Hotels in Galveston

Best time to visit Galveston

With a temperate island climate, and average temperatures of 55 – 65 degrees Fahrenheit, Galveston is a popular travel destination. To avoid large crowds and higher hotel rates, try to visit Galveston before June or after August. The town also hosts a number of events and festivals, especially during spring and summer. Popular events include Mardi Gras! Galveston, Galveston FeatherFest for birding and nature photography, ArtoberFest festival – Galveston’s juried fine arts festival, and Dickens on the Sand – Galveston’s famous Victorian holiday festival. Try to time your visit around a festival of your choice. Keep in mind that Galveston is prone to hurricanes between June – November, though it is hard to predict one until it is almost time. If you are visiting during these months, keep an eye out for any weather updates closer to the date of your trip.

Getting around Galveston

Most places on the compact island of Galveston can be explored on foot. However, for the neighborhoods beyond The Strand Historic District and the harbor, it is better to rely on public transport.The Galveston Island Trolley operates 7 streetcar routes that cover most parts of the town, and cost $1.00 USD per ride. You can also hail a taxi anywhere on the island. Consider hiring a pedal car to ride along Seawall Boulevard. Island Bike Company, Goody Rental, and EZ Rentals III are some of the reputed vendors in the area. The cost generally depends on what type of bike you rent, and how long you ride. A typical 2-wheeler bike costs approximately $8.00 USD per hour, $15.00 USD for 3 hours, and $25.00 USD for all-day rental. You may also want to consider renting a car. The city streets laid out in a simple grid-like manner are easy to navigate, and metered parking is available in plenty. Just watch out for some unexpected one-way streets. Find attractive deals on car rentals with momondo.

Best places to stay in Galveston

A tiny Texan island on the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston is the ideal destination to enjoy 32 miles of sandy beaches, theme parks, historic homes, shopping, and a vibrant culinary scene. Broadway Avenue J runs through the length of the island town, while numbered grid-like streets intersect the avenue and Seawall Boulevard creating a few broadly defined neighborhoods.

Downtown Galveston – The Strand Historic District

The commercial center, and heart and soul of the town, The Strand Historic District is a lively neighborhood that runs from the harbor to Broadway Avenue J. The streets are packed with 19th-century buildings, antique shops, cafés, restaurants, and bars. You will also find scores of souvenir shops, small art galleries, and plenty of live music venues. Amid the bustling shops and restaurants, enjoy a luxurious stay in the well-appointed rooms and suites of The Tremont House, a Wyndham Grand Hotel. This is an elegant 1879-dated hotel that offers boutique-style accommodation in the heart of Downtown Galveston. Check out the Harbor House Hotel and Marina at Pier 21, a waterfront property with stylishly decorated rooms and suites, just steps from the attractions of The Strand Historic District.

East End

A largely residential neighborhood, the East End runs from 6th Street to 19th Street, north of Broadway Avenue J. This area is dominated by the University of Texas Medical School (UTMB) campus, and also features stately homes of prominent Galveston citizens. Consider the relaxed all-suite hotel Homewood Suites by Hilton Galveston on Seawall Boulevard, a 5-minute walk from the beach and a 10-minute walk from the UTMB campus.

San Jacinto

A working class area with a fair mix of country estates, farms, and ranches, San Jacinto has the longest frontage on the Gulf of Mexico. This is a triangular area formed by Broadway Avenue J, 23rd Street, and Seawall Boulevard. Consider the 1911-dated Hotel Galvez & Spa for its elegant décor, luxurious service, modern amenities, and exclusive location on Seawall Boulevard. Check out the refined rooms with antique furnishings in Coppersmith Inn, a charming 1887-dated Victorian B&B featuring stained-glass windows and a grand staircase, just a short walk from The Grand 1894 Opera House.

Kempner Park

Kempner Park runs from 23rd Street to 39th Street between Broadway Avenue J and Seawall Boulevard, and boasts some of the most historic homes in town. Check out the colorful rooms furnished with traditional décor in The Villa Bed & Breakfast. This quaint B&B set in a 1914-dated bright, Mediterranean-inspired home is a 6-minute walk from the carnival rides, shopping, and dining at Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. You can also consider the minimalist rooms and suites at the Four Points by Sheraton Galveston located on Seawall Boulevard, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

Cheap hotels in Galveston

There are plenty of cheap hotels, guest houses, and B&Bs in Galveston, and it is not difficult to find rooms under $100.00 USD per night. Close to the Moody Gardens and The Strand Historical District, you have the modern, all-suite hotel, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Galveston Island. On Seawall Boulevard, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, check out the family-run hotel, Gaido’s Seaside Inn or Holiday Inn Resort Galveston – On the Beach hotel. Further east, consider the bright, airy rooms of the Best Western Plus Seawall Inn & Suites by the Beach hotel.

A relaxed, island ambience, interesting line-up of events round the year, and opportunities for several outdoorsy activities are excellent reasons to spend a few days in Galveston. The port town also features over 400 ornate historic homes, expansive gardens, miles of sandy beaches, and a host of family-friendly attractions.

• Go on a guided tour of the various historic mansions in Galveston. Check out the 1892-dated Bishop’s Palace (a.k.a. Gresham House) for its rich architecture, interiors, and history. Visit the 1838-dated, Michel B. Menard House, the oldest house on the island in Greek Revival-style architecture that has been fully restored to its original charm and beauty. Head to the 28,000-square-foot, 4-story Moody Mansion that was inhabited by one of the most influential and affluent families in Texas, headed by William Lewis Moody, Jr. Admire the hand-carved décor, coiffured ceilings, and stained glass, as well as several Moody family possessions that still adorn the rooms of the mansion.
• Enjoy a fun and educational trip to Moody Gardens. Explore 2 state-of-the-art theaters, a vast aquarium, several playgrounds and pools, and an expansive botanical garden. Make time to visit the 13-story Rainforest Pyramid that boasts an impressive display of exotic flora and fauna.
• Enjoy the old-fashioned boardwalk-style amusement park with rides and attractions for all ages, and sample delicious fare from plenty of food stalls at The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier.
• Discover interesting stories of scores of immigrants who entered the U.S. through Galveston’s port, at Texas Seaport Museum, home of the celebrated 1877 tall ship ELISSA.
• Spot coastal birds, enjoy a leisurely stroll or picnic, hike or bike on one of the nature trails, or go fishing, swimming, kayaking or paddling near the beach, in the 2,000-acre Galveston Island State Park.
• Attend a legendary Broadway-style show or a musical performance, or book a guided tour of The Grand 1894 Opera House theater that has survived many storms and hurricanes, and remains a fully functional theatrical performance venue.
• Enjoy a variety of thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions at Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston.
• If you are up for it, visit the Haunted Mayfield Manor on The Strand. The Manor boasts ‘12 rooms of terror that will leave you screaming!’ and also gives a few historical insights.