Top Galveston Art & Culture

Embark on a 45-minute adventure aboard a comfortable boat from Pier 21, Galveston. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and families, this tour offers an excellent opportunity to observe dolphins in their natural habitat. With all seats providing great views, you can relax and enjoy the experience without the need to rush on board. The knowledgeable captain navigates to prime dolphin-watching spots, ensuring an engaging and memorable outing. Whether you're short on time or seeking a quick escape, this tour delivers an unforgettable glimpse into Galveston's marine life.

Follow a local expert guide for detailed accounts of Galveston’s storied past on this 90-min walking tour through the island’s most historic locations. From hurricane-scarred landmarks to the scandalous backstreets of the old “Red Light District,” you’ll discover the bold characters, hidden stories, and cultural forces that shaped the Free State of Galveston. We’ll stroll through beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture, explore how Galveston rose to become Texas’s richest city, and reveal how vice, wealth, and resilience collided in a city that refused to follow the rules. Hear tales of consequential natural disasters, notorious brothels, gangs and political drama—all just steps from grand theaters and elegant homes. Whether you’re a history buff, architecture lover, or simply curious about Galveston’s secret past, this tour delivers a captivating, eye-opening journey through the city’s complex legacy. Bring the family and see Galveston in a whole new light!

Prebook this Galveston Moody Mansion Admission Ticket and Self-Guided Tour and avoid having to wait in the ticket lines on the day you’d like to visit at this attraction. Head inside after checking in and explore up to 20 rooms of the old mansion that shows how a rich Texas family of the past lived. See original furnishings belonging to the Moody family, as well as decor as you move at your own pace.

Discover the sordid history of Galveston while enjoying drinks in the city’s haunted bars and restaurants on this pub crawl. Meet your guide and group in the city center and hear stories about ghosts, murderers, and paranormal activity. Stop at the Railroad Museum, Saengerfest Park, Hendley Market, and much more throughout the night. Drinks are at your own expense.

Galveston is full of awesome old mansions, but if you don’t know where to look for them, you could pass them by without noticing. Take this Galveston Mansions and Murder Walking Tour and see sights such as Moody Mansion while you hear about the creepy history of the city from your guide. Plus, a walking tour keeps you active as you trek on foot at a comfortable pace.

Discover the darker side of Galveston on a ghost tour. Pass by mansions and other historical sights where spooky and mysterious things are said to have happened, and hear about the island's secrets, paranormal events, and haunted history that dates back 150 years. This tour is a fun way to learn a bit about Galveston's history.

*The Only Walking Architecture Tour - Locally Owned* *Part of your Ticket goes to local architectural restoration* Delve into Galveston’s rich architectural history on this 90-minute walking tour. Visit iconic landmarks such as the League-Kempner House, Trube Castle, and the Bishop’s Palace (+ more), learning about their architectural styles and the influential figures behind them. With exclusive access to one historic residence, this tour offers a unique perspective on the city’s evolution as a cultural hub along the Gulf Coast. Perfect for history enthusiasts and families alike, enjoy a guided experience with no headsets required, led by local architectural experts.

Listen to stories about murder, mayhem, and otherworldly encounters as you embark on a nighttime walking tour through Galveston. Join a small group and follow your guide through alleyways, past haunted mansions, and shadowy corners to reveal their dark secrets. Learn of past residents who can't seem to move on to the other side as you and keep your eyes peeled for paranormal sightings.

Explore Galveston’s rich history on a 45-minute narrated harbor cruise, perfect for families, history buffs, and anyone wanting a unique perspective of the island. Glide through the historic harbor as your expert guide shares stories of Galveston’s maritime legends, the 1900 hurricane, and its iconic landmarks. Enjoy stunning harbor views, local wildlife, and the fresh Gulf breeze on this fun and educational cruise that brings the island’s past to life.

Take an exciting journey into the unknown during this captivating 1.5-hour tour of Galveston Old City Cemetery. Venture to a place where apparitions have been said to appear and paranormal activity has been reported all while being securely lead by the hands of experienced guides. Join for what promises to be a unique experience—one only made possible by thorough academic research and brave exploration.

