< PreviousFriendswood was founded in 1895 by Quaker families who valued faith, family and education. During the 1960s, it grew from a population of 1,000 to more than 5,000, as Johnson Space Center employees chose Friendswood as their home. Aerospace and aviation continued to grow and since then, the workforce has diversified into medical, information technology, specialty chemical and maritime businesses. Friendswood is conveniently located between downtown Houston and Galveston and has developed into an area with fine homes, parks, churches, businesses, schools and volunteer organizations. Friendswood regularly ranks high on lists of “Best Places to Live in Texas” because of the low crime rate and cost of living, exceptional job opportunities and schools. The city provides recreation, educational and cultural activities for all ages, including the nation’s longest continuous annual Fourth of July Celebration, concerts and movies in the parks and sports programs. Population: 40,833* Area: 21.2 square miles Website: www.ci.friends wood.tx.us Quick Facts Our Cities: Friendswood Not to miss event Friendswood Fourth of July celebration July 4, 2024 Stevenson and Centennial parks www.ci.friendswood.tx.us/july4th This day-long celebration kicks off with a parade featuring more than 100 entries followed by games, food and live entertainment in Stevenson Park. The party moves to Centennial Park in the evening with live entertainment and a fireworks display. *2022 population estimates, U.S. Census Bureau Parkwood Ave 45 528 35 Friendswood Dr 10 | The Daily News | Destination Galveston County | 20242024 | Destination Galveston County | The Daily News | 11 The city of Galveston was chartered in 1839. In 1836, Michael Menard bought “one league and a labor of land” from the Republic of Texas. He helped organize the Galveston City Company in 1838. The city was a major immigration port for more than a quarter million Europeans. The mid-1870s to the mid-1890s was the apex of Galveston’s prosperity. The Strand area became the “Wall Street of the Southwest.” Fortunes were made in cotton, mercantile houses, banks, publishing and printing, flour and grain mills, railroads, land development and shipping. In 1891, the University of Texas Medical Branch was established. The boom period of the “Queen City of the Gulf” ended with the 1900 Storm, which killed at least 6,000 and left 8,000 homeless. To protect the city from future storms, the 16-foot-high, 17-foot-wide seawall was built. Galveston was primarily known as a wide-open port city where gambling and all sorts of amusements could be found. During World War II, the island had an air base where crews of B-17s received their final briefing before leaving for the Pacific. In the 1960s and 1970s, there were many innovations in Galveston. A council-manager form of government was adopted. The Texas Maritime Academy, Galveston College and the Marine Biomedical Institute were established. The first container terminal opened, Rosenberg Library expanded and the Galveston County Cultural Arts Council was founded. The principal economic support is provided by the Port of Galveston and related interests, UTMB and other health institutions, financial institutions, tourism, shrimping and fishing. Galveston on average sees 19,726 visitors daily and has 20,000 daily commuters working on the island. West Bay Gulf of Mexico 45 6 146 87 3005 Population: 53,089* Area: 264.66 square miles, including water. There are 47.26 square miles of land within the city limits. (This figure in- cludes both Pelican Island and Galveston Island, which is 32 miles long). Website: www.galveston tx.gov Quick Facts Our Cities: Galveston *2022 population estimates, U.S. Census Bureau12 | The Daily News | Destination Galveston County | 2024 Hitchcock was settled in 1845. Located on state Highway 6 just south of Interstate 45, it is only 20 minutes to Galveston Island and 35 minutes to Houston. The city has many business opportunities with railway, water way and main road accessibility. Hitchcock is a friendly city and prides itself on hometown citizens and the ability for growth. Many of its citizens were born and raised there and have remained there raising their families and having their children continue to call Hitchcock their hometown and are proud to be raising their families where they grew up. The community was incorporated in 1960 with a city commissioner and strong mayor form of government, which it still has. Population: 7,642* Area: 71.44 square miles Website: www.cityof hitchcock.org Quick Facts