• Restaurants + Bars
  • Entertainment
  • Arts
  • Society
  • City Life
  • Fashion + Beauty
  • Real Estate
  • Home + Design
  • Innovation
  • Travel
  • City Guide
  • Events
  • Charity Guide
  • Subscribe
  • Cities
  • Austin
  • Dallas
  • Houston
  • San Antonio
  • Fort Worth
Cities
  • Austin
  • Dallas
  • Houston
  • San Antonio
  • Fort Worth
culturemap logo
  • Restaurants + Bars

    THE LATEST

    Brianna Caleri: Popular steakhouse carves out modern Mexican niche in Central Austin
    Casa Del Bistec
    Popular steakhouse carves out modern Mexican niche in Central Austin
    By Brianna Caleri
    Brianna Caleri: 5 things to know in Austin food right now: Iconic Ski Shores Cafe reopens on the lake
    News You Can Eat
    5 things to know in Austin food now: Iconic Ski Shores Cafe reopens
    By Brianna Caleri
    Brianna Caleri: Cult-favorite Houston restaurant redefines 'local' with long-awaited Austin opening
    New Locale
    Cult-favorite Houston restaurant redefines 'local' with Austin opening
    By Brianna Caleri

    SPONSORED BY

  • Entertainment

    THE LATEST

    Hannah J. Phillips: H-E-B might anchor massive Manor development, plus more hot headlines
    Hot Headlines
    H-E-B might anchor massive Manor development, plus more hot headlines
    By Hannah J. Phillips
    Alex Bentley: Baz Luhrmann's Elvis fails to shake up the myth of music legend
    Movie Review
    Baz Luhrmann's Elvis fails to shake up the myth of music legend
    By Alex Bentley
    Paige Turner: Here are the top 5 things to do in Austin this weekend
    Weekend Event Guide
    Here are the top 5 things to do in Austin this weekend
    By Paige Turner

    SPONSORED BY

  • Arts

    THE LATEST

    Hannah J. Phillips: Austin's Harry Ransom Center hosts centennial celebration of author James Joyce
    Bibliophiles ReJoyce
    Harry Ransom Center hosts centennial celebration of James Joyce
    By Hannah J. Phillips
    Hannah J. Phillips: Austin Public Library and BookPeople band together to celebrate banned books
    Freedom to Read
    Austin Public Library and BookPeople band together for banned books
    By Hannah J. Phillips
    Brianna Caleri: Texas Women for the Arts champions 5 Austin organizations with annual grants
    Wish Granted
    Texas Women for the Arts champions 5 Austin organizations with grants
    By Brianna Caleri

    SPONSORED BY

  • Society

    THE LATEST

    Hannah J. Phillips: Austinites gather to toast, taste, and crown top culinary talent at the Tastemakers
    A Delicious Celebration
    Austinites toast, taste, and crown top culinary talent at Tastemakers
    By Hannah J. Phillips
    Katey Psencik Outka: Founder of boozy Austin brand weds local singer in destination event
    Ranch Rider
    Founder of boozy Austin brand weds local singer in destination event
    By Katey Psencik Outka
    Katey Psencik Outka: Local music legend's niece ties the knot in romantic Austin ceremony
    Real Wedding
    Local music legend's niece ties the knot in romantic Austin ceremony
    By Katey Psencik Outka

    SPONSORED BY

  • City Guide

    THE LATEST

    : ZACH Theatre
    Entertainment
    ZACH Theatre
    : Spiderhouse Ballroom
    Entertainment
    Spiderhouse Ballroom
    : Vic Mathias Shores
    Entertainment
    Vic Mathias Shores

    SPONSORED BY

  • Events

    THE LATEST

    : Museum of Ice Cream
    6.27.22 | 10:00 am
    Museum of Ice Cream
    : Kraftwerk in concert
    6.27.22 | 8:00 pm
    Kraftwerk in concert
    : Paramount Theatre presents Summer Classic Film Series
    6.28.22 | 7:30 pm
    Paramount Theatre presents Summer Classic Film Series

