We just returned from a fun week at the Texas Coast. We stayed about 30 minutes away from downtown Galveston and it was perfect. We could easily get right into Galveston for activities but we were on a more quiet beach. Galveston is a short drive from Houston. About 4.5 hours from Dallas and nearby the Houston Airports and NASA. So it’s a great place to visit! I wanted to share a very family-friendly Galveston Travel Guide because I really think it’s a place everyone should add to their list!
Family Friendly Galveston Travel Guide
To Stay:
We rented a house on Vacasa and you probably will get more bang for your buck that way. This is where we stayed about 30 mins from Galveston. There are TONS of options up and down the shoreline as well as a few hotels. Some of the ones I have been told are good are The Moody Gardens Hotel and Spa, The San Luis Resort and Spa, and the Grand Galvez. There are pros and cons to both so it just depends on what you need.
To Do:
The great thing about Galveston is there is a ton to do! Beyond just going to the beach and doing all the beach-type things. Pleasure Pier is not to be missed. It’s a little pricey to get in, but once you’re in all the rides are included. There are a ton of rides for kids of all ages so everyone will have something to do. Plus there is fair-like food, carnival games, and a shop. Moody Gardens is another activity you could do for an entire day. There are two parts: The Rainforest and The Aquarium. There is also Schlitterbahn which is a great waterpark. The downtown area is full of shops and fun restaurants. It’s a great area to just walk around and bop in and out. There is also a fun putt putt course right on the Seawall.
To Eat:
There are a lot of great places to eat and grab drinks or dessert in Galveston. We loved eating at The Spot which gives you great views and awesome people watching. We also ate at Mario’s for Pizza which was pretty good! Our favorite dessert and something that can’t be missed is rolled ice cream at Cordray Drug Store. It’s an entire experience. For a fun experience take your kids to Bubba Gumps, or Miller’s Seawall Grill. For a nicer restaurant go to Landry’s.
Galveston is a great family-friendly vacation spot, especially if you live in Texas. It’s so close to airports in Houston if you do not. The beaches were super clean and wonderful and the four of us absolutely loved it. For more travel content click here.
We love staying down near that end of Galveston Island when we visit (I live on the NE side of Houston, so it’s about 1.5 hours to get to that area). It’s nice to be away from the crowds but still close enough to go to some of the more touristy areas when we want. We rent a house in Jamaica Beach when we head to Galveston. It isn’t the same as the Florida Gulf Coast beaches I grew up on, but it’s still sand and water!
What a beautiful adventure! I also love taking my kids to see the beach or visit a nice place where we can all relax. I wish I’d get the chance to visit Galveston with my kids someday.
I’ve always wanted to plan a Galveston vacation as my cousin lives in Houston and would be a great spot to meet up. Your travel guide, restaurant, and activity suggestions are perfect for planning. Thank you for the great tips!
Well okay, you are right. There is certainly more to do and see beyond the beach sands but it’s a necessity to be there. I am definitely falling in for the food!
I’ve been to Padre Island a few years ago and had a great time. The beaches are beautiful and there are plenty of things to do, such as swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and exploring the dunes. I’m sure Galveston would be a great place to visit as well, and I’m glad that you’ve taught me some great things about it!
I’m going to Galveston this weekend and I’m so excited. I’ve been a few times, but I’m ready to get out of town and relax.
I always rent an airbnb or something off vrbo. I’d never even heard of vacasa so thank you for sharing that resource!
We love staying down near that end of Galveston Island when we visit (I live on the NE side of Houston, so it’s about 1.5 hours to get to that area). It’s nice to be away from the crowds but still close enough to go to some of the more touristy areas when we want. We rent a house in Jamaica Beach when we head to Galveston. It isn’t the same as the Florida Gulf Coast beaches I grew up on, but it’s still sand and water!
What a fun place for a getaway! I love that it’s family friendly and there’s something for everyone.
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
What a beautiful adventure! I also love taking my kids to see the beach or visit a nice place where we can all relax. I wish I’d get the chance to visit Galveston with my kids someday.
I’ve always wanted to plan a Galveston vacation as my cousin lives in Houston and would be a great spot to meet up. Your travel guide, restaurant, and activity suggestions are perfect for planning. Thank you for the great tips!
Galveston Texas sounds like a great place to visit! I’m definitely adding this to my travel bucket list. My family loves the beach anywhere. 🙂
Seems like a nice place. Too bad there aren’t more photos. How was the water temperature? Were you able to swim?
The water temperature is great! The Texas coast has very warm water!
The rolled ice cream looks amazing! Far too good to eat. What a lovely trip. Still can’t say I know where Galveston is!
Texas coast 🙂
We’ve never been to Galveston but now I want to take my family here. Such a great family travel destination.
Well okay, you are right. There is certainly more to do and see beyond the beach sands but it’s a necessity to be there. I am definitely falling in for the food!
We have friends that live in Galveston, and it sounds like a wonderful city for families. I would love to explore some of these places with my kids.
We have Bubba Gump around here. We should take the kids there. We haven’t tried it.
Love that you take your kids on trips like this!
I’ve been to Padre Island a few years ago and had a great time. The beaches are beautiful and there are plenty of things to do, such as swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and exploring the dunes. I’m sure Galveston would be a great place to visit as well, and I’m glad that you’ve taught me some great things about it!
It sounds like you guys had a great trip. Galveston sure does sound like a lovely place to visit.
I’m looking for all the places for my kids to travel to. Surely Galveston is on my family’s bucket list right now.
I’m going to Galveston this weekend and I’m so excited. I’ve been a few times, but I’m ready to get out of town and relax.
I always rent an airbnb or something off vrbo. I’d never even heard of vacasa so thank you for sharing that resource!