Stewart Beach is one of the most popular strips of sand in Galveston, and with its host of beachside amenities, it's no wonder. There are lifeguards, restrooms, showers, concession stands, plus chair and umbrella rentals – and even a playground for kids. Recent visitors appreciated this beach's large parking lot and loads of amenities, as well as the beach's proximity to the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. 

Stewart Beach sits where Broadway Avenue and the Seawall intersect. Parking costs $12 between Monday and Thursday and $15 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the beach welcomes visitors from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Offseason hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday Keep in mind that this family-friendly beach prohibits alcohol. For more information, visit Galveston's tourism board website. 

The Strand is a five-block, National Historic Landmark District featuring shops, galleries, bars and restaurants housed in 19th-century buildings in downtown Galveston. As you walk along its strip, you'll get an idea of what Galveston was like back in its heyday. Look for placards highlighting the district's historical must-sees, such as the Grand 1894 Opera House, which is still an operating theater. 

Visitors to The Strand remarked on the architecture of the buildings, and some of the cute shops and restaurants, not to mention the vendors that sell beer and ice cream, which you can enjoy on the sidewalks. However, some recent travelers said you had to weed through a bunch of ho-hum souvenir shops to find the real gems. 

Located at the easternmost point of Galveston, East Beach is a wide swath of sand that welcomes visitors to relax and soak up the sun or partake in the many ongoing events and festivals throughout the year. A few popular summertime events travelers may want to check out include the annual American Institute of Architects Sandcastle Competition, where artists build intricate and impressive structures out of sand, and the live concerts on the entertainment stage. This beach features numerous amenities, such as a pavilion, restrooms with showers, beach chair and umbrella rentals, beach volleyball courts, lifeguards and a boardwalk. Concessions are also available, where visitors can purchase food and drinks (including alcohol). Leashed pets are also allowed on this beach. Keep in mind, glass is prohibited and tents and tarps are only permitted in specific areas.

Recent beachgoers appreciated this clean beach and noted it's great for walking. Visitors say East Beach is a convenient option in Galveston, and many appreciate the on-site amenities available here. You can also watch the cruise ships sail in and out of Galveston's port from this beach, which many said was a fun activity. A few were disappointed about the rules regarding tents and tarps (you're not allowed to have them particularly close to the ocean).

Gorgeous pastel-hued houses line flower- and tree-filled streets in Galveston's East End Historical District, which stretches across more than 50 blocks in the city center. This charming area was Galveston's first residential neighborhood and it is home to some of the best-preserved 19th-century residential architecture in Texas. The scenic spot is on the National Register of Historic Places – and it's a popular neighborhood for visitors and locals to peruse. Travelers might also notice the neighborhood's tree sculptures: Artists took advantage of debris and uprooted trees left behind from Hurricane Ike's wake in 2008 and created whimsical sculptures (think: dolphins, dogs, alligators, geishas, guitars, mermaids and more) from the remains.

The nonprofit East End Historical District Association is dedicated to "preserving, restoring and protecting the cultural and architectural integrity" of the neighborhood, and the entity owns several of the homes in the district. The EEHDA also hosts numerous fundraising events in the area throughout the year as well, including the popular fall garden and holiday home tours.

Bishop's Palace – also known as Gresham's Castle – was commissioned by Col. Walter Gresham, an attorney and entrepreneur, and designed by one of Galveston's famous architects, Nicholas Clayton, at the turn of the 19th century. In 1923, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Galveston bought the building, using it as a bishop's residence until 1963 (hence the name, Bishop's Palace). The Victorian home – a National Historic Landmark – is now open to the public for tours and is filled with architectural treasures, such as an all-silver fireplace, bronze dragons and stained-glass windows. 

Recent visitors described the house as "magnificent" and "grand" and were especially complimentary of the attraction's gift shop, which is housed within several rooms of the palace's basement. Most said a visit here is worth every penny of the admission price. However, some cautioned that children may not find this attraction interesting. 

This incredibly ornate theater hosts musical and art performances year-round, showcasing everything from Broadway musicals and concerts to dance performances and comedy shows. The Grand 1894 Opera House is an impressive and historical Galveston landmark: It has survived numerous storms and hurricanes, it's been restored and refurbished, and it's one of the few remaining theaters of its era. As such, this beautiful theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and it enjoys recognition as "The Official Opera House of Texas." The theater seats 1,000 and features plush navy cushioned chairs framed in wood, intricate detailing on the walls and carpet, and a grand ruby red curtain on its stage. 

