Save Big With Galveston Hotel Deals from Groupon

One of a string of barrier islands along the Texas Gulf Coast, Galveston is part history museum, part laid-back beach town. The island was a commercial and economic hub during the mid-19th century, with one of the busiest ports in the country; you can see remnants of its shipping glory days in well-preserved Victorian homes that now contain one-off boutiques and art galleries. Head outside of Galveston’s historic districts and you’ll find miles of beaches filled with swimmers, sunbathers, and partiers. The mild climate—temperatures rarely drop below the 50s—means that you can spend much of the year outside, strolling the city’s red-brick sidewalks and 10-mile-long seawall.

Natural Beauty

• 30 miles of beaches: Galveston’s long shoreline is dotted with sandy beaches, including party-centric East Beach and family-friendly Stewart Beach, which lies at the eastern end of the island’s pedestrian-friendly seawall.
• Moody Gardens: Three glass pyramids house a 1.5-million-gallon aquarium, a rainforest stocked with endangered plants and animals, and a museum with interactive exhibits that change every few months.
• Galveston Island State Park is one of the best bird-watching spots on the island. The coastal ecosystem is home to a variety of wading and shore birds, including great blue herons and roseate spoonbills.

Historical Charm

• Vintage homes: The 50-block East End Historical District is lined with Greek Revival and Victorian houses that date back as far as the 1850s. A few blocks away, the turn-of-the-century Moody Mansion is open for tours daily.
• The Galveston Railroad Museum, housed in the former Santa Fe Railroad station, boasts one of the largest restored railroad collections in the country. On Saturdays, visitors can hop aboard the Harborside Express train for a quick ride.
• Tall Ship Elissa: Wander the decks of this 1877 sailing vessel at the Texas Seaport Museum, located along the Galveston Channel.

Artistic Spirit

• The Strand: Stroll along Galveston’s 36-block historic downtown to browse antiques, jewelry, and artwork at more than 100 unique shops and galleries.
• Grand 1894 Opera House: The century-old theater still hosts evening musical, drama, and comedy performances and offers self-guided tours during the day.
• Tree sculptures: Local chainsaw artists created dozens of sculptures from dead oaks that were damaged by Hurricane Ike. The sculptures can be found all across the island.

Where to Stay

• Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa & Convention Center: The family-friendly resort sits in the midst of Moody Gardens and features a tropical pool and kid-centric entertainment.
• The Galvestonian: Beachfront condos with full kitchens and up to five bedrooms are good for families; many overlook the Gulf of Mexico from private balconies.
• The Tremont House: Full of 19th-century charm, this historical hotel lies in The Strand and boasts the city’s only open-air rooftop bar.