SandpiperRV Resort, Galveston
The resort sits at the first address on the Seawall, where Galveston Island is widest and the beach wraps around the tip toward the ship channel. Everything below is measured from the gate at 201 Seawall Blvd.
The Bishop's Palace is a Victorian mansion known for its ornate architecture, rich history and resilience through the 1900 hurricane. Once home to a prominent family and later the Catholic bishop, it now welcomes visitors for public tours and is considered one of the top must-see attractions in Galveston. Inside: a 40-foot octagonal mahogany stairwell, Sienna marble columns and stained glass. Step out the door and you are in the East End Historic District, where the live oaks killed by Hurricane Ike's saltwater were carved into more than 20 sculptures, a Great Dane on Sealy, a Tin Man and Toto on Winnie. The free brochure makes a two-mile loop.
Pleasure Pier is one of the rare places in the world where you can enjoy so many rides directly over the water. Soar above the coastline, glide over excited guests, and get ready for your next thrill by the sea. The 1,130-foot pier stands on the footprint of the 1943 original, with sixteen rides hung out over the surf: the Iron Shark coaster, a 100-foot Ferris wheel facing the Gulf, and the Texas Star Flyer that lifts you 230 feet above the waves.
Three glass pyramids on Offatts Bayou, each a full day. The blue Aquarium Pyramid holds 1.5 million gallons with penguins, seals and a walk-through tunnel. The clear Rainforest Pyramid is a ten-story canopy with free-flying birds, sloths and a treetop walkway. The pink Discovery Pyramid hosts rotating science exhibits. Add the MG3D theater, a zipline, the paddlewheel Colonel, and Palm Beach, a white-sand lagoon with a lazy river in summer.
The Strand Historic District is the heart of Galveston's rich history and coastal charm. Lined with beautifully preserved Victorian-era buildings, this vibrant district offers a unique blend of boutique shopping, local dining, museums and cultural events. Whether you are strolling the brick-paved streets, enjoying a carriage ride, or exploring seasonal festivals like Dickens on The Strand, this iconic area captures the spirit and soul of old Galveston. Five blocks of iron-fronted warehouses from the decades when Galveston was the richest city in Texas, and after dark the walking ghost tours take over the alleys.
The ELISSA Day Sail Watch Party is one of the most unique and memorable experiences in Galveston. As the majestic 1877 tall ship ELISSA sets sail, you can enjoy the view from shore and witness living history in motion, one of the top events to attend during springtime in the city. She is a three-masted iron barque launched in Aberdeen in 1877, rescued from a Greek scrapyard and restored by Galveston volunteers. She came home in August 2026 from an America250 voyage along the Gulf and sails again each spring. Two doors down at Pier 21, Baywatch Dolphin Tours runs 45-minute harbor cruises and bottlenose dolphins show up on nearly every trip.
Stewart Beach is across the road: a wide, groomed family beach with lifeguards from spring through fall, rinse showers, umbrella rentals and no alcohol. Walk a mile and a half along the sand and the island simply ends at East Beach, Galveston's party beach by reputation and nature beach in fact, with the East End Lagoon preserve next door and the Sandcastle Festival every September. Sixteen miles down the island, Galveston Island State Park runs from Gulf surf to bay marsh, with dune walkovers, paddling trails and photo blinds.
Ten more stops worth the drive, from a railroad depot to the end of the island.
Step into rail history. Explore historic locomotives, vintage railcars and interactive exhibits where the golden age of railroading comes to life for all ages: over 40 vintage railcars, including steam engines, cabooses and passenger coaches, many open for walk-throughs, housed in the beautifully preserved 1932 Art Deco Santa Fe depot. $14 adult. The Polar Express runs Nov 13 to Dec 23, 2026.
Official siteFour stories of Romanesque brick and limestone at 26th and Broadway, lived in by the Moody family until 1986, with the original furnishings. $15 adult.
Official siteClimb through the WWII submarine USS Cavalla and the destroyer escort USS Stewart on Pelican Island, then fish the lighted pier for flounder in the fall run.
Official siteThe 91st Street Fishing Pier, which now trades as the Galveston Fishing Pier, is a popular oceanfront spot offering great fishing, scenic Gulf views and a relaxed coastal atmosphere, open to anglers of all skill levels and ideal for casting a line, enjoying sunrise or sunset views, or taking in the sea breeze. Both it and the 61st Street Pier run more than a thousand feet into the Gulf, rent rods, sell live shrimp and stay open around the clock in season.
Official siteOpen since 1911 and run by the fourth generation of the Gaido family, the white Seawall landmark with the blue crab on the roof. A James Beard America's Classic in 2025. Ask for a window table at sunset.
Official siteThe free TxDOT ferry runs 24 hours with dolphins riding the wake. On the far side, the Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary holds thousands of avocets and plovers in winter.
Official siteTexas and Southwest history in the 1895 orphanage building on 21st Street. $15 adult.
Official siteThe Gulf coast's big waterpark with a heated indoor section, open May through September. Under new ownership since 2026 with the same name; check reopening dates each spring.
Official siteA seaside amusement park wrapped around a working marina on Galveston Bay. The Boardwalk Bullet wooden coaster, a Ferris wheel and seven waterfront restaurants.
Official siteA full Saturn V, the shuttle replica on its 747 carrier, and the tram to Apollo Mission Control restored to 1969. Budget five hours.
Official siteDrive FM 3005 to the end of the island for miles of drive-on beach, surf fishing and the darkest skies in the county. No swimming at the pass itself.
Official siteWhere to get what you need, measured from the gate.
There is no H-E-B on the island; the nearest are in Texas City and League City. Propane fills and RV repair are on the mainland; the office can point you to a mobile technician.