Susan’s guidebook
Restaurants
This quirky restaurant has been featured on the Travel Channel, New York Times and Texas Monthly. I love that they are locally owned and have the most unique menu of any restaurant on the Island. Definitely not upscale.. The Houston Chronicle describes it this way-- eclectic bohemian paradise decorated with quirky chandeliers, colorful tapestries, mismatched chairs and strands of flashy beads dangling from the ceiling.
The food is amazing- offering unusual ingredients that make everyday eating an adventure.
They do have vegetarian dishes as well.
Located near downtown at 2711 Market with free on street parking.
Closed Mondays.
124 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Gypsy Joynt
6105 Market StThis quirky restaurant has been featured on the Travel Channel, New York Times and Texas Monthly. I love that they are locally owned and have the most unique menu of any restaurant on the Island. Definitely not upscale.. The Houston Chronicle describes it this way-- eclectic bohemian paradise decorated with quirky chandeliers, colorful tapestries, mismatched chairs and strands of flashy beads dangling from the ceiling.
The food is amazing- offering unusual ingredients that make everyday eating an adventure.
They do have vegetarian dishes as well.
Located near downtown at 2711 Market with free on street parking.
Closed Mondays.
This is a relatively new restaurant on the Island, but they have made a big splash here. The food is consistently good, the service is great and the prices reasonable. They offer seafood, burgers and salads, beer and wine. Its off the beaten path - but near Downtown. And it's locally owned which is a big plus!
Located at 1827 Strand St- outside of the "Strand District" by several blocks to the East. Free street parking.
Family friendly.
17 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Coastal Grill
1827 Strand StThis is a relatively new restaurant on the Island, but they have made a big splash here. The food is consistently good, the service is great and the prices reasonable. They offer seafood, burgers and salads, beer and wine. Its off the beaten path - but near Downtown. And it's locally owned which is a big plus!
Located at 1827 Strand St- outside of the "Strand District" by several blocks to the East. Free street parking.
Family friendly.
Katies is a new restaurant that is owned by Katies Seafood market which is located next to the restaurant. FRESH seafood comes off the boat - right outside and right onto to your plate! Parking can be tight until they get the parking lot finished. Great views of Galveston's "mosquito fleet" which is out what our local Shrimp boats are called! Prices are mid to a high.
Located at 1902 Wharf Rd. Just about 3-4 blocks from the Strand on the Harbor.
174 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Katie's Seafood Market
1902 Wharf RdKaties is a new restaurant that is owned by Katies Seafood market which is located next to the restaurant. FRESH seafood comes off the boat - right outside and right onto to your plate! Parking can be tight until they get the parking lot finished. Great views of Galveston's "mosquito fleet" which is out what our local Shrimp boats are called! Prices are mid to a high.
Located at 1902 Wharf Rd. Just about 3-4 blocks from the Strand on the Harbor.
I love this restaurant's location right on the ship channel. You can watch the large ships go by and often see dolphins. And you have a nice view of the historic schooner the Elissa. Despite its name- they have a huge menu with something for everyone - including kids. The prices are mostly in the mid range.
Located at 2200 Harborside Dr- on the Harbor just 2-3 blocks from the Strand.
83 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Fisherman's Wharf
2200 Harborside DrI love this restaurant's location right on the ship channel. You can watch the large ships go by and often see dolphins. And you have a nice view of the historic schooner the Elissa. Despite its name- they have a huge menu with something for everyone - including kids. The prices are mostly in the mid range.
Located at 2200 Harborside Dr- on the Harbor just 2-3 blocks from the Strand.
The name does not do this place justice. You will not find a saccharine sweet frozen drink here. This is for the adults that like handmade craft cocktails created by crazy scientific mixologists! Be sure to call a cab or uber as these drinks pack a wallop.
Located east of Downtown at 2701 Market St.
59 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Daiquiri Time Out
2701 Market StThe name does not do this place justice. You will not find a saccharine sweet frozen drink here. This is for the adults that like handmade craft cocktails created by crazy scientific mixologists! Be sure to call a cab or uber as these drinks pack a wallop.
Located east of Downtown at 2701 Market St.
