< PreviousAny time of the year, Galveston County is a great place to spend some time. Whether it’s white-knuckle rides, delectable dining or world-class entertainment, you will have no problem keeping your calendar booked. 25 Fun things to do in and around Galveston County BEACHES Enjoy walking, jogging or taking the dogs for some air along Galveston Island beaches. Sink your toes into the sand, and start your treasure hunt. You can find shells, smooth glass, driftwood or even sand dollars. Gather your friends, divide into teams and start your own game of beach volleyball. 1 BIRD WATCHING Galveston County is a great place for birders because of the number of species that make their homes here. Whether you’re a seasoned bird-watcher or just want to identify the birds in your backyard, you have ample opportunity to see a variety of birds. The county also offers guided bird tours sponsored by the Galveston Ornithological Society. 4 DINING You will find plenty of nice restaurants in Galveston County. Some have waterfront locations that offer great views of soaring birds and of the surfers and swimmers in the water. Many food options are available from American to Malaysian or the traditional Gulf Coast seafood. FISHING Surf fishermen try their luck almost anywhere along Galveston Island beaches. There are free municipal jetties and rock groin piers are along Seawall Boulevard. The jetties are a popular spot for area and tourist fishermen. Fishing charters are an experience for the whole family. 5 SURFING Surfers come from all over to take their turn at surfing the Galveston beaches. The Texas coast gets a lot of wind, and kite surfing and wind surfing are very popular as well. The most consistent spots are along the seawall. 3 2 30 | The Daily News | Destination Galveston County | 2021CRABBING Where can you crab in Galveston County? Almost anywhere the public has access to the water. The simplest and cheapest method of crabbing is using string with fish, chicken or other meat as bait. The expenses are minimal and almost every member of the family can participate. GALVESTON ISLAND HISTORIC PLEASURE PIER A world-class amusement park took over the site of the old Flagship Hotel, which was destroyed by Hurricane Ike in 2008. The Pleasure Pier includes a roller coaster, Ferris wheel and 14 other amusement rides, midway games, gift shops, restaurants and live music and entertainment. MOODY GARDENS Explore the 10-story Rainforest Pyramid where more than 1,000 species of exotic plants from the rainforest of Africa, Asia and the Americas meet. The blue 10-story building at Moody Gardens encompasses 130,000 square feet, 1.5 million gallons of water and more than 10,000 marine animals along with tide pools and jewel tanks. Visitors can explore the world of science at the Discovery Pyramid. Experience the elegance and romance of the paddlewheel from a bygone era aboard the Colonel, a triple-deck sternwheeler. Moody Gardens also boasts an IMAX 3D theater, a 4D special effects theater and a Ridefilm Theatre that holds 18 passengers and surrounds them with a 180-degree wraparound screen. 10 6 9 ARTWALK For more than 25 years, the Galveston Arts Center has produced ArtWalk on Saturday nights in the historic district. These take place about every six weeks, promoting visual art and artists. POINT BOLIVAR LIGHTHOUSE Serving as a beacon of light and hope for Port Bolivar and Galveston Island, the Point Bolivar Lighthouse guided mariners for 61 years. Although it is now privately owned and not open to visitors, tourists and locals alike still marvel at its history and beauty. 7 8 2021 | Destination Galveston County | The Daily News | 31@mazenightclubgalveston Maze Nightclub is a 5 Room Nightclub with 5 Themes. Maze features a Dance Floor & 8 VIP Sections for Bottle Service. The Hottest DJ’s, from LA, NY, Miami Houston & Beyond are scheduled to play at this Brand New Nightclub! MAZENIGHTCLUB.COM @mobbargalveston A Hot New Bar Chain which started in Downtown Los Angeles. Mob Bar is a 1920’s Speakeasy with Prohibition Cocktails, Great Food, Sinatra & Jazz Music, Gangster Movies & more! MOBBARINC.COM @mangosbeachclub An Outdoor Daiquiri Bar with Great Food, Tropical Drinks, Beach Balls, Water Guns, Games, & more. Our music ranges from Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley & The Beach Boys to Top 40, EDM depending on the event! We also have Day Beds & Bottle Service! MANGOSBEACHCLUB.NET CHOOSE YOUR GUEST CHOOSE YOUR MOVIE www.galvestonprimetime.com Follow us @GalvestonPrimetime with BOOK YOUR PRIVATE