There are a lot of fun places to see and visit in Galveston, Texas. There is an abundant amount of historical significance in the city, and a lot of locals love the summer months, when East Beach is a hive of activity. Locals and visitors alike flock to the beach for the sandcastle competition and other events. Visitors should also check out the East End Lagoon Nature Preserve. There are also some interesting places to visit in the Strand, a National Historic Landmark District consisting of five blocks of 19th-century buildings located downtown. These historic buildings give an aesthetically pleasing look at Galveston’s beginnings and can provide a unique experience.

Big Reef Nature Park

A large nature park in Galveston, Big Reef Nature Park is filled with bird species and is one of the best places to visit in the area. The park is located on the ship channel and has a wide sandy beach. There are some dangerous currents, so be cautious when you swim.

A number of educational activities are available for visitors of all ages. The NOAA Fisheries Service Galveston Laboratory offers guided tours of sea turtles and other sea creatures. The tours are led by biologists who are experts in oceanography. The NOAA Fisheries Service Galveston Laboratory also hosts Ocean Discovery Day every year, a day where visitors can explore the facilities and interact with expert scientists.

The park offers many picnic areas and an expansive playground. The park is also home to the WWII submarine USS Cavalla and the WWII destroyer USS Stewart, one of three destroyer escorts in the world. Also, the WWI tanker S.S. Selma, the largest concrete ship in history, is also housed in this park. Visitors can also explore the dune walkover and nature trail at East Lagoon in Big Reef Nature Park. The park also includes a large sand spit.

The park is also home to a number of birds and other wildlife. The lagoon is a habitat for thousands of shorebirds, including the Black Skimmer, the Black-necked Stilt, the Marbled Godwit, and the Red-breasted Merganser.

Bishop’s Palace

If you’re looking for a unique, historical attraction in Galveston, the Bishop’s Palace is a must-see. Located on Broadway and 14th Street in the historic East End neighborhood, this gorgeous Victorian home is one of the city’s most iconic sights. A National Historic Landmark, the Bishop’s Palace boasts a rich history and incredible architecture.

Located in Galveston’s East End Historic District, Bishop’s Palace offers guided tours and self-guided audio tours of the property. You can also participate in a guided tour of the palace’s basement and attic on select Saturdays. The palace is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Monday, and is closed on major holidays.

While visiting Bishop’s Palace, you’ll have the opportunity to ride the Torrent, a famous lazy river. During this ride, you can relax in an inflatable tube and float around the park’s perimeter. The Bishop’s Palace was built by a local businessman in the late 1800s and is now owned by the Galveston Historical Foundation. The building is one of the city’s most historic buildings, and was designed by the first black architect in Texas.

During your time on Galveston, make sure to take advantage of the city’s many other attractions. There are several museums to explore in the Strand, including the Texas Seaport Museum. You can also catch a show at the 1894 Opera House, which is still in use today.

Moody Gardens

There are a lot of great things to do in Galveston, Texas, and Moody Gardens is one of them. It is located on 242 acres, and features a number of attractions. Visitors can experience the underwater world through its aquarium, which has large touch tanks and jewel tanks. There are also two state-of-the-art theaters here, including the IMAX 3D Theater. In addition, there are more than 20 galleries on Gallery Row, as well as restaurants, shops, and nightlife.

If you have never been to Moody Gardens, you are missing out on one of the best Galveston attractions. This place offers a variety of family-friendly activities, and it can take a full day to see everything. While it is one of the more expensive Galveston attractions, it is definitely worth visiting for a day. There are plenty of things to do, including the Giant River Otter Encounter, Aquarium Pyramid, and Public Penguin Encounter.

Moody Gardens is also home to one of the state’s largest aquarium, a tropical rainforest with free-roaming sloths, a curious museum, and a kids’ splash park. Families will also enjoy the tropical beach and the sandcastle building lessons for children.

If you’re looking for an indoor activity, you might want to check out the Texas Seaport Museum. You can also visit the Galveston Railroad Museum, one of the largest in the country. This museum features model trains and displays. Lastly, if you’re looking for a water park, the Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Water Park is the perfect place to go. It offers a lazy river, a water slide, and a wave pool. It also has the tallest water coaster in the world!

East Beach

East Beach is one of the most popular places to visit in Galveston. The area is a popular destination for families. While you’re in town, be sure to take advantage of other attractions like the Bishops Palace, Texas Seaport Museum, and the Grand 1894 Opera House.

The city is just an hour south of Houston. Whether you’re visiting with kids, couples, or families, you’re sure to find an activity that’s fun for everyone. You can choose from miles of gulf and bay shoreline, which are perfect for family vacations.

East Beach is also home to a variety of live entertainment and festivals. The beach features a pavilion, a boardwalk, restrooms, and chair rentals. It also has concessions and hosts an annual Sandcastle Competition. Hours vary, so be sure to call ahead.

Located on Pelican Island, Shell Beach is another great option for families. The beach is semi-circular in shape and is lined with millions of shells. Parking is limited on this beach, so it is best to park at nearby Seawolf Park. Although this beach is not ideal for swimming, families can spend the day exploring the beach’s shells.

East Beach is located on the far east end of the island and is a party center. There are numerous festivals here throughout the summer, including the AIA Sandcastle Competition. It’s also one of the few Galveston beaches that allows alcohol. However, most people are smart enough to behave properly at the beach. Families will still find it fun to hang out on East Beach.

East End Lagoon

On the eastern end of Galveston Island lies the East End Lagoon Nature Preserve. It is a 685-acre tract of land with a mixture of natural and man-made enhancements. It is a great place to spot various bird species.

A free ferry runs on the East End Lagoon 24 hours a day. Guests can board the ferry to explore the area and enjoy the scenery. While there, you can take a stroll along the boardwalk or spend a day on the beach. Another great attraction is the Galveston Railroad Museum, which features a variety of historical rail cars.

While you’re in the area, you may also want to check out the Strand Historic District. The Strand is home to several boutique shops, art galleries, and other attractions. You can also enjoy the historic downtown district. There are many great restaurants and cafes located in this area.

Nearby, you’ll find the Bishop’s Palace. This colorful building was built in 1892. The interior features rich period furnishings and sculptures. It’s also a great place to get a taste of local life during the Victorian era.

Galveston’s beaches are also popular places to visit. Some are more popular than others, so be prepared for crowds. However, the beaches are great for walking and frolicking. They’re especially good for families. Visiting in the spring and fall is ideal, but the winter can be a little chilly.

Kemah

There are many reasons to visit Kemah, a charming seaside community in Galveston Texas. The city has a rich history and has many attractions for visitors to explore. There are many shops and restaurants, and the waterfront area is home to several bars and concerts. Visitors can also stay in hotels and marinas while visiting Kemah. Moreover, there are many opportunities for outdoor recreation in Kemah, including horse-drawn carriage rides.

The amusement park at Kemah is filled with rides for families of all ages. The rides range from a tame Ferris wheel to a gravity-defying roller coaster. Younger children will love the double-decker carousel, while older kids will be thrilled by the slow-moving train and the 140-foot freefall on the Drop Zone. There are also many slower rides and attractions at Kemah Boardwalk. The amusement park offers discounts for military members and those with military IDs.

Those who enjoy outdoor activities will enjoy the Galveston Island State Park. This park is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening in nature. Its native birds, plants, and animals make it an ideal place for a walk in the woods.

Kemah is located just 20 miles south of Houston and offers a diverse range of activities. Its boardwalk and marina are great places to park your RV or boat. The town also offers boat slips and dry dock storage for boats.