Explore the rich naval history at the Galveston Naval Museum, home to the legendary WWII vessels USS Cavalla and USS Stewart. This museum offers a unique opportunity to step aboard these restored ships and discover the stories of bravery that defined American naval warfare. Marvel at the artifacts, including the sail of the USS Tautog and the conning tower of the USS Carp, as you immerse yourself in fascinating tales of resilience and victory. A visit here is a meaningful way to honor those who served and learn about the evolution of naval technology.

Galveston's history is filled with dark and gruesome moments. Uncover the city's haunted past as you walk around town with a small group and tour guide. Stop at historic mansions and buildings that are known for paranormal activity and keep your eyes peeled for any otherworldly guests that might make an appearance.

Get more from a tour of Galveston when you take this Galveston History Private Carriage Tour. You can ride the city in a carriage as you learn about its impressive and resilient history. See main sights as your guide tells stories. Plus, because it’s a nighttime tour, you can bring drinks on the carriage as long as you notify the guide in advance.

Discover the Wild West history of Galveston, Texas with this admission ticket to The Bryan Museum. Enjoy a self-guided tour through the rich collection of artifacts dating back more than 12,000 years. Learn about several topics including the first settlers—the Native Americans—the annexation of Texas from Mexico, and the Civil War era, as you explore the museum.

Tour around Galveston in style, on a replica of a 1908 Model-T electric golf cart with the famous ahooga horn. You can choose a 5 or 8 seater for this self-guided tour, where you can spend as much time as you like. You can see Pleasure Pier, the historic district, the Kemp Ridley Sea Sculptures, and more. It’s up to you.

If you’re looking to dive into the Black history of Galveston, but don’t want to plan your own explorations, book this Galveston Juneteenth and Beyond Small-Group Cultural Tour. A guide who knows the city well leads the way to historic and cultural sites as you take in stories and information they share with you. Plus, this tour can easily be fit into any busy day, with morning and afternoon tour times offered.

Take a walk down memory lane and through Galveston's eerie cemeteries during this nighttime walking tour. Spend the evening visiting several graveyards including Old City, Broadway, Evergreen, and the Yellow Fever yard to hear stories of past Galveston residents. Learn about the symbolism of the cemeteries, the yellow fever plague, the Great Storm, and the paranormal activity in the city.

Visit five popular Galveston treat shops in just a few hours during this Galveston Sweets and Treats Food Tour—perfect for foodies who are short on time while in the city. This food tour takes you to eateries, including a shop with a working 1920’s soda fountain, a chocolate factory, and an old-time drug store. Plus, a guide tells you about the history as you go, making sure you get more from each stop than if you visited alone.

Enjoy a lively tiki-style cruise with Gulf Coast Party Boats in Galveston, perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply unwinding with friends. Each cruise lasts for two hours, allowing you to bring your own food and drinks on board while a licensed captain navigates the beautiful waters of the Galveston Bay. With a capacity of up to 30 guests, these rentals are ideal for birthday parties, corporate events, or casual outings. Experience a fun atmosphere complete with comfortable seating, party lighting, and a bathroom onboard. - Set your own pace on a two-hour tiki cruise - Bring your favorite food and drinks for a personalized experience - Perfect for groups of up to 30 guests - Enjoy onboard amenities including USB ports and party lighting - Sound System - TV - Restroom

Building sandcastles might seem like child’s play but there are several tips and tricks to creating grandiose sand sculptures. Grab your friends and family, head to the beach of your choice in Galveston, and meet with a sandcastle professional. Learn several methods of turning sand into works of art and enjoy a fun day on the beach.

The Great Storm Talk and Tour was created as a partnership between Spooky Galveston and the Galveston County Museum. This Tour offers a historical look at the 1900 storm with the retelling of stories of those who endured the storm.

Hear stories of Galveston’s rise in the 1800s, including battles and pirate ships, without ever having to take out your own guidebook, with this Galveston history private e-bike tour. Stay active while learning about the city’s history—a great combination for active history buffs. Plus, because this is a private tour for your own personal group, you can avoid the annoyance of riding in groups that are so big you miss out on hearing all the details.

Maximize time in Galveston with a tour along the seawall by Segway. Meet your guide and learn the basics of operating a Segway before setting out on a scenic tour without commentary. Cover ground quickly and see popular landmarks, including the 1892 Bishop’s Palace, the Galveston Historic Seaport, and the Port of Galveston. Admire views of the water during this fast-paced tour.