14 Galveston Family Vacation Ideas Near The Cruise Port

Galveston Brings It With Big Beach Brags

Galveston is ringed by shoreline beckoning beachgoers all along its 27miles. Each stretch of sand speaks to a different sunseeker, but here are a few standouts locals give top marks.

● Seawall Blvd: Cruise the beach on four-six person bikes.

● Bolívar Beach: Take the free ferry from Galveston for extra fun.

● Steward Beach: Get your boot scootin’ boogie boarding on here.

● 43 St Pier: Mellow, consistent waves make surfing a cinch.

● Sea Shell Beach at Pocket Park 3: Find a pocketful of sand dollars and shells.

● Palm Beach at Moody Gardens: Skip the salt for this lazy river and cabana beach.

Feed The Fam On Fresh Fish And Beach Bites

Take a cruise from Texas and get your Galveston-approved Gulf Coast grub on from a variety of fun and funky eateries, each packed with personality.

● Fisherman’s Wharf: Freshest catch bayside spot with to-die-for “shrimp kisses.”

● Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar: Best bet for gumbo, crawfish, oysters and Cajun-core.

● Shark Shack Beach Bar: Lively and casual eats at an outdoor outpost.

● Hearsay on the Strand: Creative craft libations in “Chic Antique” gastro lounge.

● Pineapple Parlour: Tiki-style speakeasy for those of age.

Tuck Your Toes Into Tropical Beach Vibe Resorts

Serious Caribbean vibes run throughout this beach facing property. Guests are spoiled by the upscale ambiance with a swim-up bar adding a tropical pop of fun to the palm-ringed pool with a view of the sea. Rooms are large, with family suites providing perfect privacy for families traveling together or older kids wanting their own space (and TV!). Resort activities like pickleball, animal encounters, culinary experiences or arts and crafts offer a bonus to the beach fun.

Kids will likely push for dinner at the adjacent Rainforest Cafe — the only themed restaurant in the chain which features a floating raft water ride inside the jungle of animatronic wild animals. However, housemade pastas at Grotto Ristorante, prime cuts at The Steakhouse or true Gulf Coast delicacies at Landry’s Seafood are preferred palate pleasers.

Choose A Cruise Paired With Royal Family Flair

● When to go: Sunseekers looking to spot dolphins and spend long days beaching it or at waterparks might prefer the summer months of June-September.

● Getting around: The Galveston Trolley is a fun way to hit the hotspots for a nominal $1 fare. If venturing to Bolivar Beach, hop the free ferry for a bonus “excursion.”

● Where to shop: Murdochs is an iconic souvenir store on Galveston’s Seawall, packing in visitors hunting beachware, coastal kitsch, even live hermit crabs … but please don’t bring pets on the cruise! The U-shaped shop also serves drinks on a large patio overlooking the sea.

● How to get here: The Port of Galveston is 60 minutes (HOU) or 90 minutes (IAH) from Houston airports. Prearrange shuttles or Uber rides for easy access and consider one-way car rentals, which can offer deals if timed for corresponding cruise passengers disembarking the same ship.

Royal Caribbean offers the best Galveston-based cruise options, with Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries bringing guests right to the best of watersports, diving and Caribbean culture. Included kid clubs, unlimited Broadway shows, live music, endless cuisine choices, sports court and waterpark play areas make a stress-free sail an amazing time for all. Plan ahead to book comfortable cabins with adjoining balconies to enjoy the views when sailing with family.

Get To Galveston For A Fabulous Family Cruise Vacation