Welcome to Galveston

​​​​​​​An incandescent resort town spread along Galveston Island and Pelican Island, the city of Galveston is a beloved coastal treasure that radiates historic appeal. Flocked to by international visitors and seekers of the ideal beach lifestyle, Galveston is renowned as an oasis escape from the humdrum of life and a chance to explore the spectacular beauty of the Gulf Coast.

The first permanent European settlements in Galveston were made by pirates around 1816, though explorations date back as early as 1528. In 1785, the Spanish explorer José de Evia referred to the area as Bahia de Galvestown after his patron, Bernardo de Gálvez. The pirates were forced to leave behind the small town they’d established in 1821, and the Galveston of today was established by Michael Branamour Menard—with others—in 1836 before it was incorporated into Texas in 1839.

After surviving the Great Storm of 1900, Galveston was rebuilt and rebranded, burgeoning into an international tourism and vacation destination that dazzles all who visit. With its rich history, Galveston boasts one of the largest collections of Victorian architecture in the country. Residential options range from luxury condominiums with upscale amenities to quaint historic homes in peaceful neighborhoods—no matter your tastes, Galveston has something suited perfectly to you.
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What to Love

• Endless beaches where you can sunbathe, play, or relax
• Seaside golf locations
• Exciting festivals, like the colorful Mardi Gras! Galveston
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People and Lifestyle

Home to nearly 50,500 residents, Galveston’s population is diverse and well-blended. Though perfect for families, Galveston’s age range is spread evenly, and people of all walks of life can find contentment in this town full of heritage and excitement. This walkable beach community is ideal for anyone who wants to feel like everyday is a vacation.
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Dining, Entertainment & Shopping 

Galveston is a mecca of unique, local shopping and dining. Take the time to explore the area’s many distinctive historic districts to uncover incredible finds and experiences. Peruse the famed historic downtown district, where the over 100 stores, dining options, and galleries—like the family-owned René Wiley Studio & Gallery—are certain to impress. Take a stroll amongst the vibrant Victorian architecture and duck into one-of-a-kind boutiques, such as Luna. Another eclectic venue, Tippy Toes, offers apothecary goods, crafted gifts, and toe ring fittings that make the perfect beach accessory. For the best in interior design, stop by Emily’s Home Building and Remodeling.

The Strand portion of downtown faces the water, where most of the buildings here are more than a century old, crafted with exquisite care and maintained with love. Step through cast-iron doors and back in time at Hearsay on The Strand, where antique beauty is blended seamlessly with a chic elegance that creates the perfect atmosphere for their impressive American fare.

Next to The Grand 1894 Opera House rests Rudy & Paco, an intimate and romantic restaurant whose menu features grilled seafood and steak with a South and Central American twist. Whether you’re enjoying craft cocktails at Daiquiri Time Out or heading to places like the Pelican Rest Marina to savor the fine dining and waterfront views of Number 13, Galveston never runs out of ways to electrify your palette.

Things to Do

Galveston provides the opportunity to dive head-first into everything that makes the area so distinctive. Immerse yourself in local history at a charming, Colonial-style bed and breakfast built in 1890, the Lost Bayou Guesthouse. For history-turned-art, take a walk along the Seawall Boulevard. Built by resilient citizens after the devastation of the Great Storm of 1900, this seawall was meant to help protect the city and is now the country’s longest sidewalk in addition to being the world’s longest mural. For more local art, take part in the events hosted by the Galveston Artist Residency, which also fosters and provides opportunities for artists in the community.

Galveston is replete with family fun as well, and you won’t want to miss out on the thrilling excitement the city offers. At Moody Gardens, you’ll be mesmerized by the living rainforest replica and gorgeous aquariums. Enjoy the rides, food, and family-friendly fun at the historic Pleasure Pier, or embrace your inner thrill-seeker and splash at the 26-acre Schlitterbahn Waterpark, which features the world’s tallest water coaster.