. Take a four day cruise or a seven day cruise in the Caribbean.

Next time your headed to Texas, stop off at Galveston Island for a few days and enjoy the warm air. Take it easy or go for adventure.

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