OK, let me start out by saying I did search/check the other threads started on the topic but thought I would start another since maybe some things have changed since. Me and wife have been wanting to go for a while now and are now planning it. Of course Schitterbaun (sp?) and Moody Gardens is on the agenda but we would like to see what else is out there to fill up the rest of the weekend.... Like something to do at night, a nice bar, or wherever the best putt putt courses are, places of history, etc. I have read the other threads and a couple people have enjoyed their time there w/o going to the beach, so I am looking forward to experiencing any of it. I have not been to Galveston in years, and just like then, I have no clue where to go. Please help. Please post/recommend... where to stay: (I would like something close to everything if possible) best beach: what to bring: what to do: where to eat: (we like seafood but its not our favorite) Thanks in advance.
The Tremont is probably the best downtown, but a hike from the beach. San Luis is probably the best on the beach, or Hotel Galvez. Best beach depends on what you want. My family always goes to the Pocket Parks. Eat at Gaido's or Casey's for sure. There's this burger joint that is good on the West side. It's got a German theme although you'd never tell by looking at it.
Yea Id probably prefer being closer to the attractions than the beach, so, I appreciate the response.
Dibella's is the best place on the island for Italian. http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&s...TX&fb=1&view=text&latlng=18085323428316486325
The issue on where to stay can be a problem. Most of the beach houses are on the west side of the island, at least 5-10 miles down Seawall Blvd...and all the good restaurants/bars are in the Strand Area, which is not that close to the beach houses. There are Condos and Hotels all along Seawall and near the Strand area, but the beach selection off the seawall isn't great. There is a good Tex Mex restaurant called Salsa's on the Seawall, and the Strand has some good restaurants and a great sushi place there as well.
I thought about that but the 2 times I have been there before (once in Katy and the other in Disney, FL) I have not been too impressed with the food. The reason we are planning the trip to Galveston this time around is too hold us over until our trip back to Disney in October. So the Rainforest enviroment is kind of ideal with us since we enjoy the kid side of life.
If you stay at the San Luis, you can see the volcano on the roof of the overpriced Rainforest Cafe blow its stack every once in awhile from your balcony. The hotel has a great pool area and isn't that far from Casey's and Gaido's (which are owned by the same people... Casey's is cheaper). Not a cheap hotel, though. The Tremont by the Strand that twhy77 mentioned is probably my favorite hotel in Galveston. Only downside is they don't have a pool or hot tub. You can use the ones at the Galvez if you stay at the Tremont. Just be prepared to drive. The Galvez is a trip into the past. Just going there and checking it out would be fun, if you're looking for a place to cool off close to the beach in the middle of the afternoon. Go to the Strand and the antique shops. Lots of other shops there, as well. A bunch of art galleries and eateries around Post Office Street, which is a few blocks towards Broadway from the Strand. A great, if expensive, place to eat there is the Saltwater Grill. Yummie!
I was just in Galveston this past weekend. Went to the Schlitterbaughn and at at Casey's afterwards. The wait wasn't anywhere as bad as Gaido's and the food was fantastic. I was dressed pretty casual from the water park so I felt more comfortable at Casey's as Gaido's looked a little nicer.
When you say 'nice bar', what exactly are you looking for? I guess the more appropriate question is, how old are you? As far as museums go, there is the train museum on 25th and strand, and the plane museum over by Moody Gardens.
Galveston is king of mom and pop eateries. While on the island you should not have to eat at any chain. So no don't go to the Rainforest Cafe. The Tremont house is really the crem de la crem. Even though you want to be near the water I think it would be worth it for you. Galveston is small and it would take less then 5 minutes to get to the water. If you like sushi Yamato's on 61st street is some of the best you will find anywhere. http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&s...630,1&sa=X&oi=local_result&resnum=1&ct=result
Yamato's is great. My wife was a med student at UTMB and that was her favorite sushi joint. Great place
Go crab fishing. Just find a net, buy some chicken wings (or any part with lots of skin) and tie them to a line with a rock for weight. Throw them out by some "rocky" areas and you will kill 2 hours of your day just hunting for these guys. It's a lot more fun than shetterbahn (+ a lot cheaper at about 10 bucks for a net, line, and wings that the whole family can enjoy). New braunsfel one is the best one anyhow.
I used to love just taking the Bolivar ferry ride. I am easily entertained... (and strangely into emoticons today...)
