< Previous20 | The Daily News | Destination Galveston County | 2024 A ny 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. 20 Fun things to do in and around Galveston County ARTWALK For more than 25 years, the Galveston Arts Center has produced ArtWalk on Saturday nights in the heart of the historic district. ArtWalk occurs about every six weeks, promoting visual art and artists. 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. POINT BOLIVAR LIGHTHOUSE Serving as a beacon of light and hope for Bolivar Peninsula 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. KEMAH BOARDWALK 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 coaster. Don’t forget to stop by the Lighthouse District for shopping and dining opportunities. 1 2 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. 4 5 32024 | Destination Galveston County | The Daily News | 21 THE GALVESTON-BOLIVAR FERRY Half the fun of getting to Galveston Island is the ride over. The ferry operation consists of five boats, each of which can carry about 70 vehicles, 500 passengers and six crew members. All of the boats are double- ended with a pilothouse on each end, and the captain changes from one pilothouse to the other to go in the opposite direction. Keep your eyes peeled for marine life. Feel the wind in your face as you watch playful dolphins swim alongside the ferry. This is an adventure for the whole family to enjoy. 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. 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. SCHLITTERBAHN GALVESTON WATERPARK With its huge array of awesome aquatic adventures, Schlitterbahn Galveston Waterpark can be your personal happy place. During the summer season, the park offers more than 32 rides and attractions, including Massiv, the world’s tallest water coaster. During the heated indoor season (fall, winter and early spring), relax in steaming warm waters and enjoy summer fun all year long. 6 8 7 10 MUSEUMS 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 the Galveston Historic Seaport Museum, featuring the 1877 tall ship Elissa. On the mainland, 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. 922 | The Daily News | Destination Galveston County | 2024 HAAK VINEYARD AND WINERY Haak Vineyards and Winery is dedicated to creating wines of distinction with an ambience of the Old World and a memorable experience for all who taste their wines and visit the 12-acre estate in Santa Fe. TEXAS ENTERTAINMENT XPERIENCE Texas Entertainment Xperience is the ultimate family entertainment destination. This 160,000-square- foot space is action-packed with attractions everyone in the family can enjoy, featuring go-kart tracks, an Altitude trampoline park, arcade and virtual reality games, a ropes course, roller skating rink, party rooms, mini bowling, billiards and more. 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, Clear Creek Community Theatre in residence at the University of Houston – Clear Lake’s Bayou Theater. MOODY GARDENS Explore the 10-story Rainforest Pyramid in Galveston 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 wrap-around screen. 11 12 13 15 COURTESY/Texas Entertainment Xperience RIDING 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. 142024 | Destination Galveston County | The Daily News | 23 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. 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. 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. PORT 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. GOLF CART RENTALS Renting a golf cart allows the whole family — dogs included — to explore the area with ease. Take a drive down the seawall in Galveston or drive around the Lighthouse District in Kemah to breathe in the fresh air. 18 19 17 16 2024 | The Daily News | Destination Galveston County | 2024 THE GREAT OUTDOORS BEACHES Enjoy walking, jogging or taking the dogs for some air along Galveston Island beaches. Spending a day out on the beach gives you time to think clearly as you relax and enjoy what nature has to offer. You can find shells, smooth glass, driftwood or even sand dollars. Bring the kids along for a day of thrifty treasure hunting. Or, gather your friends, divide into teams and start your own game of beach volleyball. 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. Galveston County also offers guided bird tours. Sponsored by the Galveston Ornithological Society, these bird-watching tours explore the Galveston County area from September through May. CAMPING Why haul your luggage and your family across the state for a camping trip, when Galveston County offers its very own campsites? Whether you’re setting up a tent on the beach or “glamping” in an RV, you can take in the beauty of Galveston County by camping off the beaten path. Galveston Island State Park, a 2,013-acre site, offers beach campsites suitable for tents and RVs. FISHING/CRABBING Surf fishermen try their luck almost anywhere along Galveston Island beaches. There are free municipal jetties, and rock groin piers are along Seawall Boulevard at 10th, 17th, 30th, 37th, and 61st streets. Jutting out