Galveston, TX

Part of what makes Galveston unique is it's history. It is an old port town. The strand is great and there are usually big ships in. Look up a few stories of pirates and the history of Galveston and then when you see the big ships off in the distance it will seem even more exciting. For a beach that is close, it has come a long way! MY kids love the long walks, the sand dollars and sea shells, and even playing in the water. Moody Gardens is also nice. Hope you have a great time.

We went last year for 4th of July and you couldn't pay me to go back! We did the Moody Gardens thing and it killed a day, but that's it. There wasn't any real beach with sand (unless you paid $20) the amount of seaweed was disgusting. There were tons of seagulls. There is the rock wall, then some B. sand and rocks and then the ocean. Sorry, that I couldn't agree with the other moms. I was hugely disappointed and would not go back again. Would rather deal with the kids in the car for 12 hours to Destin than the 5 hours to Galveston...

the beaches are not that bad, but personally, i wouldn't book a gulf coast vacation after around mid july b/c of hurricane season... hope you have a good trip!

We are leaving tomarrow for Galveston. We are staying at Crystal Beach. The beaches are not bad. Murky water. Not see through. But its a beach and its close!! Its not FL. You will have fun, the kids don't care as long as there is water!!! Have Fun!!

If you have ever been to Hawaii or to Florida beaches then don't expect to see clear water like you did there. Galveston just isn't that great anymore but your kids will have a blast. A beach is a beach to them. Don't let the background get in your way for your family fun, k!!! I grew up in Galveston and have seen many changes. We would go back every summer to visit my grandma and I thought it was awesome when I was a kid. I went to Hawaii 5 or so years ago and there is no comparison. I'm not trying to spoil anything for you so please don't take it that way. I am going this summer as well and don't care about the background because I'll be with family. You guys will have a great vacation because you will make it that way and your kids will look back and say, "Remember when....."! Since it is so close yall could make it a yearly thing just because it's cheaper. With gas going up and in all!!!!! T.

Hi. I too have been to Florida quite a bit (used to live in LA), but I love Galveston! My kids think Galveston is the best vacation-- period! The sand is kind of icky, and there can be a lot of seaweed, but the water is okay. We don't hang on the beach that much-- it is nice just having a balcony overlooking the beach, waking up to crashing waves, and the girls always love the condo pool. We normally stay at Seascape, which is on the beach (there are only 2 or 3 places to stay that aren't across the street from the beach). The kids also love Rainforest Cafe'; it has a volcano that erupts every 30 minutes, a little boat ride, and outdoor activities in the evenings (like a DJ, Hula dancing, Hooping contests, etc.). Landry's seafood is so good, and the beach view is great. Some people love Moody Gardens (it is "okaY") and the waterpark there (i'm not a big waterpark fan). It is just a nice little relaxing getaway. Have fun!

I ditto what most have said. We went last summer and my 6 year old loved it. We also spent a lot of time at Moody Gardens and they have a man made white sand beach that we went to as well. Also, the nice thing about Galveston is that you are close to NASA and there is a ton of things to do for the kids at the Space Center. Another place for kids and families to have fun in that same area is Keema(sp). there is a boardwalk and a restaurant called The Aquarium. Awesome time can be had. In this same location you can feed stingrays.

Just got back from there and had an AWESOME time... it is NOTHING like Florida beaches (I grew up in Florida) but we still had a blast! It is brown sand and there was a lot of seaweed in the water when we were there which washed up on the beach... after the first day, we went down to Stewart Beach (only a few blocks from our hotel) - costs $8 per car to go there... it was worth it! They comb the beach and get all the seaweed off the beach so it was very clean... big waves which we love to play in... LOTS OF FUN... just not your beautiful white sandy beaches of Florida but still a blast!!! I won't say they are ugly, just different than what I was used to.

I grew up in Texas and for the last few years my husband, now 8 year old son and I have gone to Galveston in August for 3 days. No, it is not Florida, but for a short, family-friendly, comparatively inexpensive family vacation it is great. And it looks like you will have your hands full with 3 kids! The water is not crystal blue and there is not the abundance of pretty seashells, but the kids have a blast--and at this age, they are simply not going to know! The public beaches are kept clean, have more sand that is combed, lifeguards, and umbrellas and/or chairs for rent. In addition to the beach, there is Moody gardens with the three pyramids which is great. There is a rainforest pyramid, and aquarium pyramid, and a 4-D movie theatre and various other child-friendly things to do. There is also a train/railroad museum and old traincars that you can go in downtown, with trainrides on Saturdays. The Strand, which is part of old downtown Galveston, is very interesting with shops, restaurants, and galleries. There is also a trolley. Like one of the other Moms said, what is interesting about Galveston is its history. Guido's is a fabulous restaurant, and is surprisingly kid friendly if you go early. There is a Rainforst Cafe with a ride that my son loves. Ben and Jerry's ice cream followed by long walks on the beach after dark with flashlights to watch the crabs. You don't have to take your kids to Florida or Hawaii--and who can feasibly afford to do that every year now with gas prices and airline fares? Make the time special by being with each other. When they get older you can stop off at NASA outside of Houston. I hope you ahve a great time and we will be going in August!

www.moodygardens.com

Michelle,
Galveston beaches are nothing like Florida beaches. The water is not clear nor the beaches the type of sand you find in FL. However,that being said, I love Galveston!! It has such a great atmosphere, places to eat and things to do. For sure check out Moody Gardens, your family will love it. Hope you have a great time!
M.