Galveston: Beyond
the Beach
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1528
Stranded on Galveston’s shores following a shipwreck, famed Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca transforms from a conquistador to a medicine man among the Karankawa Indians, who were Galveston’s first known inhabitants.
1865
Union Army Major General Gordon Granger arrives in Galveston and issues General Order No. 3, announcing the freedom of over 250,000 enslaved black people in Texas. This event on June 19, 1865 becomes known as Juneteenth, a national holiday.
1885
Earning the nickname “Wall Street of the South,” the Island grows to become Texas’ largest and wealthiest city, with its major immigration port second only to Ellis Island. Galveston continues to play a vital role in U.S. commerce and finance.
1900
A lack of storm tracking means little warning before massive winds and storm surges result in the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history. The Great Storm of 1900 devastates Galveston, killing over 6,000 people and destroying much of the Island.
THINGS TO DO
Featured Content
Galveston Bucket List
Perfect Family Itinerary
Galveston Family Attractions
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Wellness Guide
Spend a Spooky Weeked in Galveston
Your Guide to Exploring Downtown Galveston
Galveston Family Attractions
NEW!
Wellness Guide
Spend a Spooky Weeked in Galveston
Your Guide to Exploring Downtown Galveston
1838
Galveston is officially founded, and a golden age begins. The Island flourishes due to its deep-water port and expanding trade routes, making it a commercial powerhouse that welcomes waves of ambitious immigrants.
1786
Spanish Colonial governor Bernardo de Galvez orders a survey of the Texas Gulf Coast. The initial surveyor Jose de Evia then devises the name “Galveston Bay” as an homage to him, despite Galvez never actually stepping foot on the Island.
1817
French pirate Jean Lafitte establishes the colony of Campeche, transforming Galveston Island into a haven for pirates, allowing them to raid Spanish merchant ships in the Gulf. Lafitte departs a decade later, possibly leaving behind buried treasure.
1836
Canadian fur trader Michel B. Menard acquires seven square miles of land, which soon becomes the City of Galveston. This same year, Texas gains independence from Mexico and becomes a republic, launching an era of explosive growth.
Galveston’s Storied 500-Year History
Galveston Island is more than a beach destination; it’s a place where history, culture, and coastal adventure come together in one unforgettable escape. The shoreline might be the first thing that calls you here, but it’s everything else that brings people back again and again.
Step away from the Gulf and you’ll find a deeply storied island with 19th-century architecture, oak-lined avenues, and a spirit shaped by sailors, artists, immigrants, and entrepreneurs. Stroll through the Historic Downtown District, explore world-class museums, or take in live music and art tucked into corners across town.
Visitors can ride the roller coaster at the Pleasure Pier, meet penguins at Moody Gardens, or cool off at Schlitterbahn Waterpark. Hop on a dolphin tour, walk through a nature preserve, or sit down to fresh Gulf seafood prepared by chefs who know this island by heart.
Whether you’re drawn by the laid-back pace, the historic charm, or the coastal energy that fills the air, Galveston has a way of leaving its mark—and inviting you to see more each time you return.
Choose Your Own Spooky Adventure on Galveston Island
America’s most haunted city—invites you to embark on a gruesome getaway like no other.
Featured Story
Celebrating Juneteenth
Did you know Galveston became the birthplace of Juneteenth over 160 years ago? Visit the museums, exhibits, art, plaques, and tours that tell the story of emancipation all year long.
Featured Video
FOOD & DRINKS
NATURE
Galveston Family Attractions
NEW!
Wellness Guide
Spend a Spooky Weeked in Galveston
Your Guide to Exploring Downtown Galveston
HISTORY
Galveston Family Attractions
NEW!
Wellness Guide
Spend a Spooky Weeked in Galveston
Things to Do
FOOD & DRINKS
NATURE
HISTORY
Galveston Bucket List
Perfect Family Itinerary
Galveston Family Attractions
NEW!
Wellness Guide
Spend a Spooky Weekend in Galveston
Exploring Historic Downtown
11 Can't Miss Seafood Restaurants
Galveston's Top Tex Mex Restaurants
20 Restaurants Open for Outdoor Dining
Dining Through History
10 Ways to Explore Nature in Galveston
Spot Dolphins in Galveston
Find Your Beach in Galveston
Fishing Charters in Galveston
Galveston Celebrates Juneteenth
Explore African American History
15 Historic Galveston Island Sites
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About Us
Visit Galveston is the official destination marketing organization for Galveston Island, Texas - accredited by Destinations International.
