Gulf Coast Concierge

5 Free Things To Do In Galveston

With 32 miles of coastline and a rich history, Galveston Island has something for everyone’s budget. More than just a beach town, Galveston is becoming a go-to year round with events happening every season. Luckily, Gulf Coast Concierge is here to help you find the perfect Galveston activity for your time down here! Here are some free Galveston activities that are a must!

 

 

Take a drive, participate in an e-bike tour, or rent a surrey to take a self-guided tour around the Tree Sculptures. Located around the Historic District, these 36 sculptures were created after Hurricane Ike with the damaged trees. Everything from mermaids to a geisha. Don’t miss the childhood house of the Director of the Wizard of Oz marked by the Tin Man & Toto sculpture.

 

 


Explore the Historic Strand District. Being in close proximity to the cruise terminal and home to numerous annual festivals, this is the perfect street for some shopping, local culture, and beautiful architecture. Stop at Saengerfest Park to play a game of larger-than-life chess. From March to October, outdoor movies and live music can also be found at this mini park. Be sure to go a little further down Strand Street to watch the legendary Taffy Pull at La King’s Confectionary. To cool off, get some Purity Ice Cream which is the oldest ice cream in Texas! Made locally at La King’s, it was founded in 1889 in Galveston.

 

 

Take the ferry to Bolivar Peninsula. The Bolivar Ferry is a must for dolphin lovers! On , you will catch dolphins swimming alongside the boat or playing out in the open water. This free ferry leaves about every 30 minutes 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Use caution in summer as the wait times can be extremely long. While in Bolivar, see the Point Bolivar Lighthouse that guided ships into the port until 1933. Bolivar is also known for its population of migratory birds.

 

 

Take a stroll down Seawall Boulevard. The ten mile seawall is the nation’s longest continuous sidewalk and was built after the worst tragedy in U.S. History, the 1900 Hurricane, to protect Galveston from harsh storms. Along the way, you will see the Historic Pleasure Pier and the old location of the Balinese Room before it was destroyed. The seawall is also home to well-known bars and restaurants with spectacular views!

 

 

Learn a short history of Galveston at the Rosenberg Library. Founded in 18741 as the Galveston Merchantile Library, this is the oldest public library in Texas that is still in continuous operation. Not only is the building beautiful, but it also has a small museum featuring collectibles related to early Galveston and Texas. Located on the fourth floor, it is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9am to 6pm.

 

If you’re looking for other activities, check out our different experiences. Here at Gulf Coast Concierge, we are here to help plan your vacations providing everything from good ol’ fashioned advice to massages to charters!

Next time you’re in Galveston, be sure to get the best of your time down here by staying in a Galveston, TX Beach HouseRyson Vacation Rentals offers properties for every budget & group size.