helpful links for getting around the island
For General Info on Galveston - This site is a great little resource link, check here first for all things Galveston. In their "what to do" section you can get ideas on food and drink, shopping, beaches and much more. They have tips on all the sporting activities as well as bands and artistic events going on in Galveston. You can use this site for just about every Galveston related question you can think of, you can even book a cruise thru this site, when you get tired of the great time you're having at the Flip Flop Inn.
And for those of you who are all about the beach, here's a link for surf, tide and more, and another link about rip currents/tides in the Galveston area. Have Fun and be safe. |
Popular Spots
Pleasure Pier - Everybody's favourite ride centric pier of fun and games. Ohh, that roller coaster! Let's do it again! Schlitterbahn Water Park - The name pretty much tells you (if you speak German), lots of water, lots of slides. Perfect for the family looking to get wet all over. Slides of Fun. Moody Gardens - Pyramids, rain forest, aquarium, museum, food, bar, live music all at the waters edge. Spectacular. Pirates! Legends of the Gulf Coast Museum - Everything about pirates, bring your own parrot, peg legs available in the gift shop. Historic Downtown, Strand & Seaport - No trip to Galveston Island is complete without visiting the Historic Downtown, Strand & Seaport. Once known as the “Wall Street of the Southwest”, Galveston’s famed avenue, The Strand, anchors the historic downtown. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark for its outstanding collection of 19th century architecture, today it is the heart of a vibrant downtown and waterfront offering shopping, dining, museums, entertainment, accommodations and nightlife. |
Island Nightlife
Galveston offers a wide range of night life from bars and restaurants to live bands and fireworks and pretty much every thing in between. For those of you who want to know what band is playing tonight, check out this listing. The Grand 1894 Opera House - If you're looking for a night on the town, check out The Grand, they feature different shows almost every night with performers of every stripe in a building that carries a lot of local history with it. The Spot - Great atmosphere, Great view, fun bar with a blend of people that enjoy a good time. Come for the appetizers, stay for the party. Island famous. |
Health & Beauty
Therapeutic Health Works Day Spa - full service spa, make a day of it. massages, facials, wraps; they create the relaxation, you take it with you. Lulu's Salon & Day Spa - Hair and nails, face and skin, body and mind, they do ya up good. Tell 'em Roz sent you. The Yoga Haven - A full service yoga spot with a variety of specialty classes/events that make it worth coming back. Stop in for a stretch, and a little down dog. |
Sporting Activities
Stand Up Paddle Boarding - Stand Up Paddle Board Rentals (delivered to you on the beach), sun screen not included (but recommended). Island Bicycle Company - Galveston is one big flat island and a bicycle is the best way to get around. These guys have everything you need for a day ride or longer. Surf Camp - Ohana Surf and Skate teaches kids to surf each morning. Hours: 9am – Noon. Learn to surf today. G-Town Surf - Billy Blues has the surf report covered big time with a free live beach cam, thank you very much. He's also a go-to for the latest happening in G-town and who can deny all those good vibrations. Fishing - No poles? No problem! Galveston Fishing Pier is happy to get you hooked up, and check out the cool real-time pier cam on their website. Galveston Party Boats - Their name may be a bit misleading, these guys are all about the fishing. Their specialty: catamaran fishing tours, all you have to bring is the desire to catch a fish. Party with the fishes. Book a fishing trip - Many options to choose from on this Galveston website with links/recommendations for fishing trip guides and more. Dolphin Boat Ride - Get out into the water and converse with the dolphins, or at least try to keep up. Galveston Baywatch takes you there. |
Other Fun Stuff To Do
Segway Tours - Yes, those weird two wheeled things that are so fun to ride. lean for speed. Cruise the beach in style. Bring your balance and some sun tan lotion. Sand Castle Tips - This truly is Art in Sand. For those of you that want to make the best sand castle, you must, you absolutely Must, visit this website. Murdoch's Gift Shop and More - Since 1910 this family owned beachside landmark has withstood the hurricanes (for the most part) and provided tourists and locals alike with souvenirs, beachwear and frozen drinks. What else do you need? The Kitchen Chick - Are you loving the Galveston foods? maybe you want to get a little more into it? The Kitchen Chicks will help you on your quest to cook like a Galvestonian with cooking classes and all things foodie. |
Restaurants
Jimmy’s on the Pier - American cuisine on island time. Fishing pier just below restaurant. One of the legends of Galveston eateries. Little Daddy's Gumbo Bar - Leaning more towards a New Orleans style food menu, this hopping little spot offers up a delicious and casual dining experience in the heart of downtown. Sunflower Cafe - Breakfast, Lunch and early Dinner with a wide menu, especially seafood. Really healthy, tasty cooking here. BLVD Seafood - Great American seafood restaurant that consistently puts out great fare. With fair prices across the board, BLVD will make a fish eater out of you. "Mmm, them crabby cakes is good!" Olympia Grill at Pier 21 - Greek greatness on the pier. One of two locations on the island. Your total, dish breaking, experience. The Black Pearl - Get your oyster on in the downtown strand area. All the surf and turf classics covered to perfection here. Rudy and Paco’s - Fancy, Schmancy in all the best possible ways. Great place to celebrate a Special evening with someone special. Grotto at the San Luis Resort - Exquisite Italian dishes served in a Trattoria style setting with a wine cellar that can compliment any diner's taste. High end dining to be sure. Number 13 Prime Steak and Seafood - This is a more upscale eatery, great food, but check the dress code before you wander in from the beach. Nice date night destination. Star Drug Store - Don't be fooled by the name, this is more a breakfast and lunch spot than an actual drug store. Definitely worth a look as this place has tons of history, and even an ice cream soda bar. Gaidos - Traditional seafood in the islands oldest restaurant, served up fresh and delicious. Must try pecan pie. A Galveston icon. Hey Mickeys Ice Cream - Hand made Galvestonian ice cream in flavours to melt over. You must try a scoop of Candy Bar Overload and then wash it down with some Horchata flavoured Italian ice. LaKings Confectionary - This is a giant warehouse of a candy store in the downtown area, filled with everything from hand made chocolates and ice creams to an old time soda counter and a salt water taffy maker that likes to throw free samples all over the place. Gypsy Joynt - This is another one of those "locals only" kinda places you'll be glad you tried. Not in the trendy part of town (think, 'easier parking'). Their hipster menu has it all; shrimp quesadilla? Maple chipotle wings? Got butt sandwich? or maybe the less obvious, PMS with a blue ball? Yep, yep, yep and yep, they got all that and more. be cool. Saltwater Grill - The name says it all, lots of fresh seafood and plenty of awards for their efforts. Located in the heart of downtown, great food and a thriving nightlife scene as well. Mario’s Seawall - Great Italian and pizza with an ocean view from Galveston's oldest Italian eatery. Don't worry, they do seafood too and they also deliver. |
Farmer's Market
Galveston’s Own Farmers Market - Great Fresh Fruit & Veggies, lots of organics, every Sunday 9am – 1pm. Not just healthy food tho, entertainment and more. Stop by, you won't be disappointed. Local Grocery Stores Kroger - Large regional chain grocery store, most everything you'll need to eat. This is as big as it gets on the island. bring your own bag, please. Randall's - Chain grocery store that is small enuf to still care about the customer. still, bring a bag. Full selection of food and beverage. Arlan's Market - Grocery store. not sure if you need a bag or not. They got a good selection of stuff you can eat. Katies Fresh Seafood Market - Everything seafood. Everything Fresh. If you want great seafood, this is where you're shopping. |