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When we were recently asked about ideas for planning a family multi-generational vacation we remembered Galveston. Even though our visit a few years ago was an empty nest getaway, we recalled that it might just be the perfect place to accomplish the kid’s version of combining business with pleasure. A great way to merge a little history in with all of the water-soaked fun they can stand.
The wild and windblown story of Galveston began as a haven for pirates, just the kind of past that catches the attention of any kid. After helping Andrew Jackson defend New Orleans in The War of 1812, the pirate Jean Lafitte set up shop on Galveston Island and proclaimed himself the head of the government of his new pirate kingdom, Campeche. Arrrgh mateys, I declare me-self king!
But in 1821, the United States Navy ran Lafitte off and the Port of Galveston grew into one of America’s busiest ports. In fact it has become America’s forth most popular place to set out on a cruise with ships headed throughout the Caribbean and Central America.
A booming town sprouted up around the harbor, and the area known as The Strand became the city’s main business center. This National Historic Landmark District filled with Victorian era buildings is home to all of the restaurants and shops that any kid, parent, or grandparent could ever want.
We loved the nearby East End Historic District on our trip to the island, as we leisurely rode our bikes through row after row of incredibly ornate turn of the century homes.
Returning with kids in tow might require reducing that to a quick pass to see the Bishop’s Palace and the Moody Mansion on the way to the beach, unless the kids get enthralled by the Galveston Children’s Museum in the basement of the Moody house.
Still, the island really is all about the beach, thirty-two miles of it to be exact, and part of that sandy shore is lined by a Seawall that forms the longest continuous sidewalk in the world. Even if the wall’s real job is to protect the island from the fierce storms that sometimes blow ashore, the result is a gorgeous promenade along the Gulf of Mexico. Hey, there’s another example of combining function with fun.
Speaking of fun, the Historic Galveston Pleasure Pier has reopened after being damaged by a couple of those storms. What began as a recreational facility for the United States military during World War II has become a spot for waterfront fun and entertainment like no other along the Gulf Coast.
If the rides at the pier aren’t quite exciting enough, the Schlitterbahn Waterpark has just opened the tallest watercoaster in the world. That alone is enough to inspire the fearless kids in our GypsyNester hearts.
If we want to sneak a little more learning in with the fun, Moody Gardens is right next door with a fantastic aquarium and the Rainforest Pyramid. Both feature exotic wildlife from around the world with a focus on education, conservation, and possibly future breeding rare and endangered animals.
Never fear though, it is certainly not all work and no play at the gardens, they also feature a five level Sky Trail Ropes Course towering over eighty feet high, and a five-hundred foot zip line.
So even though the younger generations won’t know they are learning, or have any idea what the Glen Campbell song we keep singing is, they will always remember Galveston.
David, GypsyNester.com
It’s a history of Galveston. Galveston is a place full of joy. I love this place as like mom. Some special information I got through this special post. Thanks for sharing this cool post with some amazing pictures.
Walking along the promenade beside the water sounds like a beautiful way to relax the morning after!
Good idea!
Gallstone sounds like fun. The closest we’ve gotten is a 3 generation trip to South Padre which was a lot of fun.
We like South Padre too, but Galveston has more history.
Sounds as if Galveston has lots of interesting history. A great place for a family vacation.
We agree.
Hi Veronica and David,
History, architecture, good eats, and ocean front, and I’m all about it. Looks like a wonderful place.
Last time there: ’76, so things are looking mighty spiffy since then. So cool you had the opportunity to check it all out.
~Josie
Wasn’t there back then, but no doubt a lot has changed.
I have not been to Galveston, but I sure learned a lot from this post! It looks like a wonderful place to visit!
It’s definitely worth checking out. One of our favorite places on the Gulf Coast.
I always enjoy Galveston…so much to see and do!! I’m headed there in November, as a matter of fact, for a few days of fun before a cruise!!
Perfect time of year to go. Have a great time.
I always think about Glen Campbell singing Galveston, oh Galveston,
I still hear your seawards blowing ..
Me too. Can’t help it.
Your last picture is cool! So glad you mentioned Glen Campbell! His song was in my mind the entire time I read your post.
Love that song!
When I think of Galveston I think of that old Glen Campbell song too. Thanks for sharing the history and what’s going on there – I had no idea!
We were surprised too. It’s a very cool place.
Whenever I think of Galveston, my mind instantly goes to the Weather Channel documentary about the Great Hurricane of 1900 (or was it on the History Channel). In any case, it was bad, so I’m surprised to see that so many Victorian Era homes are still there. The devastation looked pretty complete from the old photos after the storm.
It was a horrible storm. I believe the worst in US history. Luckily the homes were on the side of the island away from the storm.
I’ve not been to Galveston but have been thinking of it over the past few months as a place to visit soon. It looks like a great place for families with kids or for empty nesters.
It does have a lot to keep all ages happy.