Hotels in Galveston

Galveston Hotels

Galveston is a mid-sized sun-struck city set on the shimmering east coast of Texas, in Galveston County. This relaxed urban paradise is the perfect city-getaway for those after a mix of refined culture and classic coastal fun, as it boasts inspiring architecture, amazing museums, and retro pier-side amusements. Outdoorsy types will find plenty to love in Galveston too, from the city’s green-rich gardens to its nearby state parks and wildlife refuges.

Things to see

Start your balmy Galveston day by visiting one of the city’s fascinating off-beat museums. The Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum may sound bizarre, but this old-school marvel of industrial machinery - now a 3-floor self-guided museum - offers a valuable, informative, and first-person look at the offshore oil and gas industry. After, immerse yourself in some grand Galveston history at Bishop’s Palace, a huge ornate mansion house built back in 1887. Architecture-enthusiasts will go wild for the spiky turrets, French-style balconies, and opulent interiors. As the afternoon rolls around, head to the Galveston Historic Pleasure Pier, a huge wooden pier topped with roller-coasters, candy-floss stands, restaurants, and arcades. Cap off the day with a ride on the Galveston to Port Bolivar Ferry - a stress-free local favorite activity. The gentle trip takes just 20 minutes, and if you’re lucky you’ll spot playful baby-blue dolphins jumping through the waters.

Hotels in Galveston

The hotels in Galveston range from inexpensive no-frills comfort to indulgent, upper-end havens. If you’re traveling on a budget, stay in a 2-star Galveston hotel, where you’ll enjoy free filling breakfasts and free WiFi to keep you connected. For something a little more stylish, check out the 3-star hotels in Galveston, which offer pristine outdoor pools and in-house restaurants and bar lounges - a perfect way to unwind after a sunny Galveston day. Those after lavish luxury can stay in a 4-star resort hotel, where you can pamper yourself with sublime full service spa treatments.

Where to stay

If you’re after a sun-soaked resort-town vibe, where flashy hotels, ritzy seafood restaurants, and - most importantly - soft golden sands are in abundance, then stay slightly south of central Galveston, along Seawall Boulevard. Those who prefer a slice of rich Texas heritage should stay in The Strand historic district, which overflows with quaint cafes, bars, and niche boutiques - all based in elegant old-fashioned Victorian buildings. The Strand is quieter than the exciting energy of Seawall Boulevard, but if you’re after utter tranquility, stay further south from the center, along the coast’s sweeping uncrowded beachfront.

How to get to Galveston

If you plan to travel by air from a domestic destination, you’ll likely be able to catch a direct flight to William B. Hobby Airport in Houston, which serves plenty of top cities across the US, such as New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas/Fort Worth. From the airport, you can hire your own car onsite and drive 45 minutes southeast along the Gulf Freeway to Galveston. If you’re traveling from overseas, fly to George Bush Intercontinental Airport, which serves plenty of top international destinations - it’s a 1 hour 10 minute drive to from here to Galveston. Once there, the central areas are easily explored on foot.