Our Cities: Hitchcock Not to miss events Galveston County Fair & Rodeo April 2025 Jack Brooks Park, 5012 Jack Brooks Road www.galvestoncountyfair.com In addition to the livestock show and a full lineup of rodeo action, there are cook-offs, carnival rides and concerts, mutton bustin’ and a petting zoo. Good Ole Days Festival August 2024 8300 state Highway 6 www.hitchcockchamber.com The Good Ole Days Festival is a family- friendly weekend of fun featuring a parade, talent show, beauty pageants, carnival, entertainment, kids booth with face painting and food and beverage booths. *2022 population estimates, U.S. Census Bureau West Bay 45 6 146 2004In 1956, Jamaica Beach was considered a weekend playground on the west end of Galveston Island. Jamaica Beach prospered during the booming economy of its early years to officially incorporate and become the city of Jamaica Beach in 1975. The city has evolved from being home to weekenders to having more full-time residents. Jamaica Beach has its own police and fire department, provides beach and bay access and offers homes on the beach front, dry lots and canals. As the motto says, “Jamaica Beach is a great place to visit … an even better place to live.” Kemah is a small town nestled in a half- moon pocket on Galveston Bay. It was founded in 1898 by John Henry Kipp, a veteran of the Magnolia Rangers. Kemah is home to the Kemah Waterfront, Boardwalk, Lighthouse Shopping District, a marina complex, day-sailing and fishing expeditions, restaurants serving fresh seafood, overnight accommodations and retail shops. Gulf-related businesses and tourism helped Kemah grow into a town of 1,300 by 1922. A large shrimping fleet located in Kemah after the Clear Creek Channel opened in the 1950s. Kemah was formally incorporated in 1965. Population: 1,066* Area: 2 square miles Website: www.ci.jamaica beach.tx.us Quick Facts Our Cities: Jamaica Beach Population: 1,792* Area: 2 square miles Website: www.kemah- tx.gov Quick Facts Our Cities: Kemah Marina Bay Dr Galveston Bay 146 518 96 *2022 population estimates, U.S. Census Bureau *2022 population estimates, U.S. Census Bureau Termini-San Luis Pass Road West Bay 3005 2024 | Destination Galveston County | The Daily News | 13The city of La Marque is strategically situated in Galveston County about 15 miles from the southern city limit of Houston and 4 miles north of Galveston Island. Residents enjoy coastal living with the security of a hurricane protection levee system. The city of La Marque boasts easy access to world-class medical, travel and entertainment options. For business, La Marque offers developmental incentives, an abundance of commercial property and build-to-suit opportunities. In addition to Carbide Park, which is managed by Galveston County, La Marque residents enjoy eight city parks. The crown jewel of La Marque’s parks is the Mac McGaffey Highland Bayou Park. The 230-acre nature park is home to La Marque Bayou Fest, the city’s annual family festival, and a haven for canoeing, kayaking, crabbing, paddle boarding, saltwater fishing and family gatherings. Since 2010, La Marque has had the second-highest growth rate in Galveston County. La Marque will continue its steady residential growth as the neighborhoods of Painted Meadow, Saltgrass Crossing and Delany Cove add new homes. The charming historic homes on the east side of La Marque offer options for professionals, young families and seniors. La Marque is the Gateway to the Gulf. EF Lowry Expy 45 3 6 2004 146 25th Ave 197 Population: 19,147* Area: 14.3 square miles Website: www.cityof lamarque.org Quick Facts Our Cities: La Marque Not to miss event La Marque Bayou Fest Oct. 19, 2024 Mac McGaffey Highland Bayou Park, 1991 Getty Road, La Marque lamarquebayoufest.com The annual Bayou Fest features a barbecue cook-off, live entertainment, arts and crafts, food, children’s fishing tournament, children’s activities, pumpkin patch and carving, car and truck show and fireworks display. *2022 population estimates, U.S. Census Bureau 14 | The Daily News | Destination Galveston County | 2024In 1854, the Coward, Perkins and Butler families arrived from Louisiana to settle the area along Clear Creek and established a successful cattle ranching operation. The local marshlands were an excellent year-round resource to feed cattle drives on the Opelousas trail. In the early 1890s, a wealthy Galveston businessman and landowner named J.C. League divided and sold portions of his land to establish and develop the community. He designated portions for a school, a church and a park that