Galveston, Texas is a coastal city located on Galveston Island, off the Texas Gulf Coast. Once the capital of the Republic of Texas, the City of Galveston contains one of the largest collections of 19th century buildings in the United States and has garnered acclaim for its efforts to preserve and revitalize the architecture. These buildings can be found among six historic districts of mainly Victorian style architecture. The city is also home to the Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn Waterpark, renowned as the best indoor waterpark in the United States.

The Port of Galveston was one of the largest ports in the United States in the 19th century until it was destroyed by the 1900 hurricane that devastated the city and still stands as the deadliest natural disaster in US history. The port today is home port to Carnival Magic and Triumph and part time home of Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas, serving mostly Western Caribbean itineraries.

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Facts

Where is the port?

Cruise ships dock at the Port of Galveston, which is located on the north side of the City of Galveston, just south of Pelican Island (see map).

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What language is spoken at this port? Do they speak English?

English is the official language, but because of the large Mexican community Spanish is widely spoken.

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What is the time zone in Galveston?

Galveston is on Central Standard Time (-6 GMT).

Current Time - Galveston, TX, USA

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Money & Currency

What is the national currency?

The US Dollar (USD).

Where can I get or exchange money?

If you are exchanging international currency, such as Euros or Canadian Dollars, Scholes International Airport (see map) and some downtown hotels are the most accessible locations to the Port of Galveston.

• Banks closest to Cruise Port: 

  There are many banks within a couple of miles of the Port of Galveston, below are a few:

  • Bank of America, located at 2200 Market Street, Galveston, TX 77550, is less than half a mile south of the port (see map.)
  • Prosperity Bank, located at 2424 Market Street, Galveston, TX 77550, is walking distance, less than a quarter of a mile south of the port (see map).
  • Frost Bank, located at 6801 Stewart Road, Galveston, TX 77551, is a little over a mile east of Scholes International Airport (see map) and 4.5 miles southwest of the Port of Galveston.
• ATMs closest to Cruise Port: 

  There are many ATMs located throughout the city and also in the cruise terminal at the Port of Galveston .

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Stay in Touch

How can I stay in touch with home? (Ex. Email, phone, etc.)

Most cell phone plans in the US now offer free nationwide roaming. Contact your cell phone provider for information regarding roaming rates. Also, public phones are available throughout the city. If US is not home, you can purchase calling cards at most any gas station or convenience store to make international calls affordably.

Where are the Internet cafes?

Free WiFi is available at all Starbucks and most McDonald’s locations in the area. There is an Internet cafe called the Tremont Cafe, located walking distance from the port at 2300 Mechanic St., Galveston, TX 77550 (see map), offers free WiFi and two booths with TV/PCs.

What are the cell phone rates?

Most cell phone plans in the US now offer free nationwide roaming. Contact your cell phone provider for information regarding roaming rates.

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Typical Weather in Galveston

Galveston has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Sitting on the coast of Gulf of Mexico, Galveston is susceptible to hurricanes during the summer and fall months.

Current Temperature

Average Monthly Temperatures and Rainfall in Galveston

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Getting Around from the cruise port

Walking

Galveston is small enough for visitors to reach most attractions by foot. Walking is not recommended outside of the Historic District, The Strand and The Harborside district.

Taxis

Taxis are a safe, clean and reliable form of transportation in Galveston. For taxi information call the Yellow Cab Company of Galveston at (409)763-3333.

Public Transportation

Island Transit offers limited bus service for the city and is currently running daily on the Saturday schedule outlined on their website. Island Transit does not currently offer transportation to/from the airport to the cruise port. The trolley system was devastated by Hurricane Ike in 2008 and has been slow to recover.

Car Rentals

Only a couple of major rental car companies are represented in Galveston. Be sure to reserve your vehicle before you leave home to ensure that you will get best rates and can secure shuttle service from the airport. There are rental car companies, such as Enterprise and Hertz, which has 5 locations in Galveston.

If coming in from George Bush Intercontinental/Houston Airport, most major car rental companies have offices in the airport or nearby.

Bicycle and Scooter Rentals

There are options on the island that offer bicycle rentals and none for scooter rentals. Island Bicycle Company offers bicycle, surreys, tandems and even some watersport rentals, such as kayaks and surfboards, for rent. Contact them at (409)762-2453 for more information.

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Cruise Port to Airport

What is the best way to travel between the cruise port and the airport?