Who wouldn't want to eat over the Gulf of Mexico? The restaurant is located on a fishing pier and is on the small side and you have to enter through a gift shop -so parents beware! Parking can be a pain as it is parallel parking on the Seawall. Sunset is the best time to be there - but in the summer the lines are long! Located at 9001 Seawall Blvd
130 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Jimmy's on the Pier
9001 Seawall BlvdWho wouldn't want to eat over the Gulf of Mexico? The restaurant is located on a fishing pier and is on the small side and you have to enter through a gift shop -so parents beware! Parking can be a pain as it is parallel parking on the Seawall. Sunset is the best time to be there - but in the summer the lines are long! Located at 9001 Seawall Blvd
This is one of the locals and visitors favorites. Located on Seawall - it has a nice view of the beach. The restaurant offers burgers and fried food -which is pretty good. This restaurant has added a couple of cool bars as well with even better views of the beach.
Located at 3204 Seawall Blvd
327 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
The Spot
3204 Seawall BlvdThis is one of the locals and visitors favorites. Located on Seawall - it has a nice view of the beach. The restaurant offers burgers and fried food -which is pretty good. This restaurant has added a couple of cool bars as well with even better views of the beach.
Located at 3204 Seawall Blvd
A locally owned bakery and restaurant - great for breakfast, lunch and deserts! Located at 512 14th St, Galveston.
271 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe
512 14th StA locally owned bakery and restaurant - great for breakfast, lunch and deserts! Located at 512 14th St, Galveston.
A must visit restaurant for Breakfast. History buffs will like that is the "oldest drug store in Texas". This Nicholas Clayton building was built in 1886 and was turned into a drug store with a horse shoe shaped counter and soda fountain in 1917.
The restaurant is locally owned and the food is delicious.
Located at 510 23rd St
48 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Star Drug Store
510 23rd StA must visit restaurant for Breakfast. History buffs will like that is the "oldest drug store in Texas". This Nicholas Clayton building was built in 1886 and was turned into a drug store with a horse shoe shaped counter and soda fountain in 1917.
The restaurant is locally owned and the food is delicious.
Located at 510 23rd St
This is the date night place! Offering American cuisine and a full bar in a stunning atmosphere.
67 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Hearsay on the Strand
2410 Strand StThis is the date night place! Offering American cuisine and a full bar in a stunning atmosphere.
This is one of the best restaurants on the Island. The place to go when you are celebrating BIG! They have have 917 4.5 star reviews on Trip Adviser as of writing this. Known for their seafood, steaks and wine selection... as they say - go big or go home!
151 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Rudy & Paco Restaurant and Bar
2028 Postoffice StThis is one of the best restaurants on the Island. The place to go when you are celebrating BIG! They have have 917 4.5 star reviews on Trip Adviser as of writing this. Known for their seafood, steaks and wine selection... as they say - go big or go home!
The Original opened in 1916 and is the longest continually operating restaurant on Galveston Island still at its Original location. A local Mexican food fav. located on the East end of the Island near UTMB.
88 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
The Original Mexican Cafe
1401 Market StThe Original opened in 1916 and is the longest continually operating restaurant on Galveston Island still at its Original location. A local Mexican food fav. located on the East end of the Island near UTMB.
This is the original location which offers a different menu and is the locals favorite. Fried fish, crab, crawfish poorboys and plates makes up most of the menu. They do offer salads and their kids menu has 4 out of 5 seafood items. Just like an Islander to start the kids off right with some fried shrimp!
162 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Shrimp N Stuff
3901 Avenue OThis is the original location which offers a different menu and is the locals favorite. Fried fish, crab, crawfish poorboys and plates makes up most of the menu. They do offer salads and their kids menu has 4 out of 5 seafood items. Just like an Islander to start the kids off right with some fried shrimp!
The breakfast place with a view of the beach! The food and service are wonderful with a down home diner feel. The wait can be long in the summer - go early.
198 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Miller's Seawall Grill
1824 Seawall BoulevardThe breakfast place with a view of the beach! The food and service are wonderful with a down home diner feel. The wait can be long in the summer - go early.
Fairly new restaurant that has really, really good food on the Strand. Definitely NOT a tourist trap. Local Approved !
