Located on the coast of the Bay of Texas, Galveston offers an ideal coastal vacation in the Lone Star State. The town of Galveston is located on Galveston Island, on the southern edge of Texas. At one time, the town was among the largest ports in the United States. Today, this deep heritage lives on in the town’s culture, activities and districts that provide fun for the whole family during your vacation in a comfortable Galveston vacation rental.
Getting to Galveston island
The town of Galveston is located approximately 50 miles south of the major transit hub of Houston, Texas. Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport has scheduled flights to a large number of domestic and international destinations. Houston Hobby Airport is located slightly closer to Galveston Island and is served primarily by Southwest Airlines. Vacationers arriving in Houston by air have the choice of renting a car for the short drive to Galveston, or traveling to your Galveston vacation rental by shuttle service or bus. Galveston is a highly walkable town, although visitors that are traveling with kids or interested in exploring the area around Galveston are better off hiring a vehicle.
Travel through time in Galveston’s historical districts
Galveston has a fascinating history that has been well preserved throughout the years, one that is well worth exploring during your stay in the area. The town is home to six historical districts and has more than 60 buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places, making it one of the most historically important locations of nineteenth century history in the United States.
One of the most popular of these historical districts is the Silk Stocking National Historic District located conveniently in Galveston between Broadway and Seawall Boulevard. The area is enjoyable to explore on foot and contains a large collection of homes built between the American Civil War period and World War II.
The Strand Historic District is a downtown area located within easy distance from your Galveston vacation rental. The area contains Victorian era homes that have been converted into restaurants, antique shops and cafés. This district is popular as an entertainment and shopping hub in Galveston.
Experience Galveston’s artistic and cultural scene
Galveston is a hot spot for art and culture in the southern United States. Galveston Arts Center offers a rotating exhibition of contemporary art with a particular focus on Texan artists.
The center is also the organizer of the famous Galveston ArtWalk, which takes place every sixth Saturday. The walk promotes the town’s visual art community through guided walks in the town’s historical districts, highlighting artwork in existing commercial galleries and cafés along the way. It is a unique way for visitors in Galveston to experience the heart of this vibrant community.
Another popular cultural destination to visit during your stay in your Galveston vacation home is the Bryan Museum. The museum is home to an extensive collection of historical artefacts from the island and from across Texas.
Enjoying your Galveston vacation home with the whole family
Galveston vacation rentals are the ideal way to get the most out of your vacation with your kids. Having a home to come back to after a long day of sightseeing and enjoying the sunshine makes relaxation even easier.
Galveston is known for its beautiful beaches where families can enjoy swimming, boat rides, fishing and relaxing on the warm sand. Some popular beaches in Galveston are Stewart Beach and East Beach, or are located in nearby Galveston Island State Park.
A visit to the Seawall is a great option for biking, blading and enjoying an ice cream with a view of the Gulf of Mexico. For an enjoyable ride, take the ferry between Galveston and Port Bolivar for the chance to see dolphins swimming alongside the ship and beautiful sunset and sunrise views. As a bonus, the voyage is free of charge!
Popular attractions in Galveston
The Strand
The Strand is Galveston's historic heart. This is where the town's Mardi Gras celebrations take place, and you'll also find Victorian buildings containing restaurants, bars and curio shops.
Galveston's 61st Street Fishing Pier
The 61st Street Fishing Pier isn't only about fishing, although you'll find an abundance of tackle shops there. It's also a great place to take in the ocean views with a drink and a snack.
Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark
Family fun is guaranteed at Schlitterbahn Galveston Waterpark, where you'll find rides, slides and tubes suitable for children and adults of all ages.
Moody Gardens
There are lots to see and do at the Moody Gardens theme park including aquariums, water park with slides and lazy river, high ropes course, 3D theater and indoor rainforest.
Bishop's Palace
The Victorian mansion of Bishop's Palace opened to the public in 1963, and visitors can now enjoy the stained glass windows, intricate interior design and luxury furnishings including a solid silver fireplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical availability of vacation rentals in Galveston?
At the moment, there are 8,718 vacation homes from 31 different providers in Galveston.
What are the most popular vacation home amenities in Galveston?
The most popular amenities for rentals in Galveston include vacation homes with Pool, Internet, or Pets allowed.
Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Galveston?
If you're travelling with a dog, over 29% of vacation rentals in Galveston are pet-friendly.
What's the best month to book a vacation rental in Galveston?
If you're looking for balmy weather, August and July are typically the hottest months in Galveston with temperatures around 31 °C. January and February in Galveston are the coldest, with 9 °C on average.