Holiday homes & rentals in Galveston

Located on the coast of the Bay of Texas, Galveston offers an ideal coastal holiday in the Lone Star State. The town of Galveston is located on Galveston Island, on the southern edge of Texas. At one time, the town was among the largest ports in the United States. Today, this deep heritage lives on in the town’s culture, activities and districts that provide fun for the whole family during your holiday in your comfortable Galveston holiday accommodation.

How to get to your Galveston accommodation

The town of Galveston is located approximately 50 miles south of the major transit hub of Houston, Texas. Daily flights from across North America service Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Houston Hobby Airport is located slightly closer to Galveston Island and is served by smaller airlines. Vacationers arriving in Houston by air have the choice of renting a car for the short drive to Galveston or travelling to your Galveston holiday accommodation by shuttle service or bus. Galveston is a highly walkable town, however, visitors may prefer to have a vehicle if travelling with kids or wanting to explore beyond the town of Galveston itself.

Travel through time in Galveston’s historical districts

Galveston has a fascinating history that has been well preserved throughout the years, one that is well worth exploring during your stay in the area. The town is home to six historical districts and has more than 60 buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places, making it one of the most historically important locations of nineteenth century history in the United States.

One of the most popular of these historical districts is the Silk Stocking National Historic District located conveniently in Galveston between Broadway and Seawall Boulevard. The area is enjoyable to explore on foot and contains a large collection of homes built between the American Civil War period and World War II.

The Strand Historic District is a downtown area located within easy distance from your Galveston holiday accommodation. The area contains Victorian era homes that have been converted into restaurants, antique shops and cafés. This district is popular as an entertainment and shopping hub in Galveston.

One such Victorian house that is not to be missed during your stay at your Galveston holiday accommodation is the ornate Bishop’s Palace. Located in the East End Historic District, the mansion withstood the great Galveston hurricane of 1900 and welcomed survivors of the town within its walls during the aftermath. The home is available to tour daily.

Experience Galveston’s artistic and cultural scene

Galveston is a hot spot for art and culture in the southern United States. Galveston Arts Centre offers a rotating exhibition of contemporary art with a particular focus on Texan artists.

The centre is also the organizer of the famous Galveston ArtWalk, which takes place every sixth Saturday. The walk promotes the town’s visual art community through guided walks in the town’s historical districts, highlighting artwork in existing commercial galleries and cafés along the way. It is a unique way for visitors in Galveston to experience the heart of this vibrant community.

Another popular cultural destination to visit during your stay in your Galveston holiday home is the Bryan Museum. The museum is home to an extensive collection of historical artefacts from the island and from across Texas.

Family holidays in Galveston

Renting your own Galveston holiday accommodation is the ideal way to get the most out of your holiday with your kids. Having a spacious home to come back to after a long day of sightseeing and enjoying the sunshine makes relaxation even easier.

Among Galveston’s most popular destinations for young people is Moody Gardens, an educational wildlife destination that teaches all members of the family about the importance of conservation. The park contains the famous Wildlife Pyramid, an amusement park and zip line.

Galveston is known for its beautiful beaches where families can enjoy swimming, boat rides, fishing and relaxing on the warm sand. Some popular beaches in Galveston are Stewart Beach and East Beach, or are located in nearby Galveston Island State Park.

A visit to the Seawall is a great option for biking, blading and enjoying an ice cream with a view of the Gulf of Mexico. For an enjoyable ride, take the ferry between Galveston and Port Bolivar for the chance to see dolphins swimming alongside the ship and beautiful sunset and sunrise views. As a bonus, the voyage is free of charge!

Popular attractions in Galveston

The Strand

The Strand is Galveston's historic heart; location of the Mardi Gras celebrations and where you'll find Victorian buildings containing restaurants, bars and curio shops.

Galveston's 61st Street Fishing Pier

The 61st Street Fishing Pier isn't only about fishing although you can find tackle shops there, it's also a great place to take in the ocean views with a drink and a snack.

Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark

Family water fun is guaranteed at Schlitterbahn Galveston Waterpark where you'll find rides, slides and tubes suitable for children and adults of all ages.

Moody Gardens

There are lots to see and do at the Moody Gardens theme park including aquariums, water park with slides and lazy river, high ropes course, 3D theatre and indoor rainforest.

Bishop's Palace

The Victorian mansion of Bishop's Palace opened to the public in 1963, and visitors can now enjoy the stained glass windows, intricate interior design and luxury furnishings including a solid silver fireplace.

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