Galveston gets a bad rap, unfortunately. The fact is, Galveston beach was never meant to be a tourist destination. Before the 20th century, Galveston was one of the most important cities in Texas, even more important than Austin and Houston, because of the port. When the Port of Houston opened up in the early 1900's, along with the 1900 hurricane, Galveston needed a new industry to stay viable, thus building up the tourism industry through the beach. Galveston beach is a funnel for all the dirt and sand that drains from the Mississippi River, so the water is rarely the pristine blue that a lot of popular beaches are. The seaweed, which originates in the Atlantic Ocean, builds up every year around March, right before tourist season, and has to be cleaned up. It's a decent beach. The hotels are generally cheaper than what you'll find in other resort towns, plus there is Schlitterbahn there now. Also, you're going to HAVE to get on I-45 to get to Galveston. You could take 288 to Highway 6 to I-45, but you're going to go through a crapload of lights, so you're better of just getting on 45 as soon as you can.
If it wasn't for the farming though the water still would be clear. Clear Lake was once crystal clear. It is a man made situation.
i love Galveston. you can complain about what it isn't...or you can learn to enjoy what it is. as with most things, your perception generally creates your reality. i've had fun in Galveston...i've relaxed in Galveston...i've enjoyed time with family and friends in Galveston.
