Old Central Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

If find yourself in Galveston and you want to get away from the Seawall crowds then this is a great beach to visit. Most days you’ll find that it isn’t crowded at all, only a few people around. Follow the picturesque white boardwalk to a trail that will lead you to the beach. Be sure to stop and smell the many flowers along the way—just remember to keep off the dunes and watch out for rattlesnakes.
If find yourself in Galveston and you want to get away from the Seawall crowds then this is a great beach to visit. Most days you’ll find that it isn’t crowded at all, only a few people around. Follow the picturesque white boardwalk to a trail that will lead you to the beach. Be sure to stop and smell the many flowers along the way—just remember to keep off the dunes and watch out for rattlesnakes.
In front of Olympia Grill, view of the Pleasure Pier.
Perfect beach day.
#beach Galveston at sunset, 2013

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
Evening sun illuminates the Seawall at Galveston, Texas

Galveston Seawall

You can learn about the local history of Galveston when you make a stop at a well-known site such as Galveston Seawall. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Galveston Seawall
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
Panorama view calm waves with seagulls by shoreline, red umbrellas striped wooden chairs highlight nostalgic beach aesthetics, focus on intimate seating arrangements, sandy views, Galveston, TX

Galveston Island Beaches

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Galveston Island Beaches during your trip to Galveston?

Galveston Island Beaches
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

Ride the thrilling swings over the Gulf of Mexico and browse the shops and restaurants on this fun and scenic pier.

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
View towards Moody gardens in Galveston, Texas

Moody Gardens

This impressive theme park in Galveston Bay features a zoo, an aquarium, museums and rides.

Moody Gardens

Activities

Groovy Galveston Scavenger Hunt

Groovy Galveston Scavenger Hunt

AU$23
per adult
Groovy Galveston Scavenger Hunt
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
See all activities in Galveston

Our pick of the best Old Central Hotel Deals

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center

4 out of 5
7 Hope Blvd Galveston TX
Fully refundable
The price is AU$216 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
AU$216
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! (2,047 reviews)
Excelente Hotel, solo las habitaciones con sistemas de ventilación muy antiguos al menos en la que me quedé y es complicado para programar el aire

Reviewed on 7 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$185 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
AU$185
30 Mar - 31 Mar
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! (1,284 reviews)
Room was a little tired, our shower door did not close and the fire pit facing the beach that we were looking forward to was not working while we were there.

Reviewed on 8 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$483 per night from 9 Mar to 10 Mar
AU$483
9 Mar - 10 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! (1,192 reviews)
Nice beach view but got a noisy balcony above the AC machinery. Nice outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi.

Reviewed on 7 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$108 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
AU$108
22 Mar - 23 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! (2,927 reviews)
Hotel needs to be tore down i lost 175.00

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026

Galveston Beach Hotel
Hilton Galveston Island Resort

Hilton Galveston Island Resort

3.5 out of 5
5400 Seawall Blvd Galveston TX
The price is AU$223 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
AU$223
5 Apr - 6 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in Galveston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,199 reviews)
The room was fine. The dining room was fine. The wait staff inexperienced, but adequate. Twice between midnight and 2 am we were woken up by large loud groups of people in the hallway.

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2026

Hilton Galveston Island Resort
Grand Galvez Resort, Autograph Collection

Grand Galvez Resort, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
2024 Seawall Blvd Galveston TX
The price is AU$337 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
AU$337
23 Mar - 24 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Galveston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,275 reviews)
Beautiful clean and smell freo

Reviewed on 7 Mar 2026

Grand Galvez Resort, Autograph Collection
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Other neighbourhoods around Old Central

Take from our room.

Midtown

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

Midtown
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
In front of the hotel.

Historic Downtown Galveston

While visiting Historic Downtown Galveston, you might make a stop by sights like Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal and Strand Theatre.

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
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

Old Central Travel Guide

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