"Add a Little Southwest Flair to Your Life"

Galveston Island: the Southwest’s other beach getaway
by C. Yale

Growing up in Texas, amidst ranches, hard red clay, alfalfa, and hot dry summers, the annual trek to Galveston was an exciting relief from the parched summer season. As in most areas of the southwest, water is a much welcomed reprise.

At the time there was little to do on the tiny island except try to beat the beachcombers out in the early morning, spending hours searching for, what were to a child, highly valued sea shells. The Flagship Hotel was at its peak in operation and one could make their way back up the beach to their room, relaxing with the sea-breeze on the balcony and a hearty breakfast from room service. Later in the day, a ride on the Galveston ferry was in order, taking you from Galveston to Bolivar Peninsula and back again. Salt-spray in your face and if you were extremely lucky, a rare dolphin sighting, were sure to make memories for years to come.

Afternoon activities would sometimes include touring the wealth of historical homes in Galveston dating from its hay-day as the largest port west of New Orleans in the late eighteen hundreds, predating the famous 1900 hurricane. Stately old home of 19th century architecture lined the streets, as grand staircases led to oversized porches and palm trees swayed above them in the island breeze.

Shopping in the few small souvenir stores offered much fun and beach supplies were then purchased for an afternoon in the sand and sun.

By late evening a dinner at an outdoor sidewalk café while people-watching, would prove scrumptious whether it was a Texas-sized cheeseburger of a batch of gulf-caught fresh fried shrimp.

One last walk on the beach to watch the sunset and back to the hotel for a relaxing evening.

Today, Galveston is a thriving tourism destination rivaling any in the southwest. The influx of developers and investments into the once semi-isolated west end, has brought Galveston into the realm of upscale getaways.

Accommodations range from the old-fashioned motel to the high-rise condominium, with the option of mid-range hotels, vacation rentals, and RV parks in between. For those with a taste for the very best in a traditional sense, the Hotel Galvez, has been providing southern hospitality combined with old world charm in a Victorian setting since it opened its doors in 1911. Splendid gulf views, lavish furnishings and fine dining make for a romantic setting in this Galveston landmark.

   
The Hotel Galvez - Photos courtesy The Zimmerman Agency

The new kid on the block, Moody Gardens, offers something for the entire family in a luxury setting. Viewing the Gardens from the gulf has given an evening ride on the ferry the feel of an exotic port, with the site of three large pyramids rising from the shore as lights twinkle everywhere in the mist. An aquarium pyramid, a rainforest pyramid and a discovery pyramid offer families an entertainment experience of a lifetime. With an IMAX 3-D theater and a new 4-D theater, Moody Gardens is not only a vacation but a biological learning experience. Penguins and sea lions, even endangered fish are all residents at Moody Gardens. Children’s day camps abound and include creature features, animal senses, and reptile round-up introducing children to their reptile friends. The Colonel paddlewheel boat offers a wide array of menus from cocktail parties to full dinners. Dixieland Jazz Bands, dance bands, pianists, strolling violins, banjos, and other entertainment are also available on board. At the Garden’s Palm Beach, a water-fun lagoon of crystal clear water and sandy beaches, kids of all ages will enjoy the Texas-sized spa, the Yellow Submarine or the Octopus Slide.

Adults will enjoy the 303 room hotel on property featuring everything from a spa restoring the body and mind with tropical fragrances and ocean water elixirs, to elegant dining and even an evening concert at Palm Beach. For a unique, entertaining and even educational getaway, Galveston’s moody Gardens can provide everything and more that you could possibly fantasize in a summer vacation without leaving the perimeter of the southwest.

Couple relaxing at Schlitterbahn's Kristal Beach
photo courtesy Schlitterbahn

If traveling with four or more persons, a vacation rental might be a viable choice, especially if you can stay for a week and get a weekly rental rate. One perfect example is Cottage by the Beach, a collection of six refurbished homes and cottages, perfectly positioned for beach combing, or lazing about, whether is it across the street from the beach or on the beach with panoramic views. Pets are welcome and the cottages have all the conveniences you will need for a comfortable stay.

If your tastes lie more in the arts or antiques, quaint shops and fun little luncheons, a visit to the Strand, Galveston’s old warehouse district which has been converted into an array of shops and restaurants makes for a fun-filled outing. And no visit to Galveston is complete without a visit to the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA, a three-masted, iron-hulled sailing ship built in 1877 in Aberdeen, Scotland. Carrying nineteen sails, she covers over one-quarter of an acre in surface area (tall ships are classified by the configuration of their sailing rig). With over a 90-year commercial history, she carried a variety of cargos to ports around the world, for a succession of owners. Fully-functional, she continues to sail annually during sea trials in the Gulf of Mexico. Experience her magic at Texas Seaport Museum, Pier 21, in Galveston.

ELISSA - photos courtesy Galveston Historical Foundation

Other Galveston activities include fishing, both on and off-shore, plane rides, renting bicycles and pedaling the seawall, birding, or a day at Schlitterbahn. The attractions in Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark cover approximately 15 acres. German-style castle spires and architecture provide the visual focal point with pipelines, uphill water coasters, lagoons, surfing, white water, lubes and tubes, and secluded coves.

  
The Blastenhoff - new at Schlitterbahn 2007 - photo courtesy Schlitterbahn                    Schlitterbahn's Treasure Island kid's pool - photo courtesy Schlitterbahn

Just 45 miles south of Houston, on the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston Island offers a perfect trip for families, students or single travelers.   Hop a flight on Southwest Airlines to Houston from most anywhere in the southwest and you're just a short drive away.

Full of a rich cultural and maritime heritage, museums are plentiful in Galveston and if spending more than a day or two, worth the visit.

• Home • Previous Level •  • Galveston • Hotel Valley Ho • Honeymoon Horseback • Princess by Proxy • Intuition Quick Guide • Yoga Stress Mngmt • Lon's Summer Cuisine • Snowmass Chili Fest • Galveston Art Center • Jo Castillo • Looks & Sounds SW •