A Sample Intenerary for Seeing Points of Interest in Galveston on a Day Trip

Summer’s coming and what better time to hit the highway for a road trip? However, with soaring gas prices, many people will opt to stay closer to home to avoid busting their budget. Money doesn’t have to be an object if you’re within driving distance of Galveston, Texas. You can have a fabulous time in the island’s sand and surf for mere pennies. Use this guide as a starting point when planning your trip to Galveston, Texas. It will show you lots of ways to get the most bang for your buck…that you’ll probably need for gas on the way home.

The Bolivar Ferry

You can access the Bolivar Ferry from either Highway 87 or from Galveston Island itself. At each landing, there are parking lots where you can leave your vehicle and board the ferry afoot. You can watch the ships entering and leaving the port, feed sea gulls from the rear of the vessel, or dolphin watch from the railings. The 2.7 mile trip takes about 18 minutes to cross.
Cost: FREE

Galveston County Historical Museum
2219 Market Street
Galveston, Texas
www.galvestonhistory.org

Take a history lesson at The Galveston County Historical Museum.
In house, permanent exhibits include information on Galveston lighthouses, Native Americans on the Island, the 1900 storm (including vintage film of the actual storm, taken by Thomas Edison’s assistant), building the Seawall, and the 1947 Texas City explosion.
Originally the City National Bank, built by W.L. Moody in 1919, and donated to the county by Moody’s daughter, Mary Moody Northen, in 1976.
Cost: FREE

Hours of Operation
Summer:
Monday thru Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: Noon – 5pm

Winter:
Monday thru Saturday: 10am – 4pm
Sunday: Noon – 4pm

East End Historical District

The East End Historical District is made up of over 50 city blocks bound by Broadway to the south, the east by 10th Street, the north by Mechanic Avenue and the west by 19th Street. The District has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and has been designated a National Historic Landmark. Take a stroll down tree lined streets of the District and experience Galveston’s “Gilded Age” of charm. Hear the clip-clop of a horse drawn carriages and note the architectural details of the fine homes. Tropical gardens, fruit trees, porticos, and wrap around porches will take your breath away and take you back to a more elegant time.
Cost: FREE

The Strand Historic District

Take some time to enjoy the variety of shops in the district’s beautiful historic buildings, many of which survived the 1900 Storm, regarded as the worst natural disaster in U.S. history. In the midst of all the unique shops in the Strand area, is a favorite with visitors and locals alike, the Peanut Butter Warehouse at 102 20th Street. Filled with an eclectic assortment of antiques and collectibles plus a peanut butter pantry filled with homemade fudge, cookies and other treats, the Warehouse is sure to grab your attention, so allow 30 minutes for the full effect. The Strand is home to many other shopping destinations, restaurants, and pubs. Out front of each of the historic buildings is a sign that’s mounted to tell you the history of the building and if it’s a survivor of the 1900 Storm. Fascinating.
Cost: FREE

The Grand Opera House
2020 Postoffice Street
www.thegrand.com

The Grand is one of the few remaining theatres of its era in Texas and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In 1993 the 73rd Texas Legislature proclaimed The Grand “The Official Opera House of Texas.” In 1894, Henry Greenwall raised the needed funds of $100,000 for construction with substantial commitments from a handful of prominent businessmen and civic-minded Galvestonians. The Grand Opera House truly is grand…impressive, magnificent, and absolutely a must-see. There are still shows to be seen on any given day at The Grand, both music and theater. The tickets are priced according to the show, but the self-guided tour itself is free. Cost: FREE

Beach

Bask in the sun, sand, and surf along Galveston’s 32 miles of beaches. Explore jetties, look for shells, or just watch the tide roll in. Cost: FREE

Island Trolley

You can take in all the sights and sounds that Galveston has to offer aboard one of the quaint trolleys that chug along embedded tracks all around the island. Built in a turn of the century style similar to those used in Galveston from the late 1800s to 1938, the trolley provides a unique mode of transportation from Galveston’s Seawall to the Strand Landmark Historic District, Pier 21, and to The University of Texas Medical Branch. The ride offers beautiful historic homes and other points of interest along the route.
You can catch the trolley every 20 minutes at any given stop. The trolleys run approximately every 40 minutes.

Galveston Island Trolley service area covers over 8 miles and has various depots throughout the island. You can use them as a shuttle service or just ride the loop to be dropped off where you were picked up.

Admission
Adults: $1
Kids 5 & Under: Free
Kids 6 – 18 $.50

Shopping

Whether you’re looking for a souvenier or just to pass the time, the seawall is lined with a wide array of surf and trinket shops selling everything from ashtrays to hermit crabs. Two places you want to check out for sure are Mermaid Pier and Murdock’s Bathhouse. Both are landmarks and have porches overlooking the gulf where you can sit in the breezeway in a rocking chair and do nothing, but breathe all day. Cost: FREE other than things you want to purchase.

There’s a lot of fun to be had in Galveston, Texas. It has something to offer everyone and every budget. So, grab your flip flops and sunglasses and head down to Galveston for the day. See what treasures await you in the sands of the Texas coast.