WATCH PARTY CHOOSE YOUR SHOWTIME 32 | The Daily News | Destination Galveston County | 2021MUSEUMS Galveston is home to a variety of museums and historic homes open for tours, including the Moody Mansion, Bishop’s Palace, The Bryan Museum, Texas Railroad Museum, Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum and Texas Seaport Museum featuring the 1877 tall ship Elissa. On the mainland, the Butler Longhorn Museum in League City celebrates the area’s cattle-raising ranchland roots. See what school was like at the turn of the 20th Century at the West Bay Common School Children’s Museum in League City. At the Texas City Museum, learn about the 1947 industrial disaster that forever changed this coastal town. 12 SAILING Need a hand getting your boat ready to sail? Or just want to know where to start with your sailing education? Check out the various sailing clubs and classes throughout Galveston County. From adult to youth sailing, to adaptive sailing for the disabled, the Galveston Community Youth Sailing Center offers a wide variety of sailing classes and programs for every age and ability level. 13 SPACE CENTER HOUSTON Space Center Houston is America’s gateway to the universe. The only place on Earth that gives guests an out-of-this-world journey through human adventures in space, Space Center Houston features a multitude of permanent exhibits, attractions, theaters and exhibits. SCHLITTERBAHN GALVESTON WATERPARK With its huge array of aquatic adventures, Schlitterbahn Galveston Waterpark can be your personal happy place. During the summer, the park offers more than 32 rides and attractions, including the world’s tallest water coaster. During the fall, winter and early spring, relax in steaming warm waters and enjoy summer fun all year long. 15 STRAND HISTORIC DISTRICT The Strand Historic District in Galveston offers a variety of shops in the district’s beautiful historic buildings. For a taste of Galveston, visit the great restaurants along The Strand or on the waterfront. You’ll find everything from Greek and Mexican to Italian and, of course, fresh Gulf Coast seafood. 11 14 2021 | Destination Galveston County | The Daily News | 33PORT OF GALVESTON While the mission of the port is to help create optimum economic benefit for the city of Galveston and its local region, many locals and tourists enjoy watching cruise ship activity while relaxing at a Harborside restaurant. 17 WATER SPORTS Modern stand-up paddleboarding has seen a recent explosion of popularity on the U.S. mainland, including Galveston County. It’s a versatile sport and something almost anybody can do, no matter what age and skill level. Along the shores of the hurricane protection levee is Texas City’s windsurfing and kite boarding area. Considered one of the premier spots in the nation for both sports, you can find dozens using the wind to guide them across the waters of Galveston Bay. 16 CHESS AT SAENGERFEST PARK Saengerfest Park at 23rd Street and The Strand in historic downtown Galveston is where you will find a large checker and chess set, which is free and available to anyone who wants to play a game. This adult- sized chess set is unique and played by many in the public. 20 KEMAH BOARDWALK The Kemah Boardwalk is where the “Fun Never Stops.” With a variety of shops and restaurants located on a strip off the Kemah Boardwalk, your friends and family are sure to have a spectacular time spending the day at the Kemah Boardwalk. And don’t forget the boardwalk bullet, a 96-foot-tall wooden rollercoaster. 18 FESTIVALS AND EVENTS There’s hardly a weekend that goes by with some sort of festival, fair or other event going on in Galveston County. Check out the list of annual events starting on Page 37. 19 34 | The Daily News | Destination Galveston County | 2021RIDING BIKES Many tourists take advantage of the bicycles that are available for rent for those who want to leisurely tour the area. The four-wheeled surrey bikes are popular along the seawall in Galveston. Some of them seat up to four people. It’s great for the whole family to enjoy. TEXAS CITY DIKE Galveston isn’t the only place in the county with a beach. The Texas City Dike is a 5-mile- long levee that helps protect the city from storm surge. The dike boasts four boat ramps, 10 concrete picnic shelters and one wheelchair accessible pier. It’s a popular spot among area fishermen. 