Historic Downtown Galveston Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

In front of the hotel.
Various unique buildings.
Interesting statue! #StunningStructures
The 1877 tall ship named ELISSA, a fantastic piece of Texan history which has also been designated one of America's Treasures by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. ELISSA is a three-masted, iron-hulled sailing ship built in 1877 in Aberdeen, Scotland by Alexander Hall & Company.
Galveston showing heritage architecture and signage

Popular places to visit

huge cruise liner stands off the coast of Vancouver Canada Place flag flying over the Pacific Ocean sails a beautiful view of the city on the water Canada 2023

Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal

Explore the waterfront in Galveston with a trip to Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal
Aerial panorama sunset over Port of Galveston Texas

Port of Galveston

Explore the waterfront in Galveston with a trip to Port of Galveston. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Port of Galveston
Panoramic view from the stage of the 1894 Opera House in Galveston, TX. #bvstrove

Grand 1894 Opera House

Enjoy a performance at Grand 1894 Opera House, a popular theatre in Galveston. Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its lively festivals.

Grand 1894 Opera House

Pier 21

Find out about the history of Galveston when you spend time at Pier 21. Stroll along the area's waterfront or experience its lively festivals.

Pier 21

Strand Theatre

Enjoy a show at Strand Theatre, a popular theatre in Galveston. Wander around the area's picturesque gardens or experience its lively festivals.

Strand Theatre

Texas Seaport Museum

You can study the exhibits at Texas Seaport Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Galveston. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Texas Seaport Museum

Activities

Ghost On the Strand Ghost Tour

Ghost On the Strand Ghost Tour

AU$44
per adult
Ghost On the Strand Ghost Tour
Visit The Bryan Museum

The Bryan Museum Admission

AU$21
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
The Bryan Museum Admission
Tour Galveston's 1895 Moody Mansion

Tour Galveston's 1895 Moody Mansion

AU$26
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Tour Galveston's 1895 Moody Mansion
One Day Value Pass

Moody Gardens One Day Value Pass

AU$99
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Moody Gardens One Day Value Pass
Galveston: Ghost-Themed Walking Tour

Galveston: Ghost-Themed Walking Tour

AU$42
per adult
Galveston: Ghost-Themed Walking Tour
Galveston's Historic Strand Tour

Galveston's Secrets of the Strand Walking Tour

AU$35
per adult
Galveston's Secrets of the Strand Walking Tour
See all activities in Galveston

Our pick of the best Historic Downtown Galveston Hotel Deals

Harbor House Hotel and Marina at Pier 21

Harbor House Hotel and Marina at Pier 21

3 out of 5
28 Pier 21 Galveston TX
The price is AU$193 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
AU$193
26 Mar - 27 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Galveston. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,955 reviews)
It was directly beside our carnival cruise port and within walking distance of a few restaurants. Customer service was good and the room was huge.

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2026

Harbor House Hotel and Marina at Pier 21
The Tremont House, Galveston, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

The Tremont House, Galveston, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2300 Ship's Mechanic Row Galveston TX
The price is AU$305 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
AU$305
23 Mar - 24 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Galveston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
Everything was top notch. Wonderful staff. Beautiful room. Great views from rooftop bar. Walking distance to the best bars and restaurants.

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2026

The Tremont House, Galveston, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center

4 out of 5
7 Hope Blvd Galveston TX
The price is AU$204 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
AU$204
8 Apr - 9 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa resort in Galveston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,039 reviews)
Friendly staff and very clean place. Shuttle was great to ports.

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2026

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Galveston Beach by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Galveston Beach by IHG

2.5 out of 5
3228 SEAWALL BOULEVARD Galveston TX
The price is AU$170 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
AU$170
13 Apr - 14 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Galveston. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,281 reviews)
Would highly recommend this hotel!

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2026

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Galveston Beach by IHG
The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center

The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center

4 out of 5
5222 Seawall Blvd Galveston TX
The price is AU$494 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
AU$494
26 Mar - 27 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Galveston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,191 reviews)
Great!

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2026

The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center
Galveston Beach Hotel

Galveston Beach Hotel

2.5 out of 5
8710 Seawall Blvd Galveston TX
The price is AU$99 per night from 25 Mar to 26 Mar
AU$99
25 Mar - 26 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Galveston. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,940 reviews)
This was a great budget hotel. The breakfast was good. The pool was clean, and the staff was nice.

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2026

Galveston Beach Hotel
See all 5,668 properties in Historic Downtown Galveston
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Other neighbourhoods around Historic Downtown Galveston

In front of the hotel.

Strand Historic District

Strand Historic District is a destination visitors seek out for its pristine beaches, ample dining options and captivating waterfront views. You might also want to check out attractions like Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal or Strand Theatre while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Strand Historic District
The Bishop's Palace, also known as Gresham's Castle, is an ornate Victorian-style house, located on Broadway and 14th Street in the East End Historic District of Galveston, Texas. #Architecture

East End

If you're spending some time in East End, East End Historic District and Bishop's Palace are top sights worth seeing.

East End
One of our favorite little weekend getaways is a quick 45 minute drive from Houston. The Hotel Galvez and Spa has been the grand hotel of the Galveston sea wall since 1911. Originally built to help Galveston tourism recover from the devastation of the great hurricane of 1900 that almost ended the life of this island city. Charming architecture, beautiful pool, great bars and amenities. Given its age and history it has more than a few ghost stories as well. The Hotel is a member of Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

San Jacinto

While visiting San Jacinto, you might make a stop by sights like Seawall Beach and The Bryan Museum.

San Jacinto
Morning light on historic church on Galveston Island, Texas.

Kempner Park

While visiting Kempner Park, you might make a stop by sights like Seawall Beach and McGuire-Dent Recreation Center.

Kempner Park
Lunch Vacation This tranquil "spot" is 45 minutes from my office in bustling downtown Houston. When it gets too crazy... a little break along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico is a welcome treat. December and 72°, Christmas music and waves.

Fort Crockett

While Fort Crockett may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Seawall Beach and Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier.

Fort Crockett
Take from our room.

Midtown

While visiting Midtown, you might make a stop by sights like Galveston Seawall and Seawall Beach.

Midtown

Historic Downtown Galveston Travel Guide

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