still carries his namesake. Officially incorporated in 1962, what was once a small bedroom community known for “friendly folks and majestic oaks” is now one of the fastest growing cities in Texas and the United States. Perfectly positioned just minutes from both Houston and Galveston — and conveniently located near NASA’s Johnson Space Center — the thriving city along Clear Lake ranks high on lists of best accolades and boasts top-ranked schools. Home to America’s third-largest pleasure boat moorage and glistening views of Clear Lake, League City’s historic streets are lined with towering oaks and blooming gardens that offer a charming tropical escape that is sweetly southern and 100 percent Texas. Population: 115,418* Area: 53 square miles Website: visitleague city.com Quick Facts Our Cities: League City Not to miss events Harvest Festival October 2024 League Park, 512 Second St., League City www.visitleaguecity.com Take your family and friends to enjoy an afternoon of food, fun and activities for all ages. Holiday in the Park December 2024 League Park, 512 Second St., League City www.leaguecityproud.com/ holiday-in-the-park From costume contests to huge floats, the festival and parade is the highlight of the holiday season. *2022 population estimates, U.S. Census Bureau Main St 45 3 6 517 146 96 528 2024 | Destination Galveston County | The Daily News | 15Located along the western shores of Galveston Bay, San Leon, Bacliff and Bayview create the county’s largest non-incorporated community on the mainland. All started out as fishing communities but have developed into some of the most sought-after residential properties in the county. Fishing remains a big part of the economy in the area, but much of the economic influences shifted to the state Highway 146 corridor and the growth of retail, food service and bars. Always communities with an independent streak, the San Leon/ Bacliff/Bayview communities pride themselves on not needing much from government to get by. During the past two decades, however, residents often have fought annexation attempts of Texas City and League City. There also have been attempts for the communities to incorporate, but all efforts on that level have failed. All three communities are known for great spots to eat seafood, including Gilhooley’s and TopWater Grill in San Leon. Railean Distillery in San Leon is the only heavy spirits manufacturer in the county. Galveston Bay Bacliff Bayview San Leon 517 646 Bay Shore Dr 9th St Quick Facts Our Cities: San Leon, Bacliff and Bayview San Leon Population: 5,709* Area: 5.2 square miles * 2022 population estimates, US. Census Bureau Bacliff Population: 10,313* Area: 2.5 square miles * 2022 population estimates, US. Census Bureau Bayview Population: 521* Area: 0.89 square miles * 2022 population estimates, US. Census Bureau 16 | The Daily News | Destination Galveston County | 2024The city of Santa Fe is a growing community in the heart of Galveston County that truly enjoys the best of three worlds. Santa Fe was incorporated in 1978. Located five miles west of Interstate 45, Santa Fe is a rural bedroom community free of the congestion of the big city. Just a 20-minute jaunt to the south one can enjoy the beaches, seasonal events and lifestyles of Galveston Island, but turn to the north and in just 20 minutes, you can experience the culture of the third largest city in the nation in Houston. Santa Fe abuts the cities of Hitchcock, La Marque, Texas City and Dickinson. Three major highways run through the city (state Highway 6, FM 646 and FM 1764) as well as the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. Santa Fe is a city that “Honors the Past and Imagines the Future.” 45 6 517 1764 646 Population: 12,843* Area: 15.7 square miles Website: www.ci. santa-fe.tx.us Quick Facts Our Cities: Santa Fe Not to miss event Heritage Festival November 2023 Runge Park, 4605 Peck Ave., Santa Fe www.santafetexaschamber.com Join hundreds of smiling faces, loads of hometown hospitality and happy memories at this festival. Activities include a kids zone, cook-off, craft and food vendors, barrel racing and more. *2022 population estimates, U.S. Census Bureau 2024 | Destination Galveston County | The Daily News | 17Founded in 1911, the city of Texas City is a waterfront community with a rich history and plentiful recreational opportunities. Through the 1900 Storm and several other hurricanes, including the storm of 1915, hurricanes Alicia and Ike, the city of Texas City has survived nature’s toughest adversaries. Texas City continued and prospered