Galveston Getaway

A guide to Galveston's best new attractions for a fun beach getaway

Galveston is home to 32 miles of beaches open year-round for recreation.

Photo courtesy of Galveston Island Visitors & Convention Bureau

With historic roots and a renewed energy, Galveston remains a favorite getaway for many Texans. Sure, it may not be as exotic or luxurious as Belize or Cabo, but it’s a lot more affordable.

Plus, Galveston is home to 32 miles of beaches open year-round for recreation, so no matter how many times you’ve been, you probably haven’t even seen half of it. And 15 blocks of new beach located on a stretch of the Seawall west of 61st Street were unveiled last fall. But there's so much more to do than lounge on the beach.

Play time
Aside from the obvious play time beaches are known for, new attractions are popping up around the island.

The latest is the world’s tallest water coaster, aptly named Massive, at Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, which sends riders on downhill and uphill experiences. Another popular beachfront attraction is the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier amusement park, which stands over the Gulf of Mexico and boasts 16 thrill and amusement rides, live entertainment, games, food, and a full-service restaurant.

Moody Gardens is one of those family-friendly attractions everyone has heard of, but there are new dimensions being added all the time. This family adventure resort is one of the most visited attractions and truly is a piece of paradise. It features a par-72 golf course, Discovery Museum, 3-D and 4-D theaters, water park, ropes course and zip line, historic paddlewheel boat, and the famed Moody Gardens Hotel.

The island’s newest green space, Hendley Green Park, provides a place to relax after taking in the shops and various attractions in historic downtown Galveston. The mini-park includes a central lawn for outdoor recreation and seating that's perfect for picnicking, thanks to the grove of 30 newly planted oak trees. The area also has accompanying tables and umbrellas, helping keep you (and your picnic) in the shade.

Galveston has definitely stepped up its water adventure game too. Galveston Helicopters at Stewart Beach offers five exciting tour options that showcase different views of the island, from the beach to the bay. And thanks to Extreme Water Sports, the island now offers fly boarding, where flyers strap on a jet-pack device and hover up to 35 feet above Offatts Bayou.

New to East Beach, Galveston Island Horse & Pony Rides offers horseback riding along the shore for a romantic experience. Galveston Water Adventures on Pier 21 has a new sunset cruise, a perfect way to escape responsibilities on land for a evening, and Sea Scout Base Galveston hosts sailing adventures on Sundays.

Sleepy time
When it comes to finding a spot to lay your head after a long day at the beach, Galveston has plenty of options, of all price ranges.

For a nicer, luxury stay, check out Hotel Galvez and Spa, the only historic beachfront hotel on the Texas Gulf Coast. The pool and swim-up bar make this popular among travelers, not to mention the complimentary shuttle and courtesy bikes for guests to explore the island.

The San Luis Resort Spa & Conference Center, a 32-acre beachfront hotel and spa, is another favorite. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, grab a refreshing cocktail at H20 Ultra Lounge, complete with fire pits and a drink menu full of tropical martinis.

The Tremont House is a boutique-style hotel located in the heart of downtown. The hotel features a unique rooftop bar with great views of the city and live jazz music in the 1888 Toujouse Baron on Friday and Saturday nights.

The sprawling island also boasts a number of charming bed and breakfasts and family-friendly houses and condos as well. You’ll find lodging accommodations fit for you and the entire family (should you choose).

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Wine is fine

Southwest’s Sip and Ship checked-wine program lands at Dallas Love Field

Photo by A.C. for Unsplash

Sip and Ship enables flyers to check one case of vino for free on flights from participating airports.

Lovers of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir may want to raise a glass for Southwest Airlines.

On Monday, November 2, Dallas-based Southwest expanded its Sip and Ship program to Dallas Love Field and three other Texas airports, enabling travelers to check qualifying bottles of wine at no extra cost.

The program already served 19 airports in California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Now, Sip and Ship enables flyers to check one case of vino for free on flights from 23 U.S. participating airports. To ship more than one case, a traveler must pay a checked-bag fee.

In addition to Dallas Love Field, Southwest added Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport, and San Antonio International Airport to Sip and Ship.

A Southwest spokesperson said the airline introduced the program at the four Texas airports “following an overwhelming response from Texas wine lovers and growers.”

With the Texas airports included, Sip and Ship allows you to transport vino from wine regions in five states. This means you could pack a case of Cabernet Sauvignon from Northern California’s Napa Valley, Pinot Noir from Oregon’s Willamette Valley, or dry Rosé from the Texas Hill Country.

So, how does the program work?

Southwest says a traveler can ship one packaged case of wine — up to 12 bottles — weighing 50 pounds or less and adhering to size limits (up to 62 inches, counting length, width and height).

The container holding the vino must be a single box or a special wine suitcase.

Additional leak-proof packaging is required to prevent breakage. This includes packing materials such as Styrofoam, molded foam inserts, cardboard liners, bubble wrap, and extra padding for glass bottles. The airline sells padded wine bags for $5 per bottle.

Then, a Southwest agent at the check-in counter inspects the case to ensure it’s properly packed, and seals and labels the wine box or suitcase.

Once you arrive at your destination, you can pick up the case at baggage claim or the area for oversized baggage.

To take advantage of Sip and Ship, you must be departing from one of the program’s 23 airports, be traveling within the U.S., and be at least 21 years old. The program applies to connecting flights as long as you’re flying within the U.S.