    SPONSORED BY

  • Subscribe
  • City Life

    THE LATEST

    Hannah J. Phillips: Mueller's first boutique hotel books into bustling Austin neighborhood
    Mueller memo
    Mueller's first boutique hotel books into bustling Austin neighborhood
    By Hannah J. Phillips
    John Egan: UT hooks highly touted quarterback from famed Manning football family
    Star power
    UT hooks highly touted quarterback from famed Manning football family
    By John Egan
    Hannah J. Phillips: Austin-area lake town splashes onto list of best waterways in the U.S.
    Lake-way to go
    Austin-area lake town splashes onto list of best waterways in the U.S.
    By Hannah J. Phillips

    SPONSORED BY

  • Fashion + Beauty

    THE LATEST

    Hannah J. Phillips: Former Texas Longhorn launches luxury shopping destination in South Austin
    Sporting Fashion
    Former Longhorn launches luxury shopping destination in South Austin
    By Hannah J. Phillips
    Hannah J. Phillips: Austin jewelry star Kendra Scott shines with dazzling engagement ring collection
    Great Scott
    Austin jewelry star Kendra Scott debuts dazzling new engagement rings
    By Hannah J. Phillips
    Kristen O'Brien: Iconic French fashion house Hermès unwraps elegant Austin store
    Hermès Home
    Iconic French fashion house Hermès unwraps elegant Austin store
    By Kristen O'Brien

    SPONSORED BY

  • Real Estate

    THE LATEST

    Hannah J. Phillips: Stunning Lake Austin home owned by Counting Crows pianist hits market to tune of $4.25 million
    Keeping up with Mr. Jones
    Counting Crows pianist's Lake Austin home for sale to tune of $4.25M
    By Hannah J. Phillips
    : Austin named No. 2 most overpriced housing market in the U.S. in new study
    Second Worst
    Austin named No. 2 most overpriced housing market in the U.S.
    By KVUE Staff
    Arden Ward: City of Austin home price hits record $667,000 as number of homes for sale soars
    Real Estate Report
    City of Austin home price hits $667K as number of homes for sale soars
    By Arden Ward

    SPONSORED BY

  • Home + Design

    THE LATEST

    John Egan: Iconic South Congress store closes up shop after 33 years
    So long
    Iconic South Congress store closes up shop after 33 years
    By John Egan
    Holly Beretto: Step back in time inside 9 grand and historic Galveston homes on popular tour
    living history
    Step back in time inside 9 grand and historic homes on Galveston tour
    By Holly Beretto
    David Phillips: Sustainable outdoor furniture brand selects Austin for first Texas showroom
    Become a Yardbird
    Sustainable outdoor furniture brand selects Austin for Texas debut
    By David Phillips

    SPONSORED BY

  • Innovation

    THE LATEST

    Hannah J. Phillips: Austin-based Bumble sponsors 50 female athletes to honor 50 years of Title IX
    Big League Bumble
    Austin-based Bumble sponsors 50 female athletes in honor of Title IX
    By Hannah J. Phillips
    Brianna Caleri: Texas university awards $4 million for groundbreaking Alzheimer’s research
    Brainy Theories
    Texas university awards $4M for groundbreaking Alzheimer’s research
    By Brianna Caleri
    John Egan: Elon Musk poised to become the world’s first trillionaire by 2024
    Mega bucks for Musk
    Elon Musk poised to become the world’s first trillionaire by 2024
    By John Egan

