Craving the calm of the beach and ocean but don’t have time for an island hop? We recommend a family trip to Galveston Island to see the Texas Gulf Coast.  You can do a simple overnight or a four-day trip. What we love about the beach, is that it is beautiful any time of the year.

The Family At Galveston Seawall

The Perfect Island Get Away:

Galveston makes a great first visit to the Gulf Coast. A small romantic island tucked deep within the heart of south Texas, Galveston captures all the charm of a quaint southern town but is just 40 minutes south of Houston, the fourth largest city in the United States. Because hurricane damage happens every few years, many of the homes rest on stilts but are a sight to be seen at sunset.

Stewart Beach, Galveston’s premier family beach park, was recently named one of the “10 Best Beaches for Families in 2013” by Family Vacation Critic – the only Texas beach to make the list. Not only can your family visit miles of soft sandy beach, but you can explore Moody Gardens, ride the waves at Schlitterbahn Water Park, tour the historic gas light district or shop till you drop at the Tanger outlets.  This exiting destination possesses incredible history and unique beauty while offering something for all ages and budgets.

Lodging and Logistics:

• Hotel Galvez & Spa: provides Old World charm, luxury and the best Sunday brunch around per Southern Living Magazine and Open.com
• Four Points by Sheraton: is easy for families given its free breakfast and close proximity to the beach and parks
• Moody Gardens Hotel Spa & Convention Center:  features a signature golf course and spa complete with a Texas-sized heated outdoor pool. Perfect for a weekend family island get away, but you need to book in advance because the hotel sells out
• VBRO  or Dwellable.com:  have wonderful rental and B&B options
• American Express and VISA Concierge: can help book lodging reservations and vacation solutions for busy working moms

 

The Three Pyramids of Moody Gardens and the Hotel

 

Moody Gardens Hotel Spa & Convention Center

 

Easy and convenient Check-in for Families

No Fuss Family Friendly restaurants:

• Gaido’s: provides delicious fresh seafood and remains a Galveston Seawall institution. The wait staff ranks tops in our books in quality of service and entertainment. Our waiter told our children to be sure to wash their hands after eating fish so “they wouldn’t be chased by stray cats”
• The Spot: has spectacular views of the water and a child friendly pub menu
• Mario’s Italian: has the best slogan around (see below) and is great for pizza and pasta.They also make some of the best ice cream in South Texas

 Love Mario’s Logo

Moody Gardens:

A public, non-profit educational destination focusing on nature conservation, recreation and research, Moody Gardens makes for wonderful enrichment during a family holiday.  The park features three stunning glass pyramids. The red pyramid houses a tropical rain forest with free-roaming Saki Monkeys, beautiful macaws and other endangered animals and plants. The blue aquarium pyramid offers playful penguins, seals, sharks and bountiful tropical fish. The white pyramid showcases a myriad of movie theaters and restaurants.

  The Monkeys

We studied the habitat of rainforest butterflies

 

In the white pyramid, we enjoyed “The Flight of the Butterflies 3 D” and the 4D “Wizard of Oz” where we experienced the wrath of a tornado and the melting of the wicked witch (Dorothy threw water in our faces too).

The children took a break at The Dinosaurs Live Exhibit

Moody Gardens Special Events:

• Palm Beach: open in warm weather this adorable water park has a wave pool, water parks and a lazy river suitable for the whole family
• Colonial Paddle Wheel Boat tours: sail once an hour weather permitting and provides a beautiful view of the pyramids and the ocean
• Holiday Events:  features a parade with Santa, a festival with over 1000 lights and a wide range of holiday favorites from The Polar Express to the Nutcracker

The Holiday Festival of Lights

Other Unique Galveston Island Attractions:

• Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier: pay $20 for a wrist band to ride the ferris wheel and roller coasters overlooking the ocean
• The Tanger Outlets: located just outside of Galveston with some of the best outlet shopping in the country
• Schlitterbahn Water Park : consider buying a season pass since tickets are over $70 per person. We recommend the same for Moody Gardens. To economize where you can, pack a picnic lunch and drinks

We hope you will enjoy Galverston Island as much as we did because where else will you get ocean and education all in one?

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