Moody Gardens has something for everyone, according to the Galveston website. It features the Aquarium Pyramid, which houses thousands of tropical fish, sharks and penguins. It also has the Discovery Museum, which features 3D and 4D theaters. The Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center hosts large group gatherings and private vacations as well. You can also play the links at the new Moody Gardens Golf Course. Families with children can take an old-fashioned paddlewheel boat cruise or spend the day at the white sand beaches and blue lagoons at the resort's Palm Beach area.
History buffs and anglers alike can go to Seawolf Park. This park features a three-story pavilion with views of Galveston Harbor, a playground and picnic sites. If you enjoy military history, you can tour a destroyer escort and a World War II submarine docked at the pier. The public, lighted fishing pier is open year-round, and some of the most common types of fish in the harbor include black drum, spotted sea trout, sand trout, redfish, croaker and flounder.
If your idea of a vacation includes shopping, Galveston offers a wide variety of shopping venues and opportunities. The Historic Downtown Strand District features Victorian-era buildings and shops, as well as a revitalized arts and entertainment district. Visitors to this part of Galveston can browse in the numerous art galleries, photography galleries and antique shops. The 36-block Strand district also features restaurants, jewelry and clothing boutiques and several well-known factory outlet stores. If you are vacationing in Galveston in early February, go to this area for the annual Mardi Gras celebration.
If you are looking to explore the outdoors and enjoy hiking, go to Galveston Island State Park. This park offers more than four miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, as well as picnicking and camping areas. It even features a quarter-mile nature trail that has several photography, wildlife and bird-watching opportunities. Shore birds, mallards, raccoons, armadillos and marsh rabbits are commonly seen in the area.
