Tour Guide Dr. Araminta Sorrell’s Insider Guide to Galveston

June 19, 1865, is recognized as the date the Confederate hold on Texas ended and, along with it, the enslavement of African-Americans in the state. Since 1866, Black communities have observed Juneteenth with parades, cookouts, performances—even Miss Juneteenth pageants.

However, this celebration of African-American history, resistance, and culture wasn’t officially recognized as a Texas state holiday until 1980. As Black Texans emigrated throughout the US, they carried the legacy of Juneteenth with them. In 2021, Juneteenth finally became a federal holiday—also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Juneteenth Independence Day, or Black Independence Day.

Your tour of Galveston’s Black cultural sites should begin on The Strand with the Absolute Equality mural, a visual storytelling of Juneteenth. Union General Gordon Granger is credited with announcing the legal decree, but Dr. Sorrell points out that more than 2,000 United States Colored Troops (USCT) arrived in Galveston to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863. She also highlights stories of local resistance before Juneteenth, such as the southbound Underground Railroad that enslaved Texans took to seek freedom in Mexico.

As for other Galveston African-American landmarks, Dr. Sorrell sings the praises of the Nia Cultural Center (where she's a frequent volunteer) and its Juneteenth Legacy Project Headquarters Art Gallery. As Galveston's only African-American owned art gallery it hosts art installations that chronicle the journey from enslavement to freedom, including many of Black Galveston's achievements along the way. Don’t miss 1859 Ashton Villa, featuring exhibits like And Still We Rise …, which uses interviews and archival documents to tell about the island's journey toward equality.

Galveston Island has preserved many diverse architectural styles. In neighborhoods such as the East End Historic District you’ll find wide-ranging structures from Greek Revival–style homes to alley houses, all within about 50 city blocks. The district is also home to National Historic Landmarks including the Bishop’s Palace, an impressive Victorian mansion with more than 50 rooms, home to a stained-glass chapel, silver fireplace, and studio overlooking the Gulf. Meanwhile, the Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) offers basement-to-attic tours of the mansion where you can learn about significant historical figures.

Galveston is also home to four historic African-American churches, the first in Texas to serve primarily Black congregations. They’re captivating architectural sites, and it’s still possible to attend Baptist, Catholic, and Episcopal services in them. Reedy Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEX) is a historic site where enslaved Galvestonians gathered in 1865 to celebrate their freedom. Each year on Juneteenth, Reedy Chapel holds commemoration events to celebrate its history. The Reedy Chapel also features well-preserved Gothic Revival architecture.

Galveston is a seafood lover's paradise. You can sample seafood in many forms, especially near The Strand, along the Seawall, and around Galveston Harbor. An avid seafood lover, Dr. Sorrell praises Benno's Cajun Seafood Restaurant as the best seafood on the island. Also recommended: Gaido's and Little Daddy's Gumbo Bar. However, Jimmy's on the Pier gets her endorsement for a seaside view. Her fail-safe tip: “Order oysters or shrimp. You can't go wrong!”

The island also has excellent, authentic Black-owned soul food and Cajun offerings. Dr. Sorrell recommends treating yourself to lunch at Soul 2 Soul Café. The menu features a Juneteenth special of fried chicken with three sides, such as candied yams, mac-n-cheese, collard greens, and fried okra—topped off with a divine slice of gooey butter cake. Allen’s Kitchen is another soul food favorite. Here, you can choose from an array of affordable entrées and sides in hearty portions. The smothered pork chops, moist meatloaf, and cornbread make it a must-visit. Locals especially love the homemade classics, neighborhood vibes, and Southern hospitality.

If you’re seeking adult refreshments, Tea'Ze Daiquiris to Go offers a wide selection of mixed drinks, beer, and wine. This Black-owned local favorite, right next to the Seawall, is the perfect spot to grab a cold drink to enjoy at the beach or inside with the upbeat staff.

Galveston, once known as the port and playground of the South, still draws more than 8 million visitors each year to some 30 miles (48 kilometers) of beaches overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. It’s the perfect day-trip destination from Houston, Beaumont, or Sugar Land.

Galvestonians enjoy the island’s outdoor activities. The calm waters of the coast make water-based sports such as kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) great options, with personalized instruction and equipment rentals available. Artist Boat offers kayaking tours around the Coastal Heritage Preserve, including conservation education on the work being done to protect Galveston’s coastal prairie. On weekends the nonprofit organization offers a free, educational tour on marine life and beach ecology, with interactive activities for the whole family.

Whether you're an experienced angler or a novice, boat charters including Capt. Ron’s Fishing Adventures make fishing trips hassle-free, as these captains drive you to the best spots, provide equipment, and even clean your fish for you. Meanwhile, the local nonprofit Four W’s Outdoors employs a team of outdoor experts (collaborating with Baywatch Island Tours), to offer haunted mansion and pirate island tours infused with Juneteenth history.

Galveston has attractions for all ages, too, including impressive water adventures such as the world’s tallest water coaster, MASSIV, or Infinity Racers (NASA–inspired mat racers) at Schlitterbahn Waterpark. The waterfront amusement park at Pleasure Pier, built along the Seawall, includes shopping, food, and rides for thrillseekers. Alternatively, take a jet boat for a spin, see 1,700 rare tropical plants and endangered animals including the Komodo dragon (representing three continents in the Rainforest Pyramid of Moody Gardens), or peek at ocean creatures in the undersea world of the Aquarium Pyramid. Led by biologists, you’ll learn about giant river otters, penguins, seals, and jellyfish.

Stay in the heart of the city for close proximity to tours, shopping, and boutiques along with performance venues. With its central location near the Port of Galveston, The Strand and seaport, and the Galveston Railroad Museum, the Downtown/East End neighborhood is ideal—it’s an entertainment hub for events including Mardi Gras, the Galveston Island Wine Festival, and Oktoberfest. The Tremont House Hotel offers Southern charm and luxury service, and features the city’s only rooftop bar, overlooking the island with a one-of-a-kind view.

If you want a resort feel with full amenities, The San Luis Resort and Spa—praised for its full-service spa, salon, fitness center, and poolside bar—offers lodging options with seaside views in the Seawall district, with many dining and shopping options near attractions such as Pleasure Pier. For a mix of Gilded Age architecture and spooky history, The Grand Galvez is a local institution with beach views and spa services; explore its paranormal history on a Galveston ghost tour.

For a more off-the-grid, less commercial lodging experience, the West End offers options for RVing, camping, and beach home rentals. The neighborhood is also located near natural treasures such as Galveston Island State Park and the Coastal Heritage Preserve—a great spot for birdwatchers to observe migratory birds. Then, the Galveston Island KOA offers a full range of options, from RV docking to deluxe cabin suites. The campground features a heated pool, sauna, basketball courts, playground, fishing ponds, and even a river—all next to the beach. If you’d prefer a more private experience with friends or family, opt for a vacation rental among plenty of charming beach homes along Galveston’s beachfront.