    SPONSORED BY

  • Travel

    THE LATEST

    Hannah J. Phillips: River Walk hotel celebrates 40th anniversary with $38 million transformation
    Revamped River Walk
    River Walk hotel celebrates 40th anniversary with $38M transformation
    By Hannah J. Phillips
    John Egan: Spa at Hill Country resort previously owned by George Strait goes up in flames
    Blaze near Boerne
    Spa at George Strait's former Hill Country resort goes up in flames
    By John Egan
    Stephanie Allmon Merry: Unique design plans unveiled for National Juneteenth Museum in Texas
    Museum news
    Unique design plans unveiled for National Juneteenth Museum in Texas
    By Stephanie Allmon Merry

    SPONSORED BY

  • Charity Guide
  • Tastemaker Awards
Promoted articles are produced by CultureMap sponsors and not by the editorial staff.
Home » Travel
Now Boarding
Austin airport takes off with 7 new nonstop flights from Southwest
Go Off Grid
Swimming holes and wine via a luxe RV: Your Hill Country guide
LATEST NEWS
Spa at George Strait's former Hill Country resort goes up in flames
New Year, New Adventures

10 reasons to visit Galveston in 2021 for some 'coastal distancing'

10 reasons to visit Galveston in 2021 for some 'coastal distancing'

By CultureMap Create
Mar 29, 2021, 12:00 pm
Enlarge
Slideshow
Greetings from Galveston mural
Discover something new every time you visit. Photo courtesy of Galveston CVB
Two girls on a beach
You've got 32 miles of shore to explore. Photo courtesy of Galveston CVB
Moody Mansion exterior
Tour the Moody Mansion. Photo courtesy of Galveston CVB
Shrimp N Stuff po' boy
Sink your teeth into deliciously fresh seafood. Photo courtesy of Galveston CVB
Galveston beach at sunset
There's plenty of outdoor fun to be had. Photo courtesy of Galveston CVB
Galveston Naval Museum
Visit one of Galveston's many museums, such as the Galveston Naval Museum. Photo courtesy of Galveston CVB
Greetings from Galveston mural
Two girls on a beach
Moody Mansion exterior
Shrimp N Stuff po' boy
Galveston beach at sunset
Galveston Naval Museum

Sure, you know about Galveston's 32 miles of sun-soaked shores, but how about its amazing history, outstanding outdoor activities, and mouth-watering fresh seafood?

There are dozens of reasons to do some "coastal distancing" in Galveston this year, but here are 10 to get you started:

1. A storied past
Pirates have placed their flags on its shores. Waves of refugees from Germany, Italy, and Greece made their way to the island. Wealthy merchants set up shop and planted deep roots.

For more than 200 years, Galveston Island's varied inhabitants have shaped this fascinating barrier island, and the Galveston Historical Foundation has made it its mission to protect and preserve the island's many treasures. Though most structures were destroyed as a result of The Great Storm of 1900, the community's leaders over the years have done an outstanding job of conserving the structures that still stand.

Since Galveston was second to Ellis Island as an immigration port, its architecture pulls influence from multiple countries because of the residents who wanted something to remind them of home. Tour the Downtown Historic District, East End, and Silk Stocking Historic Districts to experience the incredible architecture firsthand. 

2. Shop local
An array of vintage boutique stores and unique local shops makes shopping in Galveston — for yourself or others — just as exciting as playing on the 32 miles of beaches over the summer. Stroll down The Strand, browse along Postoffice Street, or get outdoorsy on the Seawall, using this ultimate shopping directory as your guide.

3. Seafood satisfaction
Embark on a boat-to-table day in Galveston — no boat or fishing pole required! Visit a local seafood market and cook a fresh meal at home or dine at one of Galveston's many seafood restaurants.

4. Work from paradise
If you can work anywhere, why not work at the beach? And this doesn't just apply to the adults — sign into Zoom school and then head out for some experiential education once class ends. Many families have decided to carve out time and hit the road to be together and experience the world around them, choosing "road schooling" over homeschooling.

5. Shore thing
Galveston's entire southern coastline offers you and your family ample space to spread out and enjoy a little fun in the sun. From East Beach and Stewart Beach to the 10-plus miles of Seawall beachfront plus the miles of beachfront vacation rentals on the west end, there's a sandy spot waiting just for you.