43 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Shark Shack Beach Bar & Grill
2402 Strand StFairly new restaurant that has really, really good food on the Strand. Definitely NOT a tourist trap. Local Approved !
Healthy eating option that is yummy as well. Located near downtown at 528 23rd St, Galveston. Open 10-5.
15 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Lolo Kai Smoothies and Wraps
528 23rd StHealthy eating option that is yummy as well. Located near downtown at 528 23rd St, Galveston. Open 10-5.
Neat locally owned restaurant on the Strand in the Downtown area. Patio is dog friendly.
102 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Yaga's Cafe
2314 Strand StNeat locally owned restaurant on the Strand in the Downtown area. Patio is dog friendly.
Maceos is the real deal. They serve Italian sandwichs and have the most AMAZING spices for sale I have ever seen. The whole place smells like a spice trading shop from the 1800's. The Maceo's are a multi generation Galveston family that had ties to the mafia in the 1930's. You can find books written about this family and their businesses in Galveston during that time.
From wikipedia:
Sam Maceo ...Sometimes known as the "Velvet Glove," Sam's smooth style and ability to influence people were legendary. He was able to wield influence comparable to an elected official and he held relationships with celebrities and politicians throughout Texas and the United States. During his lifetime he and his island home were known nationwide.
The culture and economy Sam and the Maceo syndicate helped create on the island engendered the nickname "Free State of Galveston." He was also involved in the development of the Las Vegas Strip during the late 1940s, particularly the establishment of the Desert Inn.
Of course, Sam is no longer with us... but his descendants run the shop.
56 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Maceo Spice & Import Company
2706 Market StMaceos is the real deal. They serve Italian sandwichs and have the most AMAZING spices for sale I have ever seen. The whole place smells like a spice trading shop from the 1800's. The Maceo's are a multi generation Galveston family that had ties to the mafia in the 1930's. You can find books written about this family and their businesses in Galveston during that time.
From wikipedia:
Sam Maceo ...Sometimes known as the "Velvet Glove," Sam's smooth style and ability to influence people were legendary. He was able to wield influence comparable to an elected official and he held relationships with celebrities and politicians throughout Texas and the United States. During his lifetime he and his island home were known nationwide.
The culture and economy Sam and the Maceo syndicate helped create on the island engendered the nickname "Free State of Galveston." He was also involved in the development of the Las Vegas Strip during the late 1940s, particularly the establishment of the Desert Inn.
Of course, Sam is no longer with us... but his descendants run the shop.
Antiques
If you like history and antiques-plan to stop here. They have been featured on the HGTV show Saving 1900 which is about rehabbing and saving the historic Galveston homes. They have books, jewelry, small and large antiques and are knowledgeable and friendly. Closed Wednesdays.
9 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Big House Antiques
2212 Mechanic StIf you like history and antiques-plan to stop here. They have been featured on the HGTV show Saving 1900 which is about rehabbing and saving the historic Galveston homes. They have books, jewelry, small and large antiques and are knowledgeable and friendly. Closed Wednesdays.
Nautical Antique Warehouse
2202 Mechanic StThe place to go for authentic nautical antiques!
Worth a trip even if you don't like antiques as the building was a former Brothel and he as kept some of the rooms upstairs decorated and furnished the same as it was. It's a trippy stroll through a part of Galveston's history. It looks like an old hotel room - so its PG for the whole family.
23 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Antique Warehouse
423 25th StWorth a trip even if you don't like antiques as the building was a former Brothel and he as kept some of the rooms upstairs decorated and furnished the same as it was. It's a trippy stroll through a part of Galveston's history. It looks like an old hotel room - so its PG for the whole family.
Shopping
This shop is located on Postoffice street in the Arts and Entertainment district in downtown Galveston. Postoffice Street is just two blocks south of the Strand which has been the main shopping area in the downtown area. In the last 10 years, Postoffice Street has become the hot new area with lots of art galleries, antique shops, unique gift shops and great restaurants and bars.
What I love about this street is that you won't find any cheesy t-shirt shops or tourist traps. The shops offer unique gift items not found elsewhere. Definitely worth checking out!