Past visitors say there's not a bad seat in the house at this theater and many appreciate the acoustics and intimate setting. Several patrons highly recommend catching a show here, so plan to look at the calendar of events to see if there's anything that piques your interest when you're in town. 

Located about 5 miles west of downtown Galveston, this 26-acre water park offers plenty of fun for visitors and is especially popular with families. Schlitterbahn Waterpark is home to numerous water playground areas, several pools, a zip line and dozens of waterslides. The waterslides are the standout attractions here: The Screaming Serpents are side-by-side racing slides, the thrilling Cliffhanger body slide plunges 81 feet, the Thunder Tub raft slide takes three-person tubes through dips and twists, and the Massiv Monster Blaster water coaster takes riders on a twisting, turning, splash-filled journey via tube. Schlitterbahn's website classifies the "thrill level" of each attraction, so daredevils can make sure to hit the most exhilarating waterslides and families can make sure to head toward the more relaxing or low-impact attractions. The water park also features cabanas for rent and several dining options (ranging from pizza to barbecue to ice cream), plus it occasionally hosts events.

Recent travelers say a visit here makes for a fun day for families, especially those with teens and young children. Visitors particularly enjoyed the lazy rivers and the thrilling water slide options. A few expressed disappointment that some attractions were not open when they visited, so you may want to call ahead to make sure most of the options are open before scheduling your trip.

Moody Mansion is a 28,000-square-foot estate, which was home to the Moody family, one of the Lone Star State's most eminent entrepreneurs. It dates back to 1895 and is filled with historical artifacts and beautifully decorated rooms. Visitors can tour 20 rooms across the four-floor home, which feature the furniture and curios collected by the family over their 86 years of living there.

Recent visitors said they learned a lot about one of Texas' most influential families, as well as the architecture of the time, through the self-guided audio tours of the mansion. However, others wished that the whole home was on view, not just the first and second floors. 

The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is a wharf that juts out from the Texas Gulf Coast. Here you'll find amusement park rides, shops and eateries. The Pleasure Pier is also a study in resilience: It was originally built in the 1940s, but in 1961 Hurricane Carla completely destroyed it; later in 2008, Hurricane Ike severely damaged it too, and in 2017 Hurricane Harvey battered it with wind and waves. Still, it's up and running once again. Rides available include a rollercoaster and a Ferris wheel, and there are multiple eateries located on the pier, serving everything from barbecue to pizza to ice cream and milkshakes.

Recent visitors said visiting the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is a great activity for the whole family, though they also caution that the rides and businesses along the boardwalk are pricey. If you're not interested in the rides or games, reviewers still recommend Pleasure Pier for its people-watching and Gulf Coast views. Plus, you'll find plenty of places to sit along the boardwalk.

Moody Gardens is a 242-acre theme park, complete with a variety of attractions and a hotel and convention center. The complex houses a wave pool, a beach and a lazy river, which is open seasonally. The gardens also contain a zip line and ropes course, an aquarium, a rainforest zoo and more. Moody Gardens provides several educational experiences and even private and public animal encounters with penguins, otters and seals (for an additional fee). 

Visitors say that although admission to Moody Gardens is expensive, it makes for a fun day. Travelers particularly enjoyed the rainforest and its exhibits, and seeing all of the animals in the aquarium. The attraction is especially fun to visit during the holidays, when the park twinkles with lights and ice sculptures, according to recent travelers. 

To travel from Galveston Island to the Port Bolivar peninsula – or to simply see the sights along the way, which is what most visitors seem to do – the ferry is the way to go. One of the greatest things about the ferry, which is operated by the Texas Department of Transportation, is that it's free. 

Recent visitors said the trip is a great activity, as well as mode of transportation, since along the way you might spot dolphins in the water and seagulls in the sky. Many recommend this as an activity to do with kids, as they enjoy the birds and the boating experience. Others warn that the ferry is prone to long waits in the summer, but they recommend persevering even still.

The Galveston Children's Museum is filled with engaging activities and interactive exhibits for little ones. Geared toward kids 1½ to 12 years old, the museum is a great way to spend a fun, family-filled day learning and playing. Exhibits here range from the Kids Clinic, where children can learn about their bodies, medicine and doctors, to A Stroke of Genius art studio for painting and sculpting to the Building Zone for creating and interacting with a large Lego wall. Other areas of exploration include a puppet theater, an engineering area and a food-focused play station, among other options. Travelers are allowed to bring their own food and drink to the museum (although staff notes you cannot eat in the exhibit areas). There are both indoor and outdoor areas available for visitors to enjoy snacks and drinks.

