Uploaded October 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
You should totally check out Galveston! We had such a great trip. We found this amazing Airbnb on a canal, and the owner was so cool about us bringing our three cats. They even had fishing poles and canoes for us to use, so my daughter actually learned how to canoe right there!
Aside from just relaxing, we saw the big Aquarium Pyramid, which was awesome. But it was also really wild to see the city's intense hurricane history. All the houses are built way up on stilts to handle floods, and we even saw a restaurant with a plaque on the wall marking how high the water got during Hurricane Ike. It’s a beautiful place and was just a perfect family-friendly adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is there to do in Galveston besides the beach?
A: I was surprised by how much there is to do! We spent time at an amazing aquarium, which is part of Moody Gardens (they also have a Rainforest Pyramid). I'd also recommend exploring "The Strand," which is the historic downtown district with beautiful old buildings, shops, and restaurants. For something fun and free, you can take the Port Bolivar Ferry—I've heard you can almost always spot dolphins!
Q: I noticed the houses in your video were really high up. Why is that?
A: I noticed that right away, too! All the houses are raised on stilts to protect them from flooding. Galveston has a serious history with hurricanes, most famously the Great Storm of 1900 and Hurricane Ike in 2008. I even saw a restaurant with a plaque on the wall showing how high the water got during past floods. It's a really striking part of the island's culture.
Q: Is Galveston a good destination for a family trip?
A: Yes, I think so. The aquarium at Moody Gardens is a must-do for families, and there's also the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, which has rollercoasters and carnival-style rides right over the water. While we enjoyed the quiet canals where we stayed, I've read that Stewart Beach is known as a very family-friendly beach with lifeguards and other amenities.
Q: We want to bring our dog. Is Galveston pet-friendly?
A: We had a great experience with our pets! The owner of our Airbnb was wonderful and welcomed our three cats. While I'd always check the rules for individual restaurants or shops, I've heard that many of the beaches, especially East Beach, are known for being pet-friendly.
Video Chapter
0:00 - Welcome to Galveston 0:07 - Our Pet-Friendly Airbnb 0:24 - Airbnb Amenities (Canoes & Fishing) 0:37 - Why Galveston Houses are Elevated (Flood History) 1:28 - Visiting the Aquarium 1:36 - Flying the Drone 2:47 - Final Thoughts
You should totally check out Galveston! We had such a great trip. We found this amazing Airbnb on a canal, and the owner was so cool about us bringing our three cats. They even had fishing poles and canoes for us to use, so my daughter actually learned how to canoe right there!
Aside from just relaxing, we saw the big Aquarium Pyramid, which was awesome. But it was also really wild to see the city's intense hurricane history. All the houses are built way up on stilts to handle floods, and we even saw a restaurant with a plaque on the wall marking how high the water got during Hurricane Ike. It’s a beautiful place and was just a perfect family-friendly adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is there to do in Galveston besides the beach?
A: I was surprised by how much there is to do! We spent time at an amazing aquarium, which is part of Moody Gardens (they also have a Rainforest Pyramid). I'd also recommend exploring "The Strand," which is the historic downtown district with beautiful old buildings, shops, and restaurants. For something fun and free, you can take the Port Bolivar Ferry—I've heard you can almost always spot dolphins!
Q: I noticed the houses in your video were really high up. Why is that?
A: I noticed that right away, too! All the houses are raised on stilts to protect them from flooding. Galveston has a serious history with hurricanes, most famously the Great Storm of 1900 and Hurricane Ike in 2008. I even saw a restaurant with a plaque on the wall showing how high the water got during past floods. It's a really striking part of the island's culture.
Q: Is Galveston a good destination for a family trip?
A: Yes, I think so. The aquarium at Moody Gardens is a must-do for families, and there's also the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, which has rollercoasters and carnival-style rides right over the water. While we enjoyed the quiet canals where we stayed, I've read that Stewart Beach is known as a very family-friendly beach with lifeguards and other amenities.
Q: We want to bring our dog. Is Galveston pet-friendly?
A: We had a great experience with our pets! The owner of our Airbnb was wonderful and welcomed our three cats. While I'd always check the rules for individual restaurants or shops, I've heard that many of the beaches, especially East Beach, are known for being pet-friendly.
Video Chapter
0:00 - Welcome to Galveston 0:07 - Our Pet-Friendly Airbnb 0:24 - Airbnb Amenities (Canoes & Fishing) 0:37 - Why Galveston Houses are Elevated (Flood History) 1:28 - Visiting the Aquarium 1:36 - Flying the Drone 2:47 - Final Thoughts