The Old Galveston Trading Company
2115 Postoffice StThis shop is located on Postoffice street in the Arts and Entertainment district in downtown Galveston. Postoffice Street is just two blocks south of the Strand which has been the main shopping area in the downtown area. In the last 10 years, Postoffice Street has become the hot new area with lots of art galleries, antique shops, unique gift shops and great restaurants and bars.
What I love about this street is that you won't find any cheesy t-shirt shops or tourist traps. The shops offer unique gift items not found elsewhere. Definitely worth checking out!
This shop is tucked away on the far east side of the Strand- at 2010 Strand St but so worth the visit.
They combine odd antiques with the most unusual gifts. Most the items are in the $5-$25 range and are not things you would find anywhere else. Its as if the owners are curating the shop with the most unique books, toys, imported fair trade items they can source. Always a delight to visit and if you need a gift for that hard to buy for quirky person in your life... this is the place!
10 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Hendley Market
2010 Strand StThis shop is tucked away on the far east side of the Strand- at 2010 Strand St but so worth the visit.
They combine odd antiques with the most unusual gifts. Most the items are in the $5-$25 range and are not things you would find anywhere else. Its as if the owners are curating the shop with the most unique books, toys, imported fair trade items they can source. Always a delight to visit and if you need a gift for that hard to buy for quirky person in your life... this is the place!
The place to go for fishing gear, floats, clothes, sunscreen and most everything else you may need for an outdoor adventure. Located on Seawall and 45th street.
Academy Sports + Outdoors
4523 Fort Crockett BlvdThe place to go for fishing gear, floats, clothes, sunscreen and most everything else you may need for an outdoor adventure. Located on Seawall and 45th street.
Sometimes you just need a Walmart trip. Hopefully not... but here it is if you need it. It is located on Seawall and 89th street.
104 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Walmart Supercenter
6702 Seawall BlvdSometimes you just need a Walmart trip. Hopefully not... but here it is if you need it. It is located on Seawall and 89th street.
Nice large store with all the things you need to stock your refrigerator. Located at 5730 Seawall Blvd
135 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Kroger
5730 Seawall BlvdNice large store with all the things you need to stock your refrigerator. Located at 5730 Seawall Blvd
Kroger’s on Seawall is larger ... but is jam packed with people all the time. Randall’s is smaller but less crowds and it has a Star Bucks ❤️
45 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Randalls
2931 Central City BlvdKroger’s on Seawall is larger ... but is jam packed with people all the time. Randall’s is smaller but less crowds and it has a Star Bucks ❤️
Strand Street
The StrandThis shop is awesome because there is a nice beach under it. You can hang out all day in the shade and go upstairs to the shop to use the restroom and get a cold drink. They also have an amazing veranda that looks out over the Gulf and you can sit in these comfy rocking chairs and enjoy it all you want.
Great shopping here as well. Parking is the only problem. You have to find a place to parallel park on Seawall or park across from Seawall and walk over. It’s pretty much worth it though.
79 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Murdochs
2215 Seawall BlvdThis shop is awesome because there is a nice beach under it. You can hang out all day in the shade and go upstairs to the shop to use the restroom and get a cold drink. They also have an amazing veranda that looks out over the Gulf and you can sit in these comfy rocking chairs and enjoy it all you want.
Great shopping here as well. Parking is the only problem. You have to find a place to parallel park on Seawall or park across from Seawall and walk over. It’s pretty much worth it though.
Neighborhoods
Postoffice street from 21st through 25th streets is part of the Arts and Entertainment district in downtown Galveston. It's just two blocks south of the Strand which has been the main shopping area in the downtown area. In the last 10 years, Postoffice Street has become the hot new area with lots of art galleries, antique shops, unique gift shops and great restaurants and bars. You can park and walk for blocks along the historic building lined street and enjoy the shops, restaurants and local coffee shop MOD coffee.
12 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Postoffice Street
Postoffice Street Postoffice street from 21st through 25th streets is part of the Arts and Entertainment district in downtown Galveston. It's just two blocks south of the Strand which has been the main shopping area in the downtown area. In the last 10 years, Postoffice Street has become the hot new area with lots of art galleries, antique shops, unique gift shops and great restaurants and bars. You can park and walk for blocks along the historic building lined street and enjoy the shops, restaurants and local coffee shop MOD coffee.
