Spend a Weekend in Galveston


Posted on Sunday, May 21, 2023

One of the many benefits of living in Lago Mar is easy access to Galveston. Our community is just 30 minutes away, making it a great place to start your weekend getaway. Planning a trip? Here’s our guide to the perfect weekend.

Where to Stay

Galveston is dotted with boutique hotels, bed & breakfasts and seaside resorts. The Grand Galvez is a 110-year-old beachfront hotel known for its elegance and sophistication. The San Luis Resort is considered the top resort on the island for families and couples. Families on a budget will want to check into the Best Western Plus Galveston Suites. Offering a seawall location and free breakfast, it’s minutes away from the Pleasure Pier, Schlitterbahn Galveston and Moody Gardens. If you want to be even closer to Moody Gardens, they have their own family-friendly hotel.

Where to Dine

Sightseeing is hungry work. Fortunately, there is no end to amazing dining options in Galveston. Start the day with a quick stop at MOD Coffee Shop or Sugar Bean. There are lots of places to get a po’boy, but Shrimp N Stuff is one of the best. Your first stop for dinner should be Gaido’s. A Galveston tradition since 1911, this is the place to get your seafood on. Don’t leave without trying a slice of their famous pecan pie. If you’re spending the day on the Pleasure Pier, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is as family-friendly as it gets. Rudy & Paco is considered one of the best restaurants for romance.

Where to Sunbathe

Galveston boasts 32 miles of coastline. Stewart Beach is considered the most family-friendly. Lifeguards keep watch on swimmers and there is a snack bar for hungry beachgoers. East Beach is the site of the annual sandcastle competition. The biggest beach in Texas also boasts a concert stage and outdoor bar. Seawall Urban Park is the 10-mile stretch of coast along Seawall Boulevard, the longest continuous sidewalk in America. In addition to soaking up the sun, you can ride bikes, rent surrey bicycles or jog.

Where to See Wildlife

Nature lovers can get their wildlife fix at Galveston Island State Park. The 2,000-acre park recently reopened after a three-year renovation. It’s perfect for campers, kayakers, hikers and anglers. Seawolf Park boasts one of the island’s most popular fishing piers and picnic sites. East End Lagoon Nature Park & Preserve (EEL) spans 700 acres of wildlife preserve. It’s home to birds, many species of wildflowers, insects, reptiles and amphibians, so don’t forget to bring your camera. Artist Boat Coastal Heritage Preserve offers eco-art kayak adventures along the coast.

Where to Get a Thrill

If you are looking for thrills and chills, Galveston is the place to be. The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is a great place to play with its many rides, midway games and more. Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston has the hottest cool rides around. If you prefer your chills mixed with a little history, don’t miss out on a Galveston ghost tour.

Where to Get an Education

Want to keep the kids learning while having fun? Galveston is super educational. Your first stop should be Moody Gardens. Known for the park’s three educational pyramids, this is the spot for learning about ecosystems. New exhibits you won’t want to miss include Sharks in Depth, Planet Earth: Deep Sea Adventures and Dinos Alive. The Galveston Children’s Museum is designed for children ages 2 to 10, but even adults enjoy their hands-on interactive exhibits. Take trainspotters to the Galveston Railroad Museum. The museum runs weekend caboose rides and two incredible model railroad layouts. Galveston’s Historic Seaport is the home of the Tall Ship Elissa, an 1877 square-rigged iron barge and floating museum.

Where to See History

Galveston boasts four nationally recognized historic districts: the East End, Silk Stocking, Lost Bayou and Strand/Mechanic. All districts feature Victorian, Greek Revival, Queen Anne and other architectural style buildings. The Strand is Galveston’s most well-known district. It’s an antique lover’s paradise and the center of the city’s many festivals. The Bryon Museum houses one of the world’s largest collections relating to the American West. The 1892 Bishop’s Palace is one of Galveston’s most iconic buildings. The Grand 1894 Opera House is the official Opera House of the State of Texas. It still presents a year-round performing arts schedule.

Resort-style Living Near Galveston

Looking for resort-style living near action-packed Galveston? Make the move to Lago Mar. You’ll enjoy a private place to stay as well as resort-style amenities in your backyard. Visit us today.

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