The historic city of Galveston is found far south in Texas, less than an hour from the Mexican border. This city lies on the Gulf of Mexico, and you'll find attractions both new and old. There's more than enough that you can tailor your visit to the age range and tastes of your group. With several museums, kid-oriented attractions and some more unusual choices, you won't be bored in Galveston.
The Treasure Island Tour Train is a narrated sightseeing tour around Galveston--on a train. Your ride lasts 1 3/4 hours and takes you 17 miles, where you'll see the sights and learn about the city. The tour gives you an overview of Galveston, taking in Seawall Boulevard, old Fort Crockett and parts of the University of Texas. The train only operates in summer at scheduled times, though you can charter it for a special event.
Treasure Isle Tour Train
2500 Seawall Blvd.
Galveston, TX 77550
409-221-0282
galveston.com
Schlitterbahn Galveston echoes the city's German heritage by giving all its rides German names. The heated indoor water park has slides, rafting, body-surfing and a total of 32 attractions. The family-owned park supplies free tubes and life jackets, and provides places to buy food, including homemade barbecue. You may also bring your own picnics, but glass and alcohol are not allowed.
Schlitterbahn Galveston
2026 Lockheed Street
Galveston, TX 77554
409-770-9283
schlitterbahn.com
The Offshore Energy Center is a museum and visitor center about natural oil and gas, as extracted through oil rigs. You can visit the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum in Galveston and learn about the oil business, both as it is today and was in the past. The unusual museum is hosted on an old oil rig. There's also a Hall of Fame that memorializes those involved in this industry in the past.
Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum
Pier 19 (Harborside Drive at 20th Street)
Galveston Island
409-766-7827
oceanstaroec.com
The Galveston Historical Foundation has put together a must-see map of historical sites in Galveston, and you can actually go inside some of them. The U.S. Custom House is one such property that offers tours and interpretation. The custom house was founded in 1860 and has ties with the Civil War. The building is now headquarters for the foundation and its archives, which are publicly accessible.
1861 Custom House
502 20th St.
Galveston, TX 77550
409-765-7834
galvestonhistory.org
