The Lone Star State of Texas has lots to offer everyone, and one of its most popular tourist destinations is Galveston. There really is something to suit all members of the family on a Galveston vacation, including culture, shopping, history, and beautiful beaches that go on for miles. Above all, Galveston is a genuinely fun, friendly place with many visitor attractions and plenty for kids to do.

Packed Full Of Period Buildings And Cultural Festivals

The neighborhood known as The Strand has streets which are full of Victorian period buildings with great restaurants and antique shops. The area also hosts a number of different cultural events, including the annual Mardi Gras Festival, a jazz and blues festival and a Charles Dickens themed Christmas Festival. And it’s said that a horse and carriage ride is the best way to explore the old style streets here.

Aircraft, Trains And Tall Ships Aplenty In Galveston

If history is your cup of tea, then there’s more on offer at the Lone Star Flight Museum, a unique exhibition of aircraft that traces the development of aviation. Many of the exhibits still fly today and participate in air shows. There is also information on famous aviators such as the eccentric Howard Hughes. In addition, for lovers of trains on a Galveston vacation, there is also the Galveston Island Railroad Museum. And it’s also possible to see grand, tall ships that have a permanent home in Galveston.

Galveston really is a great destination for kids, and children can have lots of fun at the three water parks which are located in the city and are known as the Schlitterbahn. These have water slides including uphill coasters, water playgrounds and even a surfing machine. The only problem for parents is that it may be hard to persuade them to leave!

Witness The Natural World On Display

The natural world is also on view on a Galveston vacation at the Moody Gardens complex. This attraction is divided into three main areas, marked by pyramids. The Aquarium, displaying all kinds of sea life, is one of the largest in the world. The Rainforest is a feast of tropical flora and fauna. The third section houses the Discovery Pyramid, where there are science related displays. There’s also a beach and freshwater lagoons to relax by, an IMAX Theatre and an old fashioned paddlewheel river ship.

Follow In Sinatra’s Footsteps And Take A Trip To The Pier

Evenings out are varied in the city with a choice of plenty of bars and nightclubs. Perhaps the most famous of these is the Balinese Room which is situated on the pier. It used to be a notorious illegal gambling den but now operates without any gambling or unlawful activity. It had its heyday in the 1940s and 1950s when Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope entertained the likes of Howard Hughes. In addition to the live music and food provided at the Balinese, the pier is also an interesting place to explore with lots of different shops. And for those visitors who like things a little quiter, more sedate entertainment is offered by the City Symphony Orchestra and Ballet Company.

As you can see, a Galveston vacation really does cater for both adults and children alike, and is a destination any visitor to Texas should consider.