Scholes International Airport at Galveston (GLS) is 6 miles southwest of the Port of Galveston (see map.) Taxis and rental cars are available for transportation to and from the Port of Galveston and Scholes International Airport at Galveston. Other transportation options include public transportation and limousine service.

George Bush Intercontinental/Houston Airport (IAH) is also a major hub for travelers coming to Galveston. The Houston Airport is located 72 miles northwest of the Port of Galveston. Most major rental car companies and some local are represented at this airport. There are also shuttle and limousine services offered to/from George Bush Intercontinental/Houston Airport and the Port of Galveston. Super Shuttle offers one-way and round-trip services for $145 each way.

Hotels

Which hotels are convenient to get to/from the cruise port?

There are several hotels in the Galveston area that are more than adequate for one, two or several nights stay before and after your cruise. Below are a few different options depending on your needs:

• If you are driving from out of town to Galveston for your cruise:

  Country Inn & Suites, Galveston Beach, TX, located just across the street from the beach, is under 2 miles south of the Port of Galveston(see map). The Country Inn offers free parking for the length of your cruise (which can save you the cost of parking at the port of $40-$65) for cruise passengers that reserve a hotel room for at least one night. Contact the reservations desk at (409)763-5000 for more details regarding parking for cruise guests.

  Note: Free shuttle service is offered to and from the hotel and the Port of Galveston.

• If you are flying to Galveston for your cruise:

  The Tremont House, A Wyndham Grand Hotel, located at 2300 Ships Mechanic Row in the Strand Historic District, is a 1/4 of a mile south of the port (see map). The Tremont House offers free shuttle service to areas around the hotel, including the cruise terminal at the Port of Galveston. There is also shuttle service available to and from the Scholes International Airport, fees may apply. Contact the reservation desk at (409)763-0300 for more information.

  Note: Tremont House guests can also use the pool, which has a swim up bar, and free parking, at the beachfront Hotel Galvez, located a little over a mile south of the port (see map.)

• For a hotel close to major Galveston attractions:

  Hotel Galvez and Spa, located 2 miles south of the port on 2024 Seawall Blvd. (see map), is a beachfront property, walking distance from many Galveston attractions. This hotel offers umbrella and beach chair service, swim-up pool bar, full service spa and shuttle service to local businesses, attractions, Scholes International Airport and the cruise terminal.

Food & Drink

What are the best eats in Galveston? Where are the best places to get them?

Gulf shrimp, prepared in a variety of ways, is a must eat. As Bubba from Forrest Gump would say: there's shrimp-kabob, shrimp creole, shrimp gumbo... Try the shrimp cocktail at Fisherman's Wharf - Galveston.

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What are the must-drinks in Galveston? Where is the best place to get one?

A Margarita while sitting on the deck of one of the restaurant/bars overlooking the Gulf of Mexico is really a must if you like the occasional festive beverage. The Mexican influence is apparent in Galveston and margaritas have been woven into the fabric. Try Squeeze Ritas and Tequilas for one of 20 different kinds of margaritas in serving sizes ranging from 12 oz. to 100 oz. (100 ounces?! Well they do say everything is bigger in Texas.) With outdoor seating facing the Gulf, you should be able to make the most of the experience.

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Souvenirs

Which are the best souvenirs to buy in Galveston? Where can I get them?

Under $25:

Beach wear and beach towels make a good souvenir and can also prove useful for your cruise. There are several beach apparel stores on the Seawall Blvd. to choose from.

$25-$75

Something from Colonel Bubbie's, which is one of the only surviving genuine government surplus stores in the country. Great for costumes, memorabilia and collectors, this store has uniforms for hundreds of different countries and has even been a supplier for movies such as Saving Private Ryan and A Few Good Men.

Over $75

Local art makes a good souvenir almost any port you visit. Check out the art from various galleries and shops in the Strand District, such as: PeckArts Gallery, Bogan Gallery, DesignWorks and many more are located on Postoffice St.

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Attractions

What are the top attractions and must-sees in Galveston? How long will it take me to get there and to explore?

