So, maybe the water isn’t blue and the sand isn’t white. And maybe the shore is lined with masses of seaweed and jellyfish. Still, the Gulf is ours and we do our best to enjoy it! If you are planning a trip to Galveston, Texas, there are many things to see and do, even if you never go near the beach.
[h]Moody Gardens[/h]
Located at One Hope Blvd, Moody Gardens is best enjoyed over the course of a day or two. There is so much to do here that it really is best to take your time and savor every detail! Moody Gardens is probably best known for its massive Rainforest Pyramid. This 10-story structure is a true-to-life recreation of a tropical land, complete with plants, birds, trees, butterflies, and small animals native to the tropics.
Moody Gardens is also home to Palm Beach, one of a very few white sand beaches to be found in Texas. The beach is man-made, so there is no need to worry about jellyfish.
Other Moody Gardens offerings include a paddleboat cruise, 3-D IMAX film, Discovery Pyramid, Aquarium Pyramid, 3-D ridefilm, and a 4-D special effects theater.
[h]Historical Homes[/h]
As Texas cities go, Galveston has a very rich history. In the early 1800s, Galveston was home to the noted pirate, Jean Lafitte. Then known as Campeche, the town housed gambling halls and saloons. Lafitte was forced to leave Galveston in 1821, but legend says he left buried treasure behind. Galveston also has the honor of being the home of the first native-born Texan.
Galveston was a booming city, with a prosperous economy. It was home to the state’s first law firm, post office, country club, and golf course. Large, sprawling mansions lined the streets. All that ended with the Great Storm of 1900. The hurricane produced massive hurricanes that demolished much of the city. Miraculously, several grand homes survived and have since been completely renovated. Some have become museums. Others are preserved as historic landmarks and are open for visitors each May. Some “must-see” homes are:
- The Moody Mansion. 2618 Broadway
- Ashton Villa. 2328 Broadway
- Bishop’s Palace. 1402 Broadway
- St. Joseph Church. 2202 Avenue K
- Powhatan House. 3427 Avenue O
Of course, Galveston also offers several beaches and even a waterpark, and we’ll talk about those in another blog!