Galveston Island is a remarkable heritage destination! While visiting, we invite you to explore our historic city and discover the many treasures, both modest and extravagant, that make our island town unique.
To help you get started, below is a sampling of restaurants, events, tours, and historic sites around town—each reviewed by museum staff and volunteers.
Where to Eat
Galveston’s eclectic culture offers a much wider variety of food than anyone would expect on an island so limited in space. When asking a Galvestonian their favorite restaurant on the island, most will have difficulty answering because there are simply too many options. However, there are three restaurants that I find myself at frequently, none of which surpass the other.
I love Gaido’s Seafood on the Seawall, which sits on the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico. This location, open since 1911, the same year air conditioning was invented, offers a beautiful seaside view and comfortable indoor atmosphere. Everything I have had there, from salads to lobster, has been delicious.
Address: 3828 Seawall Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77550
Website: www.gaidos.com
For lunch, When I am craving seafood and a particularly local flavor, I prefer Shrimp ‘n Stuff.
Address: 3901 Avenue O, Galveston, TX 77550
Website: https://www.shrimpnstuff.com/
Finally, I have likely visited Gypsy Joint far more than any restaurant in Galveston. The endless menu and deserts bring me back to try new, creative options. The restaurant also has free arcade games to enjoy while waiting for food!
Address: 2711 Market St, Galveston, TX 77550
Website: http://www.gypsyjoynt.com/cafe
Galveston certainly takes pride in its food; hence the wide variety and superb quality of food wish each visitor had the opportunity to visit every restaurant on the island.
Where to Sleep
Galveston Island has numerous lodging options, including adorable beach cottages, camp grounds, neighborhood abodes, and historic hotels! Our favorites include:
Sand ‘n Sea was founded by Galvestonians 40+ years ago and the family still manages the company from their beautiful offices near the golf course. They have 150 vacation homes—of all shapes and sizes—available for the island’s visitors.
Address: 13706 FM 3005, Galveston, TX 77554
Website: https://www.sandnsea.com
With free valet parking for those seeking a delicious meal or tasty beverage, The Tremont House should be on everyone’s list. Enjoy their hospitality, then explore downtown Galveston and The Strand. In the evening, watch the sunset from the hotel’s fantastic rooftop bar. Don’t forget to visit the nearby Galveston Railroad Museum! If you have a Franciscan level membership or higher at The Bryan Museum, you’ll receive free admission to the Railroad Museum.
Address: 2300 Ships Mechanic Row, Galveston, TX 77550
Website: https://www.wyndhamhotels.com
Situated in the middle of Galveston Island, you’ll find refuge in these nature saturated campsites on the Gulf of Mexico and the West Bay. Bring your canoe or kayak and explore the paddling trails in the bay. The fishing and birding is exceptional. Because most of trails are protected by breakwater, the water is normally calm and makes for excellent paddling. Paddlers can choose from three different trails that vary in length from 2.6 to 4.8 miles. Because the park has many other features of interest, paddlers can also take a hike along the dunes on the Gulf side.
Address: 14901 Fm 3005 Rd, Galveston, TX 77554
Website: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/galveston-island