Houston , United States

Galveston Tour

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This tour will cover much of the island, its history, and historic sites. I will play a 45-minute documentary giving you an good introduction as we drive to Galveston on our drip-down movie screens. This is a mostly driving tour that also incorporates about 1 hour to walk and shop along the historic Strand Street. We will have other stops for photo taking. Galveston was the largest city in Texas in 1870 and 1880 and was the wealthiest city as well until the 1900 Great Storm. The Great Storm was a monster hurricane that killed at least 6,000 people on September 8th. More people died in this Galveston hurricane than ALL other hurricanes that have hit the mainland US in history. On the return trip, we can show you the documentary Isaac's Storm from the History Channel. This will be fun-filled, entertaining and educational tour of a once great city that is still a fun place to vacation.

Available options

Galveston Tour

What's included

Entrance fee

Guide

Detailed itinerary

This beautiful mansion from 1892 looks like a small castle. The American Institute of Architects have ranked this as the 14th most important US home built during the Victorian Age. It also has a great gift shop.

The Strand is the most famous street in Galveston. It looks like a cleaner version of Bourbon Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans. It is full of shops, cafes, boutiques, and comfort food sites for ice cream, chocolate, saltwater taffy, taffy apples, fudge, jerky, and more. First, we will drive on The Strand to familiarize yourself and second, you will be on your own to stroll through it. Enjoy!

This is one of the largest and cleanest roadside stops in the US. If you have ever heard that everything is bigger in Texas, this site lives up to that motto. The gas station has 56 pumps. Each of the bathrooms has over 30 stalls, generally with an attendant to maintain its cleanliness. It has its own bakery, butcher, fudge, and roasted nuts centers for fresh foods. It has a grocery store and a large souvenir shop that can be great for the first time visitor to Texas. If you like Reese's peanut butter cups, try a Buc-ee's OverBite.

This is, to the best of my knowledge, the only oil rig museum in the US that your can go on to tour. This is 1 of about 5 optional special activities that you can select. If you do not want to tour the Drilling Rig & Museum, you can select to:
1. Go on a boat ride and see dolphins and a shipwreck to Galveston Bay.
2. Tour the 4th largest Railroad Museum in the US.
3. Tour the Pirates Legends of the Gulf Coast Museum.
4. Tour the Galveston Historic Seaport Museum - Home of the 1977 Tall Ship ELISSA. Walk on this historic 3-masted baroque that was originally from Ireland.
5. Tour the Bryan Museum (closed on Monday and Tuesday).
6. Tour the 1895 Moody Mansion.

Drive along Seawall Boulevard to see the Gulf of Mexico, the hotels, restaurants and gift shops.

See the beginning of the Houston Ship Channel, the wharves, ships, and restaurants along the Port.

This beautiful and historic performing arts theater is one of the oldest in all of the South. It has survived dozens of hurricanes.

Drive through the Silk Stocking District to see mansions from 1890s through 1920. In the general area, we will also see 4 of the 5 oldest homes of Galveston from 1856, 1847, 1839, and 1838. The latter two homes look like plantation mansions. Big and beautiful oak, crepe myrtle, and palm trees line these areas.

Stop 9 Pass by

This is one of the largest waterparks in the United States. If you have children or you are a big kid, you will want to return here.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

If parents or grandparents bring their own infant seats, the children can sit in them after they are secured.

Travelers will have their option to choose the type of food that they want to eat. For example, Seafood, barbecue, steak, Mexican, Asian, Greek, or something else. Everyone pays for his/her meal.

Meeting point

We meet inside the rotunda of the Houston City Hall at 901 Bagby Street, Houston, Texas 77002 on Monday through Friday. City Hall is closed on weekends. On weekends, we meet at a park bench on the east side of City Hall.

About Houston

Houston, the largest city in Texas, is renowned for its space exploration history, diverse culinary scene, and vibrant arts culture. As the home of NASA's Johnson Space Center, the city offers unique attractions, a thriving economy, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Top Attractions

Space Center Houston

The official visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center, offering interactive exhibits, historic spacecraft, and behind-the-scenes tours of NASA facilities.

Historical/Adventure 4-6 hours Moderate ($29.95 for adults, discounts available)

Museum District

A collection of 19 museums, cultural centers, and galleries, showcasing art, science, and history.

Cultural/Museum Half day to full day Varies by museum (many have discounted days)

Discovery Green

A 12-acre urban park in downtown Houston, featuring gardens, fountains, and hosts to various events and concerts.

Nature/Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (some events may have fees)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Tex-Mex

A fusion of Texan and Mexican cuisine, featuring dishes like fajitas, enchiladas, and nachos.

Main Course Can be made vegetarian or vegan with substitutions.

BBQ

Slow-smoked meats, often served with tangy BBQ sauce, coleslaw, and baked beans.

Main Course Meat-heavy, but vegetarian options like smoked jackfruit are available.

Gulf Seafood

Fresh seafood from the Gulf of Mexico, including shrimp, oysters, and crab.

Main Course Can be prepared in various ways to suit dietary preferences.

Popular Activities

Space Center Houston tours Kayaking on Buffalo Bayou Hiking in Memorial Park Spa treatments Picnics in Discovery Green Yoga classes Museum District visits Theater District performances

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to November

These months offer pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city. The crowds are moderate, and major events like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo take place during this time.

15-30°C 60-85°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

CST (GMT-6) / CDT (GMT-5) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Houston is generally safe for tourists, but as with any large city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help

Getting there

By air

George Bush Intercontinental Airport • 22 miles (35 km) north of downtown
William P. Hobby Airport • 7 miles (11 km) south of downtown

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Efficient and affordable, but coverage is limited to certain areas. Good for reaching major attractions and the Medical Center.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Montrose The Heights

Day trips

Galveston Island

50 miles (80 km) • Full day

A barrier island off the coast of Texas, offering beautiful beaches, historic sites, and family-friendly attractions.

San Antonio

180 miles (290 km) • Full day or overnight

A historic city known for its Spanish colonial missions, vibrant River Walk, and cultural attractions.

Festivals

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo • February to March Houston Pride Festival • June

Pro tips

Visit the Museum District on Thursday nights for free admission to many museums.
Explore the Houston Farmers Market for fresh produce and local delicacies.
Take advantage of the city's diverse dining scene by trying Tex-Mex, BBQ, and Gulf seafood.
Use the METRO Q App for real-time updates on public transportation.
Check for free events and concerts at Discovery Green throughout the year.