The month of May signals the start of hurricane season in Galveston, Texas, but don’t let that deter you from visiting this charming coastal city. With average temperatures hovering around a pleasant 75 degrees Fahrenheit, Galveston offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities that are perfect for a spring getaway. Here are 11 of the top things to do in Galveston on May 2024:
Galveston is a city with a rich history and culture, evident in its architecture, museums, and art galleries. Take a stroll down The Strand, a historic waterfront district lined with Victorian-era buildings that now house shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Visit the Galveston Railroad Museum to learn about the city’s railroad history or explore the exhibits at the Texas Seaport Museum, which showcase Galveston’s maritime heritage.
For a more active day, head to the beach for some swimming, sunbathing, or surfing. Galveston has miles of sandy beaches to choose from, including the popular Stewart Beach and East Beach. If you’re looking for a more secluded spot, try the beach at Fort Crockett or the West End Beach. Galveston is also home to several parks, including the 1,200-acre Galveston Island State Park, which offers hiking, biking, camping, and fishing opportunities.
No trip to Galveston would be complete without sampling the local seafood. The city is home to a number of excellent seafood restaurants, including Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant, which has been serving up fresh seafood since 1911. For a more casual meal, try one of the many seafood shacks along the Seawall, where you can enjoy fresh shrimp, oysters, and crabs.
1. Visit the Moody Gardens
The Moody Gardens is a complex of three glass pyramids that house a variety of attractions, including a rainforest, an aquarium, and a Discovery Museum. The rainforest pyramid is home to over 1,000 species of plants and animals, including monkeys, birds, and reptiles. The aquarium features a variety of marine life, including sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles. The Discovery Museum is a hands-on museum that offers a variety of educational exhibits on science, technology, and engineering.
2. Take a Ferry to Bolivar Peninsula
Bolivar Peninsula is a barrier island located just across the bay from Galveston. The peninsula is home to miles of unspoiled beaches, as well as the Bolivar Peninsula Wildlife Refuge, which is home to a variety of birds and other wildlife. You can take a ferry to Bolivar Peninsula from Galveston, and the trip takes about 30 minutes.
3. Visit the Schlitterbahn Waterpark
Schlitterbahn is a waterpark that offers a variety of water slides, pools, and other attractions. The waterpark is open seasonally from May to September, and it is a popular destination for families and groups. Schlitterbahn is located on the west end of Galveston Island, and it is easily accessible by car or public transportation.
4. Take a Haunted History Tour
Galveston has a long and storied history, and there are a number of haunted history tours that you can take. These tours will take you to some of the most haunted places in Galveston, and you will learn about the ghosts and other paranormal activity that is said to haunt the city. Haunted history tours are a great way to learn about Galveston’s history and culture, and they are also a lot of fun.
5. Visit the Lone Star Flight Museum
The Lone Star Flight Museum is a museum that houses a collection of over 200 aircraft. The museum is located at Scholes International Airport, and it is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Lone Star Flight Museum is a great place to learn about the history of aviation, and it is also a great place to see some of the most famous aircraft in the world.
6. Go Deep Sea Fishing
Galveston is a great place to go deep sea fishing. There are a number of charter boats that offer deep sea fishing trips, and you can choose from a variety of fishing locations. Deep sea fishing is a great way to catch a variety of fish, including red snapper, grouper, and tuna.
7. Take a Dolphin Watching Tour
Galveston is home to a large population of dolphins, and there are a number of dolphin watching tours that you can take. These tours will take you out into the Gulf of Mexico, where you will have the opportunity to see dolphins in their natural habitat. Dolphin watching tours are a great way to learn about these amazing creatures, and they are also a lot of fun.
8. Visit the Galveston Railroad Museum
The Galveston Railroad Museum is a museum that houses a collection of over 40 locomotives and railroad cars. The museum is located on the site of the former Galveston Union Depot, and it is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Galveston Railroad Museum is a great place to learn about the history of railroads in Texas, and it is also a great place to see some of the most historic locomotives in the state.
9. Visit the Bryan Museum
The Bryan Museum is a museum that houses a collection of over 70,000 Native American artifacts. The museum is located in the historic Galveston Arts Center, and it is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Bryan Museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Native Americans, and it is also a great place to see some of the most beautiful Native American art in the world.
10. Visit the Texas Seaport Museum
The Texas Seaport Museum is a museum that tells the story of Galveston’s maritime history. The museum is located in the historic Galveston Wharves, and it is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Texas Seaport Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Galveston’s port, and it is also a great place to see some of the historic ships that have called Galveston home.
11. Visit The Strand
The Strand is a historic waterfront district that is lined with Victorian-era buildings. The Strand is a great place to shop for souvenirs, eat at one of the many restaurants, or simply take a stroll and enjoy the views of the harbor. The Strand is also home to a number of art galleries and museums, making it a great place to learn about Galveston’s history and culture.
These are just a few of the many things you can do in Galveston on May 2024. With its rich history, beautiful beaches, and abundance of attractions, Galveston is a great place to visit any time of year. But May is a particularly special time to visit, when the weather is perfect and the crowds are smaller.
Galveston is a city with a rich culture, reflected in its architecture, food, and music. The best months to visit Galveston are April through June and September through October, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. The city is easily accessible by car, train, or plane, and there are a variety of hotels and restaurants to choose from. Local food specialties include seafood, shrimp Creole, and gumbo, and there are a number of excellent restaurants to choose from. The best hotels in Galveston include The Galvez Hotel and Spa, The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center, and The Hotel Galvez & Spa.
No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to love in Galveston. So come on down and enjoy the island’s unique charm and hospitality. We can’t wait to see you!