25 BAYOU WILDLIFE ZOO Come and experience your very own African safari at Bayou Wildlife Zoo in Alvin. An adventure-filled train ride with experienced wildlife guides will take you more than 80 acres of natural habitat. See and feed animals and birds from Africa, India, Asia, Australia and North and South America. Pony rides and a petting zoo are also available for kids. 21 LIVE THEATER The Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston is one of the few remaining theaters of its era in Texas and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Throughout the year, The Grand has events to fit all ages, including The Grand Kids Festival and performances by the Galveston Symphony and Galveston Ballet. Stage productions also can be enjoyed at Island ETC in Galveston, College of the Mainland Community Theatre in Texas City, Bay Area Harbour Playhouse in Dickinson and Clear Creek Community Theatre in Nassau Bay. 22 KAYAKING/CANOEING All Points of Sail is a sailing school at Lakeside in Seabrook that offers classes on kayaking and sailing. They offer classes for beginners and the experienced. Artist Boat in Galveston also offers kayaking lessons. Plan your next canoeing adventure down the trails of Clear Lake. Outfitters all along the lake such as Pinky’s Kayak and Canoe Rental in El Lago or the Kayak Shack in Clear Lake Shores offer canoeing trips. 24 23 2021 | Destination Galveston County | The Daily News | 35GALVESTON COUNTY BEST REALTOR FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS Andrea P. 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Licensed and Bonded Locally Owned for Over 30 Years 409-762-8068 office@morganroofingtexas.com morganroofingtexas.com Morgan Roofing, LLC Galveston’s #1 Roofing Company L aw o ffices o f 2501 65 th St., Suite B, Galveston, TX 409-744-0816 susan@edmonsonlaw.com Board Certified Family Law – TBLS WE ARE OPEN Family Law Wills & Probates 36 | The Daily News | Destination Galveston County | 2021Seasonal activities January ArtWalk Ongoing: About every six weeks City: Galveston Info: www.galveston artscenter.org Yaga’s Chili Quest & Beer Fest City: Galveston Info: www.yagas chiliquest.com February Mardi Gras City: Galveston Info: www.mardigras galveston.com Yachty Gras Grand Night Boat Parade City: Kemah Info: www.yachtygras.com March Little Italy Festival City: Dickinson Info: www.dickinsonlittle italyfestivalofgalveston county.com Movie Night on the Strand Ongoing: March through October (first Saturday of the month) City: Galveston Info: www.galveston.com Music Night on the Strand Ongoing: March through October (second Saturday of the month) City: Galveston Info: www.galveston.com There’s something new and exciting happening all the time in Galveston County. Here are just a few of the annual events happening in the area. Visit websites for exact dates and information. April BigAss Crawfish Bash City: La Marque Info: www.bigass crawfishbash.com Craft Beer Festival City: Kemah Info: www.kemah beerfest.com Crawfish & Zydeco Festival City: Kemah Info: www.kemah boardwalk.com Featherfest City: Galveston Info: www.galveston featherfest.com Galveston County Fair & Rodeo City: Hitchcock Info: www.galveston countyfair.com Galveston Island Wine Festival City: Galveston Info: www.galveston islandwinefestival.com The Grand Kids Festival City: Galveston Info: www.grandkids festival.com Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance City: Seabrook Info: www.keels-wheels.com Lone Star Deluxe Car Show City: Texas City Info: www.texascity communitycalendar.com Rotary Club of Galveston Crawfish Boil City: Galveston Info: www.galveston rotary.com Texas City Art Festival City: Texas City Info: www.texascity communitycalendar.com May Blessing of the Fleet City: Kemah Info: www.kemah boardwalk.com Cinco de Mayo Festival City: Texas City Info: www.texascity communitycalendar.com Galveston Historic Homes Tour City: Galveston Info: www.galveston history.org Galveston Island Beach Revue City: Galveston Info: www.galveston beachrevue.com Firefighter Games City: Texas City Info: www.uwgcm.org Rock the Dock Ongoing: May to August (Thursdays) City: Kemah Info: www.kemah boardwalk.com Strawberry Festival City: Dickinson Info: www.holytrinity dickinson.org Taste of the Town & Auction City: Texas City Info: www.tclm chamber.com Tejano Nights Ongoing: May to August (Sundays) City: Kemah Info: www.kemah boardwalk.com Texas Crab Festival City: Crystal Beach Info: www.texascrab festival.org Yaga’s Wild Game BBQ Cook-off City: Galveston Info: www.ycfund.org STUART VILLANUEVA /The Daily News file photo Galveston Mardi Gras 2021 | Destination Galveston County | The Daily News | 3738 | The Daily News | Destination Galveston County | 2021 The Daily News file