Recent visitors raved about the Galveston Children's Museum, saying it is an excellent place to bring young kids. Families said their youngsters were able to enjoy the exhibits and run around and play with other children visiting the museum, keeping them occupied for long periods of time. Museumgoers also said there were plenty of spots for parents to hang out while the kids played. 

Billed as Galveston's largest brewery, Galveston Island Brewing invites craft beer enthusiasts to sample its tasty creations. The beers on tap are all brewed on-site and range from year-round drafts to seasonal brews to specialty options. Year-round beers include a wheat beer, a German-style ale, two IPAs, a porter and an American amber ale. Seasonal options include the Flip Flop Lager (spring), the Hefen-A and Coconut Hefen-A wheat beers (summer), the Oktoberfest (fall) and the Pit Pat Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter (winter). Specialty options might range from seltzers to double IPAs.

Visitors can sip their beers in the taproom or in the yard area, which features picnic tables, Adirondack chairs and umbrellas (dogs are welcome on the lawn as well). Beer drinkers who get hungry can enjoy snacks and food items like chips, soft pretzels and sandwiches.

A museum on offshore drilling may not sound like the most enticing thing to see on your trip to Galveston, but visitors say it's quite a hidden gem. Recent museumgoers describe the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum as "fascinating," "fun" and "interesting." The museum is located on a retired oil rig in the Galveston Channel and features a variety of interactive exhibits to help visitors learn more about offshore drilling and the oil and gas industry. The tours are self-guided and begin with an introductory video. Travelers can then explore the three floors of the museum and its exhibits, and the two exterior areas of the rig.  

What's more, the second Saturday of each month is the museum's Family Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., which is focused on different themes surrounding the oil and gas industry. There are hands-on displays and fun experiments presented that make it easier for young visitors to learn, plus anyone 18 or younger can enter for free with a paying adult during Family Days. The museum also offers specialty programs for boy and girl scouts, overnight programs and more.

Home to a variety of art, artifacts, interactive displays and more, The Bryan Museum invites visitors to explore the story of Texas and the American West. The museum, which opened in 2015, got its name from J.P. Bryan who – at 10 years old – acquired two antique firearms, then started a rare book and printing business in college, continued to amass eclectic art and literature, and the collection grew from there. The pieces showcased in this collection span 12,000 years, including artifacts and art from ancient Native Americans, 20,000 rare books and rare maps, antique firearms, thousands of documents in a variety of languages and 21st-century objects. The permanent collection also includes numerous pieces of fine art, portraits, religious art and folk art. The Bryan Museum hosts rotating exhibits and special collections as well; before your visit, you should check what offerings are available. The museum often features after-hours events and programs on-site, such as wine nights and a few history series. What's more – the museum itself is located in the historic Galveston Orphans Home, surrounded by beautiful flora, and occupies a Renaissance revival-style building.

Those who love Texas history or history in general should pencil in a visit to The Bryan Museum, according to reviewers. Many previous museumgoers say they weren't expecting such an interesting and wide range of exhibits, and several say the staff members were particularly knowledgeable and helpful.

The Galveston Railroad Museum is all about trains and railroads, and helping visitors learn more about both. The museum features both permanent and rotating exhibits, and it is home to one of the largest restored railroad collections in the country. Permanent fixtures include large Santa Fe Warbonnet trains, numerous steam and diesel locomotives, freight cars, a variety of passenger cars to explore and more. The museum also hosts several events throughout the year, including holiday celebrations and kid-focused programs. Visitors can also ride in an open-air caboose (weather permitting) if visiting on a Saturday.

Recent visitors said they found this museum to be particularly interesting and informative, and many said if you're already a train buff this is a must-visit attraction. Several families with kids said their children got a kick out of all of the big trains and loved exploring the exhibits. Many also really enjoyed the train ride and said that although it was short, it was worth the extra fee.

For a dose of natural beauty, visitors should make some time for Galveston Island State Park. Located about 15 miles down the coast from The Strand, the park offers plenty of outdoorsy activities, such as swimming, fishing, hiking and bird-watching, among other options. Plus, its campsites are also an affordable way to spend the night.

Along with the peaceful beach environment at Galveston Island State Park, visitors also appreciated the shower and restroom facilities.