A beach town unlike any other, if you visit once, you’ll keep coming back forever. With endless beaches, bustling shops, and fantastic food fresh from the Gulf, there’s something for everyone.
Explore the Area
Find the best spots on the Island with our easy-to-use interactive map. Discover top places to stay, local dining favorites, and can't-miss attractions—all in one place.
Where To Stay
Food & Drinks
Things To Do
The Great Fire of 1885
Galveston's Pelicans
The Rosenberg Library
Jack Johnson
1902-1910
To prevent future disasters, Galveston raises the Island’s elevation by 17 feet and constructs the renowned Seawall Boulevard, raising 500 city blocks by hand over an eight-year process.
1920s-1950s
Nicknamed the “Free State of Galveston” thanks to its vice-friendly gambling, the Balinese Room becomes a world-famous club that hosts the likes of Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe, with the powerful Maceo family controlling much of the Island’s nightlife.
1957
The creation of the Galveston Historical Foundation preserves the city’s rich cultural heritage, restoring buildings and developing the Strand Historic District. The Island is revitalized into a family-oriented tourist destination.
Present Day
Each year, Galveston attracts over seven million visitors with its array of unique beaches, various museums, and beloved attractions, including Moody Gardens, Schlitterbahn Waterpark & the Historic Pleasure Pier, carrying on its legacy as a favorite destination in Texas.
When Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca washed up on Galveston’s shores in 1528, he couldn’t have imagined he was setting foot on what would become the most storied stretch of land in Texas history. From its days as a pirate kingdom to its reign as the “Wall Street of the South,” the Island has survived catastrophic storms, birthed the first Juneteenth, and transformed itself into the Playground of the South. Here is an epic timeline of Galveston’s tale of resilience and reinvention.
Step away from the Gulf and you’ll find a deeply storied island with 19th-century architecture, oak-lined avenues, and a spirit shaped by sailors, artists, immigrants, and entrepreneurs. Stroll through the Historic Downtown District, explore world-class museums, or take in live music and art tucked into corners across town.
Visitors can ride the roller coaster at the Pleasure Pier, meet penguins at Moody Gardens, or cool off at Schlitterbahn Waterpark. Hop on a dolphin tour, walk through a nature preserve, or sit down to fresh Gulf seafood prepared by chefs who know this island by heart.
Whether you’re drawn by the laid-back pace, the historic charm, or the coastal energy that fills the air, Galveston has a way of leaving its mark—and inviting you to see more each time you return.
FOOD & DRINKS
THINGS TO DO
HISTORY
NATURE
Taco & Burrito Spots Worth Chasing Down
Birding on Galveston Island
Kayak, Surf, & SUP in Galveston
Live Music
Dec 13-14, 2025
Holiday With The Cranes
Visitors to Galveston, TX are welcome to celebrate the arrival of the majestic Sandhill Cranes wintering on the island.
Dec 5-7, 2025
Dickens on The Strand
Victorian traditions come alive during Galveston Island’s Dickens on The Strand, a holiday festival filled with music, costumes, and spirited celebrations.
Jan 12-30, 2026
Galveston Restaurant Week
This annual event invites diners to explore Galveston’s best restaurants, offering prix-fixe brunch, lunch, and dinner menus at special price points.
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Fall Events
Jan 16-17, 2026
Yaga's Chili Quest & Beer Fest
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Jan 19-25, 2026
Galveston Art Week: Celebrate Creativity on the Gulf Coast
Art Week offers a variety of activities from captivating gallery exhibitions to engaging workshops and performances.
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Head to Galveston's red hot Yaga's Chili Quest & Beer Fest for serious chili sampling, live music, a 5K fun run/walk, and more in Downtown Galveston.
PastPort to Galveston
Dec 5-7, 2025
Dickens on The Strand
Victorian traditions come alive during Galveston Island’s Dickens on The Strand, a holiday festival filled with music, costumes, and spirited celebrations.
LEARN MORE
Dec 13-14, 2025
Holiday With The Cranes
Visitors to Galveston, TX are welcome to celebrate the arrival of the majestic Sandhill Cranes wintering on the island.
LEARN MORE
NOV 22, 2025 - JAN 3, 2026
Holiday in the Gardens
Moody Gardens transforms into Holiday in the Gardens, where ICE LAND, sparkling lights, and family traditions create holiday memories.
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NOV 22, 2025 - jan 3, 2026
Holiday in the Gardens
Moody Gardens transforms into Holiday in the Gardens, where ICE LAND, sparkling lights, and family traditions create holiday memories.
LEARN MORE