| Galveston, Texas is an island on the Gulf Coast of | | | | shops, antiques, and souvenir stores. There are some |
| Texas that's a popular vacation spot. There are lots | | | | great old and historic buildings and houses to see and |
| of activities, museums, water sports, restaurants, | | | | is also good for people watching. Parking is an issue; |
| and sightseeing available. Most will cost you to | | | | since you will need to pay for the time you park |
| participate but there are a few good and absolutely | | | | your vehicle in most areas downtown. Parking meters |
| free things that are available too. Here's a quick list of | | | | are popular for short trips but you should use one of |
| fun and free things to do next time you're in | | | | the paid lots if staying over a 2 hours since they are |
| Galveston, Texas. | | | | much cheaper. |
| Galveston is well known for its miles of beaches. | | | | Galveston has one of the only Sea Turtle Research |
| There are a few paid beaches (on the east side) but | | | | facilities in the country and offers free tours. Just |
| most beaches that are along the seawall after 16th | | | | east of 53rd street on Sias Drive. The tours last |
| street are free. There are no bathrooms but you can | | | | about 30 minutes and are guided by expert Biologists |
| park free along the seawall. Towards the western | | | | and provide some great insights on Sea Turtles and |
| end of the island after 61st and the end of the | | | | the hundreds of different species. You get to see all |
| seawall there are numerous beach areas with blue | | | | the different varieties of Sea Turtles and if you visit |
| signs that say Beach Access. Be aware there is no | | | | late in the summer may get to see some hatching. |
| lifeguards at most of these beaches and the | | | | The facility is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday |
| following rules apply: | | | | for tours hourly from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. |
| No overnight camping | | | | There is a Ferry service from Galveston Island to |
| No glass containers | | | | Bolivar Island at the east end of the Galveston. The |
| Pets must be on leashes | | | | ferries (there are several) transport people and cars |
| No open fires | | | | to Bolivar and back every day. I'd like to tell you |
| No four wheelers | | | | there is a schedule but there really isn't other than to |
| No alcohol | | | | say it comes and goes as it fills with cars. On busy |
| Another great pastime is bird watching. There are | | | | days it can take about 30 to 45 minutes in line and |
| many locations along the bay side of the island (north | | | | about a 20 minute crossing time. You can get out of |
| side) that offer great places to watch all the | | | | your vehicle and even feed the seagulls that follow |
| different wildlife on the island. One of the most | | | | the ferry. No animals are allowed out of the vehicles, |
| popular for the birds to hang out is along the Pier | | | | there is no smoking, fishing, or sitting on the rails. |
| areas on Harborside Drive. Pier 19 is where the fishing | | | | Once you get to Bolivar you can enjoy the wildlife |
| boats dock and is a good area to go visit to people | | | | areas to the northern side of the island. |
| and bird watch as the fishing boats go out in the | | | | Fishing on both the beach side and the bay side is |
| mornings and come back at noon or early evenings. | | | | free in many places. You can also go crabbing on the |
| The Cruise Ship Terminal is on Harborside Drive to | | | | bay side and in the canals at many places. Most areas |
| and is worth a visit. At any time of year there are | | | | are posted if you cannot fish or crab. State licenses |
| around 200 different species of birds and during the | | | | requirements apply. Crabbing can be done with a few |
| fall and spring migrations, as many as 300 different | | | | chicken wings, string, and a container for the crabs. |
| species. There is an abundance of other animals | | | | Surf fishing on the west end of the island right |
| natural to the habitant and dawn and dusk are a | | | | before St Luis Pass is usually very good, best times |
| great time to see many of them. | | | | are dictated by the tides. You want an incoming tide |
| I shouldn't even mention this since you will be on | | | | for the best conditions but outgoing can also be |
| holiday but you can check your email for free at the | | | | good. There can be two tides a day or more so if |
| Rosenberg Library on 23rd and Sealy. Actually the | | | | you stop at a bait shop they usually have the latest |
| library does have a lot to offer and has paintings and | | | | information on when the tides are coming and going |
| historical items. The library is open 9 - 9 on Monday | | | | out. |
| through Thursday and 9 - 6 on Fridays and | | | | The activities mentioned above can provide some |
| Saturdays. You can also get free Internet access if | | | | great free entertainment and are available year |
| you have a laptop along the seawall at restaurants | | | | around. There are also many annual events that offer |
| from 7th street to 37th. Just turn on your WiFi and | | | | a lot of free things to see and do. Just check the |
| you'll pick up available networks. | | | | local paper or Tourist Visitors Center at 2027 61st |
| Go windows shopping in the Strand Street and | | | | Street for additional information. |
| downtown area that has a variety of specialty | | | | |