The Beach is Calling: Getaway to Galveston

Kenny Chesney said it best when he sang “the sun and the sand and a drink in my hand, with no bottom. No shoes, no shirt, no problem!” If you’re looking to stick your own toes in the sand, look no further than Galveston, on the Texas Gulf Coast with gorgeous sandy shores about an hour outside of Houston. The average temperature in Galveston rarely gets above 93 degrees in the summer, meaning you can enjoy the sunshine and the breeze off the water with your toes in the sand without the extreme heat other parts of Texas are famous for.

Galveston is a wonderful vacation spot for families and friends from Texas and beyond. Once dubbed “The Wall Street of the South,” Galveston was the second richest per capita in the United States before the devastating storm that struck the town in 1900. Galveston, now a town of about 50,000 residents, has rich a history and a lot of fun to offers travelers. Whether you want to kick back on the beach or experience the nostalgic fun on the Galveston Island Pleasure Pier, there are plenty of reasons to make plans for a Galveston Getaway as soon as possible!

Five fun things to do when you vacation in Galveston

1. Grab a bite, stroll the shops or hit the rides for some high-flying fun when you visit the Galveston Island Pleasure Pier. With so many rides that soar over the Gulf of Mexico, how can you resist? The Galveston Island Pleasure Pier offers fun and games for guests of all ages. From kiddie rides crazy rollercoasters, Galveston Pier has a lot to offer. Don’t miss the 5D Theater ride across the street where you can experience a shark attack!
2. Visit a vintage candy shop and see a taffy pull! LaKing’s Confectionary, located in downtown Galveston, is your one-stop shop for sugary treats and delicious ice cream. On weekends and throughout the summer you can stop in to see taffy being made and packaged in store. Don’t forget to grab a drink from the 1920s soda fountain the shop proudly uses 100 years later!
3. Ride the Galveston- Port Bolivar ferry for free. The ferry provides transportation 24 hours a day between Galveston Island and Port Bolivar. Drive or walk on. Take the kids and watch the water- you can frequently see dolphins swimming alongside the boat and playing in the water.
4. Enjoy the animals and more at Moody Gardens Aquarium. Wander through various pyramids that are home to a variety of animals, from penguins to river otters and so much more. The discovery pyramid lets visitors explore the connection between science, math and music. Moody Gardens has so much to do you won’t want to leave!
5. Ride the world’s second tallest water coaster MASSIV (it was recently ousted as the tallest by Tsunami Surge at Six Flags Great America in Chicago) at Schlitterbahn Galveston! From the heated pool and swim up bar to Boogie Bahn (where you can ride the waves on a boogie board) and all the crazy, twisty slides in between, Schlitterbahn is good, sunny fun for guests of all ages. Grab your sunscreen and beach towel and be prepared to have a great time.

And of course, don’t forget to plan a few days to relax on the beach. Grab a cooler full of drinks, an umbrella, a beach chair and some sunscreen and kick back, Kenny Chesney-style!

Galveston lodging

When you book your stay in Galveston, you’ll come across a number of excellent accommodations for families and travel groups of all sizes. If you are looking for a great RV park, consider Jamaica Beach RV. Located just a short walk from the beach, Jamaica Beach RV is a wonderful spot to hang up your hat for a few days. Enjoy sunsets over the Gulf, leisurely evening strolls along the water and so much more. Jamaica Beach RV offers a lazy river for guests as well as a snow cone shack, miniature golf, a beach pool, pavilion, the list goes on! While many of these amenities are seasonal, the resort offers a relaxed atmosphere and great rates year-round. You’ll be glad you stayed at Jamaica Beach RV!