Things to do in Galveston Island

Top Things to Do in Galveston Island

Things to Do in Galveston Island


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Galveston Island.


Top Attractions in Galveston Island

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
Historic Sites
Restored to its turn of the century splendor, the 28,000 square-foot, four-story structure was completed in 1895. Today, our guests visit 20 rooms on a self-guided tour that depicts the home life of a powerful Texas family. The Moodys established one of the great American financial empires. Based on cotton, it grew to include banking, ranching, insurance and hotels. The mansion is one of the finest places to visit, a trip back in time. Touring the museum should definitely be on the top on the list for things to do on Historic Galveston Island. Tour Information: Self-guided Audio Tours: Children 6 & Under Free Self-guided audio tours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (last tickets sold at 4p.m.; house closes at 5 p.m.) Behind-the-scenes Tours: Exclusive docent-guided tours to areas not normally open to the public 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday | limited size tours | reservations highly recommended Group Tours: Moody Mansion tour descriptions: Self-guided audio tours: Two audio tours allow you to set your own pace through the house and grounds. • The Moody Family tour features six members of the Moody family telling stories about their ancestors. This tour is also translated into Spanish. • Mary’s tour, appropriate for children and adults, is narrated by an actress portraying the late Mary Moody Northen as if she were guiding you through her home. Guided 25th Anniversary Tour: Behind-the-scenes tours celebrate the 25th anniversary of Moody Mansion’s restoration. A knowledgeable docent guides guests through areas not normally open to the public, describing Mary Moody Northen’s vision for preserving her home and sharing her collections. These tours are conducted at 4 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tour size is limited; reservations are highly recommended.
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What travellers are saying

  • 404HappyTraveller
    Saskatchewan, Canada496 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We really quite enjoyed strolling through this part of the downtown area. There are lots of magnificent old buildings to keep you busy looking at all the details. They are remarkably well preserved and give you a good idea of what Galveston must have been like in its heyday. The shopping not so much. We were hoping to have found some local artisans, but mostly it seemed to be typical tourist stuff you can find pretty much everywhere.
    Written 5 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeanne P
    Lake Oswego, OR79 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    FREE and super easy to take. The road leads you directly onto the ferry and they have plenty of help there to guide you onto the ferry. We went mid day on a week day and drove right onto the ferry with no wait. I'm sure it's busier on weekends. Overall it was very efficient.
    Written 3 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • cw0108
    Kalamazoo, MI329 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful home that is a self guided tour. Enjoyed the recordings that tell you about the history. Stunning architecture. Must be able to climb stairs.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • carrie s
    Ardmore, OK42 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    a buetiful place i love galveston waters and the segulls just word of warning be safe there can sometimes be shady people later in the afternoons the locals will also warn u of them and be aware if u feed the segulls they will attack you for all of the food they know no boundaries lol
    Written 8 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 404HappyTraveller
    Saskatchewan, Canada496 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I had a fair idea of how drilling worked on land, but really no idea how it worked on the water. Well, now I have a better understanding of how these rigs work. Great museum, a big part of which is that it’s an actual rig, but is well presented and well organized as well. Took about 90 minutes to go through, including a short film to start. Very interesting and informative.
    Written 4 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Vernon K
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We love to visit old homes across the country. We were very impressed with this home. We really enjoyed the visit. It is worth the cost.
    Written 12 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Laura M
    Madrid, Spain25 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Better pickup one, rainforest or aquarium, both the same morning a bit too much with little ones. If I had to choose, the rainforest is my choice. Better aquariums in other places in USA , nothing remarkable.
    Written 14 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Pam H
    Hilton Head, SC170 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting to see. You walk up a ramp to buy tickets in a small gift shop. There is a deck area outside the shop where you can watch the workings of the boat without having to pay to get on. Never bought a ticket but felt I had the whole experience. Saw families go in the gift shop, buy ice cream and look at the boat from the deck.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 404HappyTraveller
    Saskatchewan, Canada496 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a unique museum, as it has both an actual submarine, and a destroyer escort. Both have been adapted somewhat to allow for touring through them, but still retain all of the original atmosphere of when they were carrying out their missions. Most every area of both vessels are open, and touring through gives you a good view into life onboard for officers and crew. I never thought I would stand on the deck of an actual destroyer, or walk through a submarine, but now I’ve done both. As well, there is a good display that is mostly reading and photography telling the stories of the essential parts that women had in WW II. Very enlightening.
    Written 6 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • carrie s
    Ardmore, OK42 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    i love the views from the pier its great for fishing and the views are great also u might even see jumping sword fish and crabs and other sea creatures
    Written 8 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Pam J
    2 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Overall there is a lot of history and it would take many days to appreciate all the detail. A little disappointing that the orphanage portion was almost an afterthought.
    Written 31 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AttyVette
    Texas1,331 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We booked a ride on polar express train ride at this museum Saturday night December 2. We had to pay $30 to park close but wanted to be close to our destination. Having fun already / recommend this event .
    Written 2 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Galveston Island


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