Attractions

• Moody Gardens is a diverse, multi-venue tourist complex that offers several distinct entertainment experiences:

  • The Aquarium Pyramid is a 10-story blue glass pyramid shaped building which houses a 1.5 million gallon aquarium and tide pools. The aquarium has over 10,000 marine animals from the North and South Pacific, South Atlantic Oceans and the Caribbean Sea.
  • The Rainforest Pyramid is a 10-story white pyramid with clear glass, which houses one of the most authentic rainforest recreations in the world. Modeled after rainforests from around the world and with animals and plants from each region.
  • The Discovery Pyramid is the smallest of the three pyramids and is magenta colored. It showcases traveling exhibits from around the country that provide an interactive experience in the world of science.
  • Palm Beach is Galveston's only white sand beach. This facility also has a lazy river, tower slides and wave pool.
  • The Colonel Paddlewheel Boat is a 19th century style paddlewheel boat that offers hour long cruises across the Offatts Bayou and dinner cruises.
  • The 3D Theater offers a six-story screen, with a variety of three dimensional movies playing daily. If 3D isn't enough there is also a 4D Theater that adds smells, smoke and even wind to the movie experience. And if that still is not enough you can experience the Ridefilm Theater, which is an 18-passenger ride surrounded by a wraparound screen to truly experience the movie.
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  Video: Boogie boarding on the Master Blaster at Schlitterbahn Waterpark
  Schlitterbahn Waterpark, which has several locations, including Galveston, has been ranked as the #1 waterpark in the country for over a decade and the Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Galveston has been ranked as the #1 indoor waterpark in the world. Accolades aside, this is a truly family-friendly attraction with wave pools, lazy rivers, hot tubs, lagoons, swim-up bars, food and picnic areas and even WiFi.

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Beaches

Below are some of the best and most famous beaches near Galveston:

• East Beach, located at the east side of Galveston Island on the southern coast a little over 3 miles from the Port of Galveston (see map), is the biggest beach in Texas. Famous for its great activities such as parties, fishing, bird watching, live music and annual sand castle competition, East Beach is also popular for being one of the only beaches in Texas where drinking is legal. Admission to East Beach is $8/car and has chair and umbrella rentals available.
• Stewart Beach, located a mile southwest along the coast from East Beach, offers any amenities for beach-goers such as public restrooms, snack bar, gift shop, beach volleyball courts and umbrella and chair rentals. There is an admission cost of $8/car for Stewart Beach.

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Shopping

• The Historic District is 36-block area of Galveston with more than 100 unique shops, restaurants and art galleries. Shops in the district offer a variety of merchandise such as antiques, home decor, jewelry, vintage books and clothing. Specific areas such as The Strand, Postoffice Street and Gallery Row are where most of the shops are found amongst Victorian-style buildings from the 1800's.
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  Video: A trip down Seawall Blvd. in Galveston
  The Seawall on Galveston Island is an over 10 mile long, 17' wall that protects the Island from storm surges that come from Gulf storms that this island is all too familiar with. The Seawall also doubles as the world's longest mural. Along The Seawall are many shops that cater to beach-lovers and patrons looking for comfortable, casual apparel.

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Golf

Moody Gardens Golf Course, located at 1700 Sydnor Lane just 8 miles west of the Port of Galveston (see map), is Galveston's only golf course. The 6,816 yards par 72, 18-hole course opened in 2008 and is open to the public. Tee times can be booked online or by phone at (409)683-GOLF (4653). ↑ Back to Top

Scuba

Scuba diving off the coast of Galveston is pretty much restricted to wreck and oil rig dives. Both wrecks and rigs serve as artificial reefs, as they attract thousands of varieties of marine life. Rig diving is the safest type of dive in the Gulf due to the ability to control depth, which allows for a dive from 20 to 120 feet.

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Tours

There are many interesting tours in Galveston from haunted tours and cemetery tours to party bus tours. Below are a couple of great options to soak in the history of Galveston:

• 

  Video: Tree Art from fallen oaks after Hurricane Ike
  The East End Historic District Tour takes you by solar-paneled electric vehicle (which looks like a cross between a golf cart and a shuttle bus) through Galveston's Historic District. This tour also features the Ike tree sculptures which are sculptures made from fallen and dead trees, victims of Hurricane Ike in 2008. These sculptures are found where the fallen oaks once stood.
• Galveston Duck Tours, if you’re feeling especially adventurous, offers an amphibious vehicle which carries you from land into water and back again for a tour of Galveston. This 90 minute tour will take you down Seawall Blvd, then into the water to tour Offatt's Bayou. Once back on land the tour will take you through the 1900's mansions and the historic downtown Strand shopping district, then passing through the "Silk Stockings" historical homes district. Contact them by phone at (409)621-4771 or email.

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