Galveston : Top 5 Things To Do On Foot
Galveston, Texas, is a fascinating blend of history, industry, and coastal charm. If you find yourself within walking distance of the port and want to explore without hopping on a trolley, there’s plenty to enjoy just on foot! So stash your luggage at Cruise Stop or leave it in the car, and let’s dive into the top five things to do near the Galveston Cruise Port.
1. The Strand and Arts District
Galveston’s Historic District
Giant ‘Books’ at Galveston Bookshop in the Historic District
This charming area is the island’s tourist and shopping district, directly across from terminals 25 and 28. The big attraction here is the beautiful Victorian-era buildings, which landed the district a listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Placards are everywhere explaining the buildings history. There’s even a Mardi Gras arch. As a historic district, you’ll find only specialty and high end boutique style shops rather than chains - no Diamond International or Bubby Gumps here. This one clothes store even has a bar and a live band. This is also where my wife got her Steampunk on. You’re reminded that you’re in hurricane country from the occasional placard indicating the high water mark when Hurricane Ike hit here in 2008. I’m trying to imagine so much water surging through these streets. Hence the slits in the alleyways.
An unexpected pleasure was the numerous street art, along the side streets and occasionally the alleys. (TP on video). The adjacent Arts district has many of these, including sculptures and murals, mingled with smart coffee shops and galleries.
You could spend a good 2 hours exploring, hunting for street art and poking into the many interesting stores.
2. Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum
A fascinating, hands-on museum housed inside a real offshore rig
Being Texas, it seemed appropriate to visit a museum on the oil and gas industry. This one is very cool, sitting inside a retired jack-up drilling rig (its a very pretty walk to the rig as well). Compact and informative with lots of hands on exhibits. Imagine diving in this. And thiis how you got on an open ocean rig, you’re wenched up in THIS while you hold for dear life. The biggest impression I got was how immense an oil rig can be, especially under the water (these cables spread across an area the size of Manhatten)! Worth a good one hour.
This museum is adjacent to Pier 21, with the Texas Seaport Museum and Tall Ship Ellisa. Restaurants and boat tours too.
Rig equipment inside the museum
The Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum at Galveston’s Pier 21
3. Galveston Railroad Museum
Address: 2602 Santa Fe Pl, Galveston, TX 77550
Train lovers should make time for the Galveston Railroad Museum, one of the most interesting attractions within walking distance of the Galveston cruise port.
Historic steam engine display at the Galveston Railroad Museum
This is in a lovingly restored former central station, bringing you back to the early and mid 20th century, when railroad travel was king.
The main attraction is the 5-acre railyard, where you can roam inside a large collection of historic railcars, all restored and explained in detail. You can even sit and hang inside awhile, imagining a very different time. There’s also a traditional museum and side galleries for going more in-depth. There’s a surprising amount of artifacts here!
One of the highlights was this train conductor simulator. Although it doesn't look super high-tech, it comes with a guide who explains all the controls and operation. My son spent quite a while here!
Good for at least 2 hours, especially if trains are your passion!
4. Star ‘Drug Store’
Address: 510 23rd St, Galveston, TX 77550
Why not have lunch in the oldest drug store in Texas? Originally opened in the late 1800s, it has survived numerous hurricanes (check out the water level from Ike) and even a fire.
Salad Sampler
A milkshake
This was also Galveston’s first lunch counter to desegregate in the 1950s. The architecture is classic Americana, with great atmosphere. The food is good too. We recommend the salad sampler, with several types of tuna mix, and the milkshakes.
5. NIA Cultural Center
Address: 2217 The Strand, Galveston, TX 77550
Absolute Equality Mural, a powerful Juneteenth landmark in downtown Galveston
While on the Strand, we happened upon this amazing mural commemorating the Emancipation Proclamation - the Absolute Equality Mural and the start of the Juneteenth holiday here in Galveston!
The Juneteenth Legacy Project in NIA Cultural Center
We then found this gem next to the mural, the NIA Cultural Center. This was easily one of the top highlights on our trip! We didn’t realize Galveston was so important in history.
We loved our time in Galveston! Don’t just pass through here, especially if you’ve never been here. You're sure to discover something to love!