6. Al fresco fever
If you're craving a delicious meal overlooking the beach, several island restaurants are ready to serve you and your family in an open-air setting. Here are 20 tasty suggestions to get you started.

7. Tour on your terms
Unlock Galveston's past at your own pace. Explore the island's nooks and crannies on foot, in a car, or even by bike or golf cart. Take in a self-guided tour of the area's most haunted locales, visit the Turtles About Town, or carve out time to explore the whimsical tree sculptures.

8. Year-round fresh air
The tropical environment of Galveston encourages you to enjoy the magnificent outdoors all year long. This gives you more time to enjoy the stunning beaches, golf, fishing, birdwatching, sailing, kayaking, cycling, and so much more. From Segway tours to dolphin-spotting excursions, stand-up paddleboarding to duck tours, there's something for everyone. 

9. Watch history come to life
Galveston is one of the most well-known historic towns on the Gulf Coast, due largely to the strength, ingenuity, and progress of Galvestonians in the aftermath of The Great 1900 Storm. Explore all this and more at the island's numerous museums.

10. Animals abound
Moody Gardens' 242-acre property is home to numerous family and educational attractions, including three glass pyramids that house an aquarium, a discovery museum, and a living rainforest with free-roaming sloths, birds, and monkeys. You can also go wild at the zipline and ropes course, the Colonel paddlewheel boat, a VR experience, an audience recognition theater, and 3-D and 4-D theaters.

Save up to 40 percent on island attractions
If you haven't been to Galveston lately, now is the perfect time to experience some of the island's unique attractions at a price you can't refuse. With the Galveston Island Pass, you can select four or more participating attractions and save 40 percent off retail price. Passes are valid for 30 days after purchase.

Read These Next
Origin Hotel Austin
Mueller's first boutique hotel books into bustling Austin neighborhood
downtown odessa patio bar
Dip into Downtown Odessa for a fun roster of food and festivals
Texas Heroes Day in La Grange
Head to La Grange to walk in the footsteps of true Texas heroes
Origin Hotel Austin
Mueller's first boutique hotel books into bustling Austin neighborhood
downtown odessa patio bar
Dip into Downtown Odessa for a fun roster of food and festivals
Texas Heroes Day in La Grange
Head to La Grange to walk in the footsteps of true Texas heroes
  • Latest News
  • Most Popular
  • H-E-B might anchor massive Manor development, plus more hot headlines
  • Austin-based Bumble sponsors 50 female athletes in honor of Title IX
  • Mueller's first boutique hotel books into bustling Austin neighborhood
  • River Walk hotel celebrates 40th anniversary with $38M transformation
  • Dip into Downtown Odessa for a fun roster of food and festivals
    - promoted -
See All Latest News >
  • Cult-favorite Houston restaurant redefines 'local' with Austin opening
  • 5 things to know in Austin food now: Iconic Ski Shores Cafe reopens
  • Counting Crows pianist's Lake Austin home for sale to tune of $4.25M
  • Popular steakhouse carves out modern Mexican niche in Central Austin
  • 10 fabulous ways to celebrate 4th of July in Austin and beyond
Vote Now
Where to Eat Austin
3/11
Where to eat in Austin: 12 hot spots to feed your face during SXSW
10/1
Where to eat in Austin right now: 10 spots near ACL Fest to feast on
8/13
Where to eat in Austin right now: 10 best restaurants for summer bites
Home | About Us | News Tips & Suggestions | Submit An Event | Submit A Charity | Advertise | Media Sponsorship | Jobs | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
© 2022 CultureMap LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Be A CultureMap Insider
Get Our Emails
Sign Up

We will not share or sell your email address

Newsletters for exploring your city

Thank you for signing up Please verify your e-mail by following the link we just sent you.
Look for an e-mail from CultureMap <info@culturemap.com>