Galveston Island, dubbed the Playground of the Southwest, is one of the top spring break destinations for travelers looking for anything from expansive beaches to exciting attractions, and everything in between.
Every year, Galveston turns into a road trip destination in the month of March, as the island begins warming up and the kids start getting off school for their week-long Spring Break adventures. In order to assist you through the planning steps of your spring getaway, we have organized resources to guide your inspiration for a vacation of a lifetime!
32 Miles of Beach
Stewart Beach, East Beach, Seawall Beach Urban Park, Beach Pocket Parks, and the Galveston Island State Park offer plenty of options for beachgoers. Plus, there are also numerous beach access points on the west end of the island.
You’ll find beach chair and umbrella rentals scattered along the beaches at the beach parks or bring your gear. Remember, if you’re planning to play in the surf, always choose a location near a lifeguard and take note of the flags on the lifeguard stands for tips on the surf.
FREE Professional Sandcastle Building Lessons
When: March 11 & 18, 2023
Time(s): 11AM, 1PM, & 3PM
Where: East Beach
Attention budding builders – sandcastle builders that is. Galveston is hosting a free, family-friendly event to help beachgoers create spectacular sandcastles with guidance from a pro.
Spring breaking with the family is one of the best ways to unite your family with a fun escape! Whether you’re having staycation or you’re visiting from out-of-town, Galveston Island has more than enough family-friendly spring break activities.
Spring Break is all about soaking in the rays and enjoying a nice break from reality, but the fun doesn’t end when the sun sinks below the horizon. Galveston is home to some of the coolest bars, beachfront dining and exciting experiences to take in during your break away from the books.
Check out other fun free events that are celebrating spring break:
Find Shark Teeth
A lot of beachcombers look for shark teeth on the beach, and there are plenty to be found.
Shark tooth hunting is an easy and fun activity for the whole family from the youngest to the oldest!
Look for the dark triangle shapes, they are usually mixed in with broken shells and sand on the beach, particularly at the tide line where waves crash onto the shore, and in small tide pools. You may want to take a stick and poke around the wrack line (where the highest tide leaves organic debris on the shore) of high tide looking through the material washed up onto the beach.
Good luck hunting!
Galveston – Port Bolivar Ferry is Free
The ferry boat ride is the best free ride you’ll ever take. Watch for dolphins that love to ride beside the ferry.
Locals tip: To save time, park your car and walk onto the ferry! Enjoy a little time on the edge of Bolivar Peninsula, take a break, then turn around and walk back on the ferry. One busy days – like during Spring Break – walk-ons can often ride the ferry and return before a car in line even boards.
The ferry also offers some amazing sunrise and sunset photo opportunities. The ferry runs 24/7 so time your ride accordingly to get some amazing pics – videos too.
Island Treasure Hunts
This is a really cool way for all ages to explore the island. If you haven’t tried it yet, you must! It’s simple and fun. All you need is a smart phone and you can pick from several scavenger hunt games around various parts of the island.
You’ll discover historical trivia, complete fun challenges and even win local prizes. You can tour and play anytime, at your own pace.
Get all the details, pricing, starting points as well as parking and transportation information at: Island Treasure Hunts.
Take A Trolley Ride
The Galveston Trolley is back. After a decade of being out of service, The City of Galveston celebrated the return of the trolleys on October 1, 2021.
The original trolley cars have been restored and are now back in full operation. Take a ride during Spring Break! Check out the updated schedule.
Go Dolphin Watching!
Take a free 45-minute ride on Galveston’s Port Bolivar Ferry. You can always count on amazing views, all the different birds, and occasionally catching dolphin activity. If you are really lucky you might catch a glimpse of the pink dolphin!
The port is located at 502 Ferry Rd, Galveston, TX 77550-3146.
If you don’t get to see dolphins on your ferry ride, head over and take a Dolphin Tour from Galveston Water Adventures.
