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Galveston USA

Country: USA · Region: Texas · Currency: US Dollar

Galveston is a major cruise port on the Texas Gulf Coast, 45 minutes southeast of Houston, offering 32 miles of coastline with beaches, museums, and historic landmarks. The city is a key embarkation point for six cruise lines: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Disney, MSC, and Princess (Princess sails from Galveston through fall 2026).

Top sights

The Bryan Museum, Bishop's Palace, Moody Mansion, Galveston Railroad Museum, Texas Seaport Museum, Moody Gardens

Things to do

The Bryan Museum
Showcases artifacts from Texas and the American West; open Wed-Sun 10AM-5PM, Thu 10AM-7PM.
Moody Gardens
Complex featuring botanical garden, indoor rainforest, aquarium, 3D and 4D theaters, water park, with a day pass at $39.95.
Galveston Railroad Museum
Located in the old Galveston Railway Station with period displays and a large model train layout; $6 admission.
Bishop's Palace
Historic 1892 Victorian-era mansion providing a glimpse into Galveston's architectural heritage.

Beaches

Seawall Boulevard
A walkable beachfront area offering 32 miles of coastline with shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
San Luis Pass
Offers beaches, fishing, bird watching, and boating with tide levels that can vary by almost 2 feet.

Where to eat

Fisherman's Wharf
Great seafood restaurant located next to the 1877 tall ship Elissa on Harborside Drive.
Gaido's Seafood Restaurant
Upscale seafood dining at 3802 Seawall Boulevard.

Bars and nightlife

Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe
Live music venue featuring Galveston's own Star Bock beer with shows starting at 21:00, closed Sun-Tue.

Weather in Galveston by month

Averages from 2015 to 2024, not a forecast. Within about two weeks of a date, the live forecast above is the one to trust.

MonthAverage highAverage lowRainfallWet days
January61°F51°F4.9 in10
February64°F55°F3.6 in10
March70°F62°F4.7 in12
April75°F67°F5.9 in13
May81°F74°F6.5 in16
June86°F79°F6.3 in15
July87°F81°F5.7 in14
August87°F81°F6.5 in16
September85°F78°F6.9 in14
October79°F71°F5.6 in11
November71°F63°F5.1 in10
December65°F57°F5.0 in11

Getting around

The Strand and Seawall Boulevard areas are walkable; trolley service, bike rentals, Island Transit buses, taxis, and rideshares (Uber, Lyft) are available for other areas.

What to eat

Fresh seafood is abundant, with notable options including Fisherman's Wharf near the Elissa ship and Gaido's Seafood Restaurant on Seawall Boulevard.

Tips

Visit the historic Strand district near the cruise docks for shops, restaurants, and museums within walking distance.

Best for

Beaches, historic sites, museums, family attractions

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