Vacation in Galveston- What Should We Do/See? Sea Turtle Refuge?

If traveling stresses you out, when you get to Galveston, take a cruise.

You get to see all kinds of wonderful places. The kids will absolutely love the accomadations on board made especially for kids. The room and meals are included. The cruise lines have childrens' programs that your kids will love which gives you time with your husband.

COST? I keep track of expenses when my wife and I go on vacation. Taking a cruise and taking a land vacation can cost about the same depending on what you choose to do. But I usually find a cruise is slightly cheaper, unless you get carried away with the booze and gambling. If your land vacation involves a rental car, and expensive water parks and amusement parks, then a cruise is much less expensive.

My wife and I went to visit my son in Omaha and Minot, ND this summer. We spent time at Rapid city and saw Mt Rushmore, stayed in motels and ate at restaurants. Our 7-day cruise to Alaska, out of Vancouver, was considerably less expensive.

If you need discount travel sites, e-mail me.

Good luck to you and yours.

We loved Moody Gardens. There is a rainforest in a glass Pyramid, an Imax theatre, and a river paddle boat all together in one spot. Be careful which beach you go to. There are 2 differant beaches, one for familys and one for partiers. The family beach has a great big water slide.

Moody Gardens does offer 2-3 days worth of things to do. Its just wicked expensive. There are some fabulous Kodak moments though so be sure to plan on taking plenty of pictures. Their beach is really nice – but it can get really crowded too b/c I believe they sell passes for just the beach alone, so it fills up fast w/beach goers who don’t want the rusty waters near the seawall.

Right across the street is Schlitterbahn Waterpark (I wouldn’t spend the money unless you’ve never been to one) and nearby is the flight museum – pretty cool ifyour son is into planes. Its doesn’t have a lot but the ones they do have are HUGE.

Rainforest Café is just like all the others if you haven’t been – mini log ride, animated jungle animals, oversized aquariums you can eat under. Food is okay for the price. But they have entertainment outside along which you don’t have to dine in for, w/the volcano that “erupts” every hour. They have carnival games, live music, and once we got to enjoy hula dancers go at it!

I’d like to suggest a walk through Hotel Galvez. Very historic and beautiful setting across from the beach.

As for public beaches, the main highway from Houston will dump you right on Stewart Beach. You may have to pay a small fee ($5 I think) and you can drive right on the beach. It is very family friendly BUT it gets very very crowded on weekends. If you have to drive to the beach, I suggest parking along the seawall near The Galvez and finding a spot on the beach near the Galvez’s blue chair rentals, only b/c it is right next to the lifeguard station and the Galvez keeps their area clean. Go west past Jamaica Beach ifyou want a more secluded beach you can drive right on. You will see some pretty nice beach homes too!

One place you have to visit is Murdochs on the water right off the seawall near the Galvez– it’s a store on a pier. Its got souvenir shops on both ends but in the middle you can get a drink/snacks and sit on the deck overlooking the water. The last time I went we saw dolphins swimming around. It is

There is a Galveston museum, an oil rig museum, the tall ship Elissa (plenty of places for a 5 yo to explore and climb) and the Strand which is basically a shopping/eating district. Its just historic buildings and a few historic businesses BUT you have to go to Star Drugstore and get an ice cream float there. Its an old fashion drugstore w/more pictures of historic Galveston.

As far as places to eat, I suggest Millers Café (right off the seawall next to the Galvez) for bfast. Its standard menu and a bit pricey but the ambiance is classic Galveston and you get a great view of the water. Sunflower Bakery for bfast or lunch and then bring back a snack for the room from their dessert case. Shrimp and More for lunch or dinner – whether or not you like shrimp you will not be disappointed with whatever you order from there. But all 3 places are off the beaten path but are still classic and unique to Galveston.

I’ve been on the historic homes tour and unless your kid likes old fashion furniture and large houses paneled in wood, he may not enjoy himself or be still enough for the tour.

Hth and I hope you guys have lots of fun!

My family who lives in Houston love going to Moody Gardens. My sister and her family go to Galveston every year. I'll ask her and email you later.

Yes, there is a Ridley Turtle Research Center, Sea Turtle Facility in Galveston--I went when I was in Girl Scouts years ago. Very neat; however, you have to schedule in advance.
http://galveston.ssp.nmfs.gov/seaturtles/index.html

There is great shopping on the Strand. http://www.thestrand.com/

At the end of The Strand is a railroad museum. http://www.galvestonrrmuseum.com/

As others have mentioned, there's Moody Gardens. There are also some historic home tours (Moody Mansion). I enjoyed seeing the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa (Galveston Historical Society) when I was younger as well.

And of course, there's the beach.

Moody Gardens and Schlitterban (sp) are there. My kids loved the old putt-putt golf, but I think it may have gone down w/ the hurricane. Just a short drive away is Kemah Boardwalk - it is a blast! Downtown Galveston is quaint w/ character. There is an old-time soda fountain/ice cream/candy shop there.

Take a lot of beach toys w/ buckets for collecting shells and sand castle making stuff. Take something for shade on the beach. Either a huge umbrella or an ez-up canopy (about $100.00). And comfy beach chairs. We took our regular camp chairs and they were very uncomfortable for sitting on the beach trying to relax.

Hope this helps. Have a fun!!!!