Check out other fun free events that are celebrating spring break:
Galveston Railroad Museum
There has never been a better time to visit the Galveston Railroad Museum which is dedicated to the restoration, observation, and re-use of its historic facilities and equipment for the development of educational and interactive programs, which support railroading and transportation initiatives serving our regional community.
The museum has 5 acres of trains and there are approximately 40 rolling stock, including locomotives, passenger cars, freight cars, and cabooses. The 1932 Depot was the headquarters of the Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe Railroad.
The fully restored depot has a gift shop, interactive displays, and the People’s Gallery statues. The Map Room, adjacent to the Depot, has rotating exhibits.
Now you can even make plans to sleep over on a train, and hop on a caboose ride.
Galveston Historical Society Experiences
The Galveston Historical Society has some unique and interesting choices that the entire family can enjoy.
- Ship To Shore Galveston Experience: Follow in the footsteps of the early immigrants, from the long sea voyage to the hustle and bustle arriving in the 1880s at Galveston, one of the busiest ports and booming cities in the United States.
- 1892 Bishop’s Palace: Galveston Island’s most visited historic home! Listed in the National Register of Historic Places and considered one of the most significant of Victorian residences in the country.
- Historic Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch: Explore Galveston’s historic harbor onboard the SEAGULL II. Bring your camera for dolphins, incredible views, and a front-row seat to our maritime history.
- 1877 Tall Ship Elissa Tour: A National Historic Landmark and the Official Tall Ship of Texas! Go onboard for a self-guided tour tracing her incredible history, connection to Galveston, and restoration.
- Hendley Green Movie Night: Free to the public on 3/18, this special showing starts of “The Princess Bride” at 7 p.m. with a Princess Bride trivia contest, followed by the feature.
Galveston Pirate Museum
Pirates! Legends of the Gulf Coast Museum showcases a part of Galveston’s varied history that kids are interested in. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the Gulf of Mexico served as a major port for pirates and privateers.
Here’s a chance for kids to meet the resident pirates and hear all the stories, myths and legends about the last Galveston Buccaneers.
Visit Moody Gardens
- Dinos Alive – Embark on a Jurassic Adventure: Get up-close and personal experience with some of the planet’s most feared and amazing creatures in this exciting exhibit featuring full-size, life-like animatronic dinosaurs.
- Spring Adventures: Have fun and learn this Spring Break! These programs are geared towards learners of all ages and will include educational program activities, topic focused guided tour and re-entry into the corresponding attraction for more self-discovery. These programs take place from 9:00am–12:00pm on the dates below:
- 3D Theater: Don’t miss the 3D experience at Moody Gardens. Currently featured are:
For tickets and and more details: visit Moody Gardens Website.
Go Fishing!
You can fish with the kiddos at Galveston Island State Park. Although the beachside park is still closed, you can still fish in the bay area. While you visit the park, you don’t need a fishing license. You do need to bring your own fishing gear. There is also a canoe and kayak launch area when you bring your own. No equipment rental is available at the State Park.
If you want to fish on the surf side, head over to Jimmy’s on the Pier at 9000 block of Seawall Blvd., or stop in at 61st Street Fishing Pier. Both of these locations have gear rentals as well as snacks and drinks.
Seawolf Park is a local favorite with some serious action. This might a good place for more experienced fishing.
Check out other fun free events that are celebrating spring break:
Galveston Children’s Museum
Spring Break Camp – Each day of Camp will present your child with challenges where they can explore, test, create and design in the world of Science all while having FUN! Children will also have plenty of museum playtime as well as snacks and interaction with new friends. Topics will challenge ages 4-10 and present non-stop fun! Single-day camps will run from 9 am – 3 pm.
Walk The Strand!
Galveston’s Famous Strand District is full of great shops, restaurants, and plenty of personality. Even if you frequent The Strand, you can take a day (or an evening) to live like a tourist. Stroll up and down the sidewalks taking your time. Stop and have a refreshing beverage at one of the many small seating areas. Stroll through the souvenir shops and try a new local restaurant while you are here.
Check out other fun free events that are celebrating spring break:
