There is so much to see and do in Galveston, that one really never needs to set foot on the sand to still have an amazing visit! The 5 blocks that make up the Strand, from 20th to 25th Street, are filled with fun sights and amazing shops, galleries, restaurants and so much more!
The History of the Strand
Following the Civil War, the Galveston Strand was known as the “Wall Street of the South”, and Galveston one of the richest cities in the country. Of course, the Great Storm of 1900 and the building of the Houston Ship Channel, which created a port city in Houston, changed much of that.
Know Before You Go
Unlike Monopoly, there is no free parking. There is a $5 lot next to the Galveston Railroad Museum, or you if you plan to visit the museum, parking is FREE with museum admission!
Along the Strand, you can parallel park. You’ll need to text in your payment, Monday – Saturday, 9am – 6pm.
RESTAURANTS
Shark Shack Beach Bar and Grill A new favorite of ours on The Strand, Shark Shack has great food and drinks, but the crabcakes are just amazing! It’s a fun restaurants for the family or to get together in the evening for drinks! The also own Playground Patio Bar and Grill just across the street!
La King’s Confectionery As authentic of a soda fountain as you’ll ever find, La King’s makes the best root beer floats, using Purity Ice Cream! Purity is the OLDEST ice cream company in Texas, opening in 1889 at 1202 Post Office in Galveston, and now owned and only available at La King’s! La King’s also make their own chocolate and salt water taffy. It’s an absolute MUST on any Galveston visit!
SHOPS
Christmas on the Strand A long time business on the Strand, I can remember buying my son’s Baby’s First Christmas ornament here!
The Peanut Butter Warehouse Now the Market at the Peanut Butter Warehouse, distinct shops are set in the old warehouse.
Island Carriages Take a tour of the Strand in Victorian style!
Galveston Railroad Museum One of the largest railroad museums in the country, you can go inside various train cars, from Pullmans to Cabooses, and even take a ride on the Harborside Express on most Saturdays from 11am – 2pm.
Pirates! Legend of the Gulf Coast and the Haunted Mayfield Manor is also located in Saengerfest Park on the Strand. Don’t miss this fun take on the Pirates who once roamed Galveston and the Gulf Coast!
Dash Beardsley’s Ghost Tours are incredible! Learn the history of Galveston and the Strand in a fun setting!
Saengerfest Park
A public square with fun photo ops, including the above Welcome to Galveston mural!
Annual Events
The Strand District is the home for the annual Mardi Gras Parades!
Dickens on the Strand takes place the 1st weekend in December, and shouldn’t be missed!
Things To Do in Galveston
Play
Spend the day playing, fishing or exploring on Seawolf Park, which is also home to the American Undersea Warfare Center.
You’ll spot the shiny pyramids of Moody Gardens as soon as you cross over the bridge, but there is so much more to discover!
The Bryan Museum showcases Texas and Southwest history.
Eat
Located on the Galveston Seawall, The Spot offers a casual place to grab a burger, fried shrimp, ice cream or a cold drink!
Stay
The Tremont House puts you right in the middle of the Strand activities.
The Strand
2100 Strand, Galveston
Click HERE to visit their website.
Keep Having Fun in the Texas Sun!
Michelle
Having Fun in the TEXAS Sun is on PINTEREST! Use it as a quick resource to find activities in different Texas towns! Click HERE!
© Having Fun in the Texas Sun, 2022. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Having Fun in the Texas Sun with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Please click HERE to read our disclaimer.
I will occasionally post some of my favorite Amazon items with links to purchase. As an Amazon affiliate, I do receive a small, very small, commission should you choose to purchase using my link. If you do, thank you for supporting my small business.