even after the worst man-made disaster in the United States until 9/11 with the explosion of the Grandcamp in 1947. Texas City always has shown resiliency; thus, the phoenix as its symbol. Texas City always has been tied to the water and a strong industrial base. The city of Texas City hosts the state’s third largest deep-water port able to handle large vessels with a 45 feet depth channel. However, Texas City is much more than an industrial city. The city of Texas City is a rapidly growing community with abundant recreational opportunities. There are beaches along the 5-mile Texas City Dike — the world’s longest man-made fishing pier and known for great fishing and convenient boat ramps. Golfing also abounds with an 18- hole championship golf course at Bayou Golf Club. The city boasts of 40 parks totaling more than 1,000 acres of an extensive recreational system complete with soccer fields, baseball/softball fields, football fields, trails, nature conservation areas, birding of both central and transoceanic migration, facilities for tennis and racquetball, numerous gyms and a full-service fitness center. And, of course, water opportunities with splash parks, family aquatic center and a state-of-the-art Matthew T. Doyle Natatorium second to none in the area. For weddings, banquets, conventions, receptions, dances or any group event that needs a beautiful backdrop or first-class setting, there is the 40,000-square-foot Charles T. Doyle Convention Center. Visit Downtown Sixth Street for unique restaurants and shops, or stop by the Texas City Museum to learn more about the rich history. A wide variety of shopping opportunities can be found at the Tanger Outlets located on Interstate 45. Population: 55.667* Area: 63.8 square miles Website: www.texas- city-tx.org Quick Facts Our Cities: Texas City *2022 population estimates, U.S. Census Bureau Galveston Bay 45 146 3 6 197 517 18 | The Daily News | Destination Galveston County | 2024Tiki Island is a small village just north of Galveston. Incorporated in 1982, Tiki Island is known for its fishing and community feel. Residents enjoy boating and water activities. There is a park and pavilion for outdoor activities and a church on the island. Jones Bay 45 Galveston Bay Population: 1,101* Area: 0.75 square miles Website: www.villageof tikiisland.org Quick Facts Our Cities: Village of Tiki Island *2022 population estimates, U.S. Census Bureau “The peninsula,” as locals call it, is a quirky community made up of the towns of Port Bolivar, Crystal Beach, Caplen, Gilchrist and High Island. It is a barrier formation in the Gulf of Mexico and a short ferry ride from Galveston. Bolivar Peninsula boasts a long history of farming and ranching. From the late 1800s through the early 1900s, the peninsula was known as the “Breadbasket of Galveston” and the “Watermelon Capital of Texas.” By 1885, the peninsula also was well known as a successful place for livestock. Cowboys still run cattle on the saltgrass pastures. The Houston Audubon Society is currently one of the largest landowners on Bolivar Peninsula. The peninsula has world-renown bird sanctuaries and is considered a paradise for bird-watchers around the world. (www.bolivarpeninsulatexas.com) Crystal Beach , about 10 miles from the ferry landing, is a resort community mostly catering to summer tourists. It is the largest community on the peninsula in population as well as land area, stretching 7 miles along state Highway 87. Port Bolivar is an unincorporated community and home to the historic Bolivar Lighthouse, which once guided ships entering Galveston Bay. The lighthouse was built in 1872. It served for 61 years before being retired in 1933. Caplen is a residential area near the Rollover Pass and adjoins the west end of Gilchrist. Gilchrist is an unincorporated residential community and beach-front resort located 17 miles east of Port Bolivar. It was named for Gibb Gilchrist, who moved and rebuilt the rail line from High Island to Port Bolivar. High Island is located at the extreme eastern end of Galveston County. Tourism drives the High Island economy with four bird sanctuaries as well as a nearby fishing pier. 87 Galveston Bay Trinity Bay Gulf of Mexico Crystal Beach Caplen Port Bolivar Gilchrist High Island Population: 2,626* Area: 48.1 square miles Communities: Port Bolivar, Crystal Beach, Caplen, Gilchrist and High Island Website: www.discover bolivar.com Quick Facts Our Cities: Bolivar Peninsula *2022 population estimates, U.S. Census Bureau 2024 | Destination Galveston County | The Daily News | 19Next >