Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Galveston

"Why You’ll Love It: One of the most historically significant homes of the Victorian eras in the USA, this lavish home, is also known as The Gresham House. It was built in an ornate style with colored stone, stained glass windows, bronze sculptures, and lush furnishings including a fireplace lined with silver!. Taking from 1886 to 1892 to build, the 17,420 square feet residence is opulent."

"Built as a private residence, the Bishop's Palace, also referred to as Gresham's Castle, is often described as one of the most significant Victorian mansions in America. It was completed in 1893 after seven years of construction. Highlights include its castle-like exterior, complete with turrets and towers and sculpted granite, limestone, and sandstone."

"Moody Gardens is a tourist attraction for locals and travelers alike. If you’re looking for scenery that feels more naturally adventurous, the Aquarium Pyramid or the Rainforest Pyramid are wild backdrops. You might also consider taking a trip around Offatts Bayou onboard the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat!"

"Moody Gardens isn’t a garden, but instead a 242-acre entertainment complex that has so much to offer its visitors. It’s one of the best Galveston tourist attractions and a favorite for locals, too. Plan to spend an entire day at Moody Gardens if you want to experience all that is offered here."

"Home to the 1877 tall ship Elissa, a national historic landmark, the Texas Seaport Museum tells the maritime history of Galveston, which was known as "The Ellis Island of the West" in the 1800s. The Texas Seaport Museum has the nation’s only computerized listing of immigrants to Galveston, Texas. The museum’s immigration exhibit tells the story of immigrants who arrived in the United States via ships docking in Galveston Harbor."

"Galveston Historical Foundation brought Elissa from a scrapyard in Greece in 1978. The 1877 Tall Ship Elissa was fully restored and it has been floating as Galveston museum ship ever since. Elissa is one of only 3 ships of its kind in the world and it has been welcoming over 40,000 visitors annually."

"A beautiful old 3-master, the tall ship Elissa is one of the most former ships still in operation today. Built-in Aberdeen, Scotland, Elissa first launched in 1877. Based at the Texas Seaport Museum, the vessel has been designated a National Historic Landmark since 1990."

"Not only did this historic opera house survive the 1900 hurricane, but it is also still flourishing and has even been designated the "The Official Opera House of Texas." Today, performances range from Willie Nelson to Red, White, & Tuna, to Fiddler on the Roof. The Romanesque Revival style opera house is located in Galveston's Historic Downtown Cultural Arts District."

"After a long day on the beach and a perfect dinner on the Strand, watch a show or performance at The Grand 1894 Opera House. Even if there are no shows running during your visit to Galveston, The Grand is still regularly open to tours. This opera house has endured numerous hurricanes, therefore it has grown as a cultural icon in the Lone Star State."

"This landmark serves as the "Official Opera House of the State of Texas." The site of several world premiere theatre productions, The Grand is a historical treasure of the Gulf Coast. It has an extraordinary place in the history of our community and many of our residents' lives."

"For a bit of history on your sunny day out, check out Seawolf Park. Named after the USS Seawolf, the park features a World War II submarine USS Cavalla and the destroyer USS Stewart. There is also a fine beach for sunbathing and building sandcastles, and the park is host to a perfect area for picnics with a playground on site."

"Seawolf Park is located on Pelican Island, which was a former immigration station site. If you’re looking for the best views of Galveston Harbor, Seawolf Park is the place to be. It’s also a great location if you’re looking for a relaxing day on the fishing pier."

"If you’re looking for some sun and sand close to Moody Gardens, look no further than Pocket Park 1. Located at 11102 San Luis Pass Road on the west end of Galveston, and is one of the few area beaches that offers on-beach parking. Pocket Park 1 makes it easy to set up camp for the day and even grill out if you want."

"The Strand is one of the first places to visit in Galveston. View historic 19th-century homes, learn more about the history of Galveston, visit a museum, shop ‘til you drop at one of the area’s Galveston boutiques. You may also socialize at one of the bars, or stop by for a bite to eat at one of the mom-and-pop diners located along The Strand, a five-block historic area located nearby the pier."

"The Strand is located in Galveston’s historical downtown district. With an array of intriguing shops, galleries and museums, this is where you can get some of the most eccentric souvenirs. The old-fashioned candy parlor is a great place to visit if you have a sweet tooth."

"NOAA is an acronym that stands for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an organization focused on managing fishery species and characterizing their various habitats. NOAA Fisheries Service Galveston Laboratory puts on a lot of work to conserve various marine species including sea turtles. The laboratory offers a sea turtle tour every week for interested visitors who wish to see and learn more about sea turtles."

"Located along Galveston’s eastern point is the East End Lagoon. You can only describe this area as a nature lovers paradise. From bird watching to kayaking, there is something to do here in nature for just about everyone."

"Although IHOP restaurants are best known for their award-winning pancakes, omelets and other breakfast specialties, the Galveston IHOP has an unbeatable view. The restaurant is open throughout the day and evening offering a broad array of lunch, dinner and snack items as well for the vacationer's appetite."

"Fresh baked goods plus an all-day menu of down-home American meals in a homey setting with a patio. Serves an AMAZING breakfast and brunch. They have great homemade waffles, whip cream, and real maple syrup!"

"Enjoy sandwiches, soups, daily dinner specials, or Sunday Brunch. Or, just stop by and pick up something scrumptious from the bakery!. Hours may vary seasonally."

"Come, play games, and stay for a few friendly rounds of old-fashioned ‘gaming’ with the kids. This establishment has hundreds of games like Risk, Scrabble, Chutes and Ladders, Life, and Trivial Pursuit. The food is great, too, and the staff loves having the kids around."