Galveston Done Right
There’s something special about adding a few days on land before a cruise that makes the whole trip feel more complete, more memorable, and a little more adventurous. Our three days before setting sail brought us through Houston, TX and down to Galveston, and it turned out to be the perfect mix of quirky moments, great food, and unexpected highlights. Even better, we followed our Lifestyle and Living Well 3-day pre-curated Galveston itinerary, which mapped out the must-see highlights, restaurants to try, and experiences not to miss, and honestly, it made the entire trip feel effortless and well thought out from start to finish. We started our trip with a must-do Texas experience: a stop at Buc-ee’s in Texas City. It’s hard to describe unless you’ve been, but calling it a gas station doesn’t even begin to cover it. It’s massive, bustling, and filled with everything you didn’t know you needed. Naturally, I went straight for the brisket sandwich, and it absolutely lived up to the hype, and of course I grabbed some beaver nuggets and a large diet coke for the road. From there, we made our way to Galveston, ready to settle into island life.
Our first hotel stay was in a historic property that, at first glance, seemed charming and full of character. It had that old-world feel that makes you think you’re stepping into another era, but it quickly turned into something more reminiscent of a scene out of Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and not in a good way. Along with the charm came a very noticeable, very funky smell that we just couldn’t ignore. We gave it one night, but by the next day we decided comfort was calling and moved to a more reliable resort where we could truly relax. Sometimes you have to pivot, and this was definitely one of those moments.
Once we were settled, we headed out to explore and found The Strand Historic District. The area is full of beautiful historic homes and buildings, unique shops, and that easy coastal charm. We popped into stores filled with artisan teas, local honey, and spices, picking up a few things along the way and just enjoying the slower pace. We also spent time on the seawall, checked out Pleasure Pier, and caught the sunset along Fisherman’s Wharf where Katie’s Seafood House did not disappoint (10/10).
One of the most memorable parts of the trip was visiting Moody Gardens, which is home to the iconic pyramids you can see from a distance, and also has a great resort on site, perfect for lodging and relaxing. We spent quite a few hours inside the Rainforest Pyramid, and it was such a unique experience to be completely immersed in that environment. Walking through with birds flying overhead, monkeys moving through the trees, sloths hanging above, and even bats as part of the ecosystem made it feel incredibly real and alive. It’s not just something you look at…you’re fully inside it, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our stay.
Because of the timing of our trip, we also made our way back toward Houston to visit Space Center Houston, especially with all the excitement surrounding the success of Artemis II. Being able to walk among NASA artifacts, see the space shuttle, and stand next to the aircraft that carries it was such a powerful experience. It’s one thing to read about space exploration, but another to see it up close and really take in the scale of it all.
Of course, no time in Galveston would be complete without fully embracing the coastal food scene. We enjoyed even more seafood at Nick’s Kitchen and Beach Bar and even stopped by Momma Teresa’s Flying Pizza and Italian restaurant that the locals recommended, which of course my namesake did not dissapoint. Between the food, the sights, and the ease of following a thoughtfully curated plan, we really made the most of our time there. What started as just a stop before a cruise turned into something much more memorable. Galveston has its quirks, but that’s part of its charm, and taking those extra days to explore, guided by an itinerary that truly delivered, set the tone for the entire trip in the best way possible.
If you’re planning a short getaway, check out our 3-day pre-curated trips to help take the guesswork out of planning. We’ve mapped out the best things to see, where to eat, and how to truly experience each destination so you can spend less time researching and more time enjoying. Whether you’re craving a little adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, these thoughtfully designed itineraries make it easy to travel well without the stress.
