A street of buildings at pier 21 lit up at night

Galveston

Galveston Texas Top Attractions

Whether you’re a foodie, an adventurer, an art lover, or a history connoisseur, there are plenty of things to do near our waterfront Galveston hotel. Take a tour of Bishop's Palace, a Victorian-era mansion that's in the National Register of Historic Places, for its spectacular architecture. Increase your knowledge of the oil and gas industry at the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum. Experience one of five unique harbor excursions and catch a glimpse of a dolphin. Catch a documentary film at Pier 21 Theater and learn about the history of Galveston.

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Cruises From Galveston

Steps From Your Cruise

Harbor House Hotel and Marina—located just steps away from the cruise terminal at Pier 21—is the preferred hotel for ship passengers seeking pre- and post-cruise accommodations. Whether you want to kick your upcoming cruise off with an on land excursion or end it with a relaxing, more stationary stay, you’ll find everything you need here.

Hotel Galvez & Spa

2024 Seawall Blvd | 1.5 miles
(409) 765-7721
Harbor House guests enjoy signing privileges at sister property, Hotel Galvez & Spa. Hotel Galvez & Spa offers full-service restaurant Galvez Bar & Grill, a heated pool and swim-up bar and The Spa at Hotel Galvez. Ask the front desk about taking our courtesy shuttle to the hotel. Click here to learn more.
The Tremont House

2300 Ship Mechanic Row St | 0.4 miles
(409) 763-0300
Tastefully appointed suites, gracious service, onsite restaurant and rooftop bar are the hallmark of our Galveston, TX hotel where elegance is affordable. Click here to learn more.
Pier 21 Theater

2100 Harborside Dr | 102 feet
(409) 763-8808
History reigns supreme daily at Pier 21 Theater via three short documentaries. Topics include the 1900 hurricane that destroyed Galveston Island, immigration, and the area's pirate past.
UTMB Galveston

301 University Blvd | 1.3 miles
(409) 772-1011
The oldest medical school in Texas is home to four schools, a major medical library and several hospitals and clinics that offer primary and specialized care.
Ocean Star Offshore Oil Rig & Museum

2002 Wharf Rd | 0.2 miles
(409) 766-7827
Located on a former jack-up drilling rig, this all-inclusive oil and gas industry museum delivers three floors of interactive exhibits, production platform models and authentic equipment.
Bishop’s Palace

1402 Broadway Avenue J | 1.1 miles
(409) 762-2475
Tour this classic Victorian-era home of Walter Gresham, a Civil War Colonel, and his wife and their nine children. Highlights range from stunning stained glass to decorative plaster ceilings.
Pier 21

2100 Harborside Dr | 246 feet
(409) 763-5806

As one of the hottest Galveston attractions, Pier 21 offers jet boating tours through Suntime Water Sports, harbor tours, history at Pier 21 Theatre, and touring fun at the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa and Ocean Star Offshore Oil Rig Museum.
Texas Seaport Museum

2200 Harborside Dr | 246 feet
(409) 763-1877

The tall ship Elissa is a three-masted barque. Launched in 1877, she is now on view at one the most popular Galveston museums, the Texas Seaport Museum. She was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1990.
Harbor Excursions

From exhilarating jet boat rides to romantic sunset tours, there are plenty of unforgettable Galveston cruises to experience the harbor.
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BayWatch Dolphin Tours

2100 Harborside Dr, Galveston, TX 77550 | (832) 859-4557
BayWatch Tours offer 45-minute excursions aboard a 34-foot, dolphin-safe boat, featuring a covered interior for comfortable dolphin watching.

Galveston Water Adventures Sunset Cruise

2100 Harborside Dr Pier 21, Galveston, TX 77550 | (409) 276-6116
Perfect for both couples and friends alike, this two-hour cruise provides breathtaking views of our beautiful Galveston sunsets. Feel free to bring snacks or drinks!

Galveston Water Adventures Jet Boat

2100 Harborside Dr Pier 21, Galveston, TX 77550 | (409) 276-6116
Galveston Water Adventures will exhilarate you with a one-of-a-kind jet boat ride, featuring sharp turns, accelerated speeds, and special tricks, such as the “Hamilton Spin."

Seagull II Harbor Tour

8 Pier 21, Galveston, TX 77550 | (409) 763-1877
Texas Seaport Museum invites you to hop aboard their 50-foot twin-engine motor vessel, Seagull II, for some up-close harbor sightseeing, as well as experiential learning.
Public Fishing Tours

Whether you’re looking to charter your own private boat or be guided on a one-of-a-kind fishing excursion, Galveston offers a variety of tours and charters for the whole family. Check out some of the area’s most popular fishing charters.