photo Bayou Fest June Bands on the Sand Ongoing: June to August (Fridays and Saturdays) City: Galveston Info: www.moody gardens.com Juneteenth City: Galveston Info: www.galveston.com Juneteenth Parade and The Charles Brown Celebration City: Texas City Info: www.texascity communitycalendar.com Summer Beach Band Concerts Ongoing: June to August (Tuesdays) City: Galveston Info: www.galveston beachband.org Texas Outlaw Challenge City: Kemah Info: www.texasoutlaw challenge.com July Fireworks Extravaganza City: League City Info: www.leaguecity.com City of Galveston Independence Day Parade and Fireworks City: Galveston Info: www.galveston.com Fourth of July Celebration City: Friendswood Info: www.ci.friendswood. tx.us/july4th Independence Day Concert and Fireworks City: Texas City Info: www.texascity communitycalendar.com Ohana Surf Dog Competition City: Galveston Info: www.ohanasurf andskate.com August AIA Sandcastle Competition City: Galveston Info: www.aiasand castle.com Shrimp Boil & Dance City: Texas City Info: www.tclm chamber.com Brewmasters Craft Beer Festival City: Galveston Info: www.brewmasters craftbeerfestival.com Good Ole Days Festival City: Hitchcock Info: www.hitchcock chamber.com September Adaptive Water Sports Festival City: Galveston Info: www.moody gardens.com Galveston Island Shrimp Festival City: Galveston Info: www.galvestonisland shrimpfestival.com League City Music Festival & Bar-B-Q Cook-off City: League City Info: www.lcmusicfest.com Old Smokey Cook-off City: Texas City Info: www.texascity communitycalendar.com October ARToberFEST City: Galveston Info: www.artoberfest.com Bayou Fest City: La Marque Info: www.tclm chamber.com Boo on the Boardwalk City: Kemah Info: www.dungeon ofdoomkemah.com Galveston Island Oktoberfest City: Galveston Info: www.galveston oktoberfest.com International Wine Festival City: Kemah Info: www.kemah boardwalk.com League City Harvest Festival City: League City Info: www.leaguecity.com/ calendar Touch-A-Truck & Model Train Show City: Texas City Info: www.texascity communitycalendar.com Lone Star Rally City: Galveston Info: www.lonestarrally.com November Art in the Park Festival City: Friendswood Info: www.AITPfestival.com JENNIFER REYNOLDS/The Daily News file photo Ohana Surf Dog CompetitionCaptain Robert | 832-434-3444 captainrobert@myweddingonthewater.com • www.myweddingonthewater.com • Engagements • Weddings • Bachelorette Parties • Memorial Services • Vow Renewals • Executive/Team building Events • Office Parties • Call For Your Special Cruise My Wedding on the Water seaturtles.org clapcupstudios.com Turtles About Town is a community art project that highlights the City of Galveston and the conservation efforts of Turtle Island Restoration Network to protect endangered sea turtles on the upper Texas coast. Turtle lovers of all ages have the opportunity to see 50 colorful Kemp’s ridley sea turtle statues that have been installed around the island since 2018. Businesses, individuals and organizations graciously sponsor the turtle statues while local artists are commissioned to give each one its own personality and meaning. Download a FREE map and go on a tour at seaturtles.org/turtles. Be sure to tag Turtle Island Restoration Network in your images (@TIRN-Gulf on Facebook and @TIRN.Gulf on Instagram) and tag #TurtlesAboutTown! BRINGING TOGETHER ART, AWARENESS, AND ADVOCACY! LEARN TO SURF TWO HOUR LESSONS $50 Galveston’s Oldest Professional S urf S chool OPEN ALL YEAR 2021 | Destination Galveston County | The Daily News | 39 STUART VILLANUEVA/The Daily News file photo Dickens on The Strand Heritage Festival City: Santa Fe Info: www.santafe chamber.com Dickinson Festival of Lights Ongoing: November through December City: Dickinson Info: www.dfoltx.com Festival of Lights Ongoing: November through January City: Galveston Info: www.moody gardens.com Galveston Holiday Lighting Celebration City: Galveston Info: www.galveston.com Ice Land: Ice Sculptures Ongoing: November through January City: Galveston Info: www.moody gardens.com Seaside Treasure Festival City: Galveston Info: www.moody.org/stf December Christmas Boat Lane Parade City: Clear Lake Info: www.kemah boardwalk.com Crystaland Christmas Parade City: Crystal Beach Info: www.discover bolivar.com Dickens on The Strand City: Galveston Info: www.dickens onthestrand.org East End Christmas Homes Tour City: Galveston Info: www.eastend historicaldistrict.org Holiday in the Park City: League City Info: www.league cityproud.com Home for the Holidays City: Friendswood Info: www.ci.friendswood.tx.usNext >