across the waters of Galveston beaches, the jetties are a popular spot for area and tourist fishermen. Deep-sea fishing is an experience for the whole family. Be prepared to catch red snapper, shark, mahi mahi, ling and kingfish. WALTER HALL PARK 807 state Highway 3, League City This 86-acre park along Clear Creek features soccer fields, baseball fields, kayak and boat launches, a fishing pier, sand volleyball courts, picnic areas, playgrounds, an indoor banquet hall, restrooms and more. This park is a hub for recreational activity, from sports tournaments to water activities. GALVESTON ISLAND STATE PARK 14901 FM 3005, Galveston Stroll the beach, splash in the waves, fish or look for coastal birds. You can swim, fish, picnic, bird watch, hike, mountain bike, paddle, camp, geocache, study nature or just relax. Visit the nature center to learn more about the park and its programs. BAY STREET PARK 800 Bay St. N., Texas City This large, nearly 50-acre park at the foot of the Texas City Dike, contains multiple activities, including a pavilion, Rainbow Park, amphitheater, splash park, hike and bike trails, bike rentals, a butterfly garden, soccer fields, football fields, large lake, disc golf course and other activities. JACK BROOKS PARK 5700 FM 2004 and state Highway 6, Hitchcock This county park has beautiful hiking and mountain-biking trails, an archery range, sports fields and a covered rodeo arena. Pack a picnic and enjoy a day filled with fun actives including, baseball, basketball, disc golf and kayaking. STEVENSON PARK 1100 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood, This beautiful park is fun for the whole family. From tennis courts, volleyball courts to a swimming pool and splashpad, this park is perfect for a fun-filled day in the sun. There is a gazebo and pavilions available to enjoy a shaded lunch, and walking trails to enjoy the sights of nature. PAUL HOPKINS PARK 1000 FM 517 W., Dickinson Whether you’d like to get your heart rate up with some exercise or kick a ball around with the kids, Paul Hopkins Park is the place to go. This public park is located on 11 acres right off of Dickinson Bayou. The park is well-shaded, so it’s the perfect place to jog, walk the dogs and there is even a play area for the kids. Galveston County has lots of parks featuring a variety of amenities. Here’s a handful of parks you should plan to visit. From skateboarding and hiking to disc golf and biking, bring the family and spend the day at one of these beautiful parks. HIT THE TRAIL 6 MUST-VISIT PARKS 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. GOLFING Whether you are a beginner or seasoned player, Galveston County has plenty of options for golf enthusiasts. For the traditionalist wanting to hit the green, Galveston County offers more than 10 courses. If you are looking for options to cater to the whole family, try Topgolf, a golf entertainment complex in Webster or miniature golf at Magic Carpet Golf in Galveston. KAYAKING/CANOEING Galveston Kayak Outfitters offers kayak rentals and lessons, so you can enjoy a safe and gratifying experience surrounded by beautiful Galveston Bay. 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. 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. WINDSURFING/KITE BOARDING 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.26 | The Daily News | Destination Galveston County | 2024 Savor the Flavors Y ou 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. Here’s a teaser of the restaurants the county has to offer. BACLIFF La Brisa Mexican Bar & Grill 4001 N. state Highway 146 www.labrisa.net Noah’s Ark Restaurant & Bar 4438 Boulevard St. www.noahsarkbarandgrill.com Stomp’s Burger Joint 3107 N. state Highway 146 www.stompsburgerjoint.com BAYOU VISTA Bayou Bistro & Bar 3111 state Highway 6 www.facebook.com/bayoubistroexit7 Dockside Smokehouse & Deli 3115 state Highway 6 www.facebook.com/DockSideSmokeHouseDeli BOLIVAR PENINSULA Stingaree Restaurant & Marina 1295 N. Stingaree Drive www.stingaree.com La Playita Restaurant 703 Madison Ave. www.facebook.com/LaPlayita703 Jose’s Cantina 1021 state Highway 87 www.facebook.com/JosesCantinaRestaurant CLEAR LAKE SHORES Okie’s Yardhouse 1010 Marina Bay Drive www.okiesyardhouse.com Opus Ocean Grille 1510 Marina Bay Drive, suite 124 www.opusoceangrille.com Schafer’s Coastal Bar & Grille 1002 Aspen Road www.schaferscoastalbarandgrille.com DICKINSON Marais 2015 FM 517 E. www.maraistx.com Dickinson BBQ 2111 FM 517 E. www.dickinsonbbq.com TJ Reed’s Better Burgers and Shakes 614 FM 517 W. www.tjreedsflippers.com FRIENDSWOOD Gina’s Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria 129 W. Parkwood Ave. www.ginasinfriendswood.com Jado’z Grill House 804 S. Friendswood Drive, suite 100 www.jadozgrillhouse.com Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille 700 Baybrook Mall www.perryssteakhouse.com/locations/tx/ houston/baybrook/the Flavors GALVESTON Rudy & Paco 2028 Postoffice St. www.rudyandpaco.com Shrimp ‘N Stuff 3901 Ave. O www.shrimpnstuff.com Yaga’s Café 2314 The Strand www.yagascafe.com HITCHCOCK La Frontera #2 Hitchcock 7806 state