This is TOP SECRET.
Galveston is 29 miles long.. and has 29 miles of beach! But the very best beaches are on the far East and West ends of the Island. This beach is on the Eastern end of the island - about 10 minute drive from Hibiscus House. Its located in a multi million dollar swanky beach side neighborhood called Beachtown- but there is free public parking on the street and the beach is wide, not busy and naturally beautiful with dunes and fluffy light colored sand!! There are two beach access walkover points along Seaside Dr. that the public can take to access the beach. Keep in mind that there is a fairly long walk to get to the beach and it involves stairs. So you may want to go without the tent, cooler and other heavy items. There is a public parking lot on the beach just west of this neighborhood on East Beach Drive if you need to haul some beach gear. But that part of the beach is not quite as nice as this one is - but it is nicer than most of the other beaches within 10 miles - so its a win - win.
Also, if you park in the Beach Town neighborhood, be sure to park only in the designated spaces and remove your car before dark as they will tow cars left after dark!
Seaside Drive
Seaside DriveThis is TOP SECRET.
Galveston is 29 miles long.. and has 29 miles of beach! But the very best beaches are on the far East and West ends of the Island. This beach is on the Eastern end of the island - about 10 minute drive from Hibiscus House. Its located in a multi million dollar swanky beach side neighborhood called Beachtown- but there is free public parking on the street and the beach is wide, not busy and naturally beautiful with dunes and fluffy light colored sand!! There are two beach access walkover points along Seaside Dr. that the public can take to access the beach. Keep in mind that there is a fairly long walk to get to the beach and it involves stairs. So you may want to go without the tent, cooler and other heavy items. There is a public parking lot on the beach just west of this neighborhood on East Beach Drive if you need to haul some beach gear. But that part of the beach is not quite as nice as this one is - but it is nicer than most of the other beaches within 10 miles - so its a win - win.
Also, if you park in the Beach Town neighborhood, be sure to park only in the designated spaces and remove your car before dark as they will tow cars left after dark!
Sightseeing
วังผู้สังหาร
1402 Broadway Avenue JAmazing architecture and history! !
This is a free and fun thing to do during your visit.
The ride is about 20-30 minutes all told each way.
IMPORTANT TIP:
The wait to get on the ferry can be 30 minutes or over an hour long. So, I suggest you walk on the ferry and ride it back and forth instead of driving onto the ferry.
You’ll skip past the line and go to the parking lot (***stay in right lane to parking lot)
Then walk on and enjoy a fun boat ride where you’ll see dolphins and birds and lots of other boats.
It’s very stable - never seen anyone get seasick.
It’s a great way to have fun and see some cool things for free.
Great for kids too.
35 คนท้องถิ่นแนะนำ
Galveston - Bolivar Ferry
Galveston - Bolivar FerryThis is a free and fun thing to do during your visit.
The ride is about 20-30 minutes all told each way.
IMPORTANT TIP:
The wait to get on the ferry can be 30 minutes or over an hour long. So, I suggest you walk on the ferry and ride it back and forth instead of driving onto the ferry.
You’ll skip past the line and go to the parking lot (***stay in right lane to parking lot)
Then walk on and enjoy a fun boat ride where you’ll see dolphins and birds and lots of other boats.
It’s very stable - never seen anyone get seasick.
It’s a great way to have fun and see some cool things for free.
Great for kids too.
Historic
วังผู้สังหาร
1402 Broadway Avenue Jท่าเรือประวัติศาสตร์กาลเวสตัน - บ้านของเรือสูง 1877 ELISSA
8Moody Mansion
2618 Broadway Avenue JFun things to do
ท่าเรือประวัติศาสตร์กาลเวสตัน - บ้านของเรือสูง 1877 ELISSA
8Good Vibes Surf Lessons
6301 Seawall BlvdGalveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
2501 Seawall BlvdGalveston Fishing Pier
9001 Seawall BlvdGalveston Helicopters
521 Seawall Blvdสวนมูดี้
1 Hope BlvdSchlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark
2109 Gene Lucas Blvd