Highway 6 www.facebook.com/lafronterarestaurant2 Louis’ Bait Camp & Restaurant 3510 state Highway 6 www.facebook.com/Louis-Bait- Camp-Restaurant TEXAS CITY Grand Prize BBQ 2223 Palmer Highway www.grandprizebarbeque.com Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen 10200 Emmett F. Lowry Exrpessway www.gringostexmex.com Gus’ Restaurant 3503 Palmer Highway www.gusrestaurant.org KEMAH T-Bone Tom’s 707 N. state Highway 146 www.tbonetoms.com Bakkhus Taverna 605 Sixth St. www.bakkhustaverna.com Tookie’s Burgers 406 Texas Ave., suite 2845 www.tookiesburgers.com LA MARQUE Barcenas Mexican Grill 11013 Delany Road www.barcenasmexicanrestaurant.com Kelly’s Country Cookin’ 4604 Gulf Freeway www.kelleysrestaurant.com Texas Pit Stop–La Marque 2216 Gulf Freeway www.txpitstopbbq.com LEAGUE CITY King’s BierHaus 828 FM 646 W. www.kingsbierhaus.com Red River Cantina 1911 E. Main St., suite A www.redrivercantina.com Red Oak Café–League City 6011 W. Main St., suite A106 www.redoakcafe.net SAN LEON Topwater Grill 815 Ave. O www.topwatergrill.com Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House 113 Sixth St. www.pier6seafood.com Gilhooley’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar 222 Ninth St. www.gilhooleystx.com SANTA FE Doreck’s Meat Market 4101 FM 646 www.doreckmeats.com Pook’s Crawfish Hole 4015 FM 646 www.pookscrawfishhole.com Santa Fe Seafood & Grill 4233 FM1764 www.facebook.com/santafeseafoodandgrill TIKI ISLAND Bubba’s Sports Bar 110 Interstate 45 www.facebook.com/bubbastiki 2024 | Destination Galveston County | The Daily News | 27JANUARY 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 T here’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. MARCH Corvette Chevy Expo and Galveston Craft Show City: Galveston Info: www.corvettechevyexpo. com and www. galveston craftshow.com Little Italy Festival City: Dickinson Info: www.dickinsonlittle italyfestivalofgalveston county.com Texas City Art Festival City: Texas City Info: www.texascity.gov/ 431/art-festival Touch-A-Truck & Model Train Show City: Texas City Info: www.texascity tx.gov/876/touch-a-truck APRIL Blessing of the Fleet City: Kemah Info: www.kemah boardwalk.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 The Grand Kids Festival City: Galveston Info: www.grandkids festival.com International Wine Festival City: Kemah Info: www.kemah boardwalk.com Strawberry Festival City: Dickinson Info: www.holytrinity dickinson.org MAY Rotary Club of Galveston Crawfish Boil City: Galveston Info: www.galveston rotary.com Keels & Wheels City: Seabrook Info: www.keels-wheels.com BigAss Crawfish Bash City: La Marque Info: www.bigass crawfishbash.com Shrimp Fest City: Texas City Info: www.tclm chamber.com Cinco de Mayo Festival City: Texas City Info: www.texascitytx.gov 28 | The Daily News | Destination Galveston County | 2024 Festivals & EventsGalveston Historic Homes Tour City: Galveston Info: www.galveston history.org Lone Star Deluxe Car Show City: Texas City Info: www.facebook.com/ thelonestardeluxe Rock the Dock Ongoing: May to August (Thursdays) City: Kemah Info: www.kemah boardwalk.com Texas Crab Festival City: Crystal Beach Info: www.texascrabfestival.org Yaga’s Wild Game BBQ Cook-off City: Galveston Info: www.ycfund.org JUNE Bands on the Sand Ongoing: June to August City: Galveston Info: www.moody gardens.com Tejano Nights Ongoing: June and July (Sundays) City: Kemah Info: www.kemah boardwalk.com Galveston Island Beach Revue City: Galveston Info: www.galveston beachrevue.com Friday Night Fireworks Friday nights in June and July City: Kemah Info: www.kemahboardwalk.com Juneteenth City: Galveston Info: www.visitgalveston.com Juneteenth Parade and The Charles Brown Celebration City: Texas City Info: www.texascitytx. gov/655/special-events Summer Beach Band Concerts Ongoing: June to August (Tuesdays) City: Galveston Info: www.galveston beachband.org Texas Outlaw Challenge & Gunslinger Poker Run City: Kemah Info: www.texasoutlaw challenge.com JULY Fireworks Extravaganza City: League City Info: www.leaguecity.com Fourth of July Celebration City: Friendswood Info: www.ci.friendswood. tx.us/july4th Independence Day Parade and Fireworks City: Galveston Info: www.galvestontx. gov/483/special-events Independence Day Concert and Fireworks City: Texas City Info: www.texascitytx. gov/655/special-events Old Smokey Cook-off City: Texas City Info: www.facebook.com/ texascityoldsmokeycookoff Ohana Surf Dog Competition City: Galveston Info: ohanasurfandskate.com AUGUST Galveston Island Wine Festival City: Galveston Info: www.galveston islandwinefestival.com SEPTEMBER AIA Sandcastle Competition City: Galveston Info: www.aiasandcastle.com Galveston Island Shrimp Festival City: Galveston Info: www.galvestonisland shrimpfestival.com OCTOBER ARToberFEST City: Galveston Info: www.artoberfest.com Good Ole Days Festival City: Hitchcock Info: www.hitchcock chamber.com League City Music Festival & Bar-B-Q Cook-off City: League City Info: www.lcmusicfest.com Adaptive Water Sports Festival City: Galveston Info: www.moody gardens.com Bayou Fest City: La Marque Info: www.lamarque bayoufest.comNext >