Things to do in Galveston
The unmissables
Most booked
Galveston: 45-Minute Dolphin Cruise from Pier 21★ 4.87 (2,588) · 40m–45m
Top rated
Historic Galveston Ghost Tour: 1½ Hours of True Hauntings★ 4.84 (1,798) · 1h 30m
Best value
Galveston Ghost Boat Tour: 60 minutes of haunted harbor stories★ 4.77 (448) · 1h
Recommended (7)
Galveston Old City Cemetery: Night Tour with Apparition Stories★ 4.81 (416) · 1h 30mUS$ 31View ›
Galveston: Ghosts of the Strand Night Walking Tour★ 4.74 (281) · 1h 30mUS$ 31View ›
Galveston Red Light District: Organized Crime & Vice History Tour★ 4.85 (272) · 1h 30mUS$ 31View ›
Galveston: Haunted Cemetery Walking Tour with Local Stories★ 4.65 (204) · 1h 30mUS$ 30View ›
Galveston: Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour & Ghost Stories★ 4.71 (168) · 2hUS$ 35View ›
Galveston Island: E-Bike Tour of Historic Homes & Local Life★ 4.87 (166) · 2hUS$ 85View ›
Galveston Walking History Tour: Red Light District & Strand Street★ 4.90 (132) · 1h 30mUS$ 35View ›Top rated (5)
Galveston: Juneteenth Van Tour & Black History SitesYou’ll trace Galveston’s Black history from the Old Central Cultural Center to powerful murals and churches where emancipation echoed through Texas. Expect honest stories from your local guide, moments of quiet reflection at historic markers, and small surprises—like laughter in an art gallery or sunlight catching on old stone steps.
Galveston: Segway History Tour on The Strand & SeawallYou’ll glide through Galveston’s historic streets on a Segway with a local guide who brings old stories to life—from The Strand to Bishop’s Palace and down to the sea. Expect laughs, unexpected details, and time to soak up those Gulf Coast breezes before ending your day at the Seawall.
Galveston: Mansions & Murder Walking Tour with Local GuideYou walk past Galveston's grandest Victorian mansions while a local guide reveals the island's hidden stories: serial killers, colorful residents, architectural firsts, and the darker chapters most visitors never hear. The tour includes entry to the oldest public library in Texas and covers multiple stops across the historic district in roughly two to three hours, with wheelchair access throughout.Is it for me?This works well if you already know Galveston and want to move beyond the surface-level tourist stops, or if you're drawn to local history and don't mind that the stories lean dark—the guide's knowledge of the island's lesser-known past is what makes the standard architecture tour feel like something you couldn't have done alone.
Galveston: Night Ghost Walking Tour in Red Light DistrictYou’ll walk Galveston’s old red light district after dark with a local guide who knows every tale—from pirate legends to brothel secrets. Expect laughter, shivers, and moments when history feels close enough to touch. If you like your ghost tours with real stories and real people, this one lingers long after you head home.
Galveston Harbor Cruise: 45-Min History & Dolphin SightingsYou board a 45-minute narrated cruise through Galveston Harbor, listening to stories about the 1900 hurricane, the port's maritime past, and the landmarks that shaped the Gulf Coast. You'll see working ships, historic structures, and likely spot dolphins. The boat has restrooms, and the pace works for families with young children. You're back on land in under an hour.Is it for me?Book this if you want Galveston's history explained by someone who knows the harbor itself—the 45-minute length means you get the main stories without a full afternoon commitment, and you see the city from the water instead of from the street.
Lowest price (7)
Galveston: Ghost Walking Tour Past Mansions & Haunted HistoryYou’ll wander Galveston’s historic streets with a local guide, hearing whispered tales of haunted mansions and playful spirits. See Ashton Villa and Sealy Mansion up close as stories unfold by lantern light. Expect laughter mixed with chills—and maybe catch yourself glancing back at every creak or shadow.
Moody Mansion Galveston: Self-Guided Audio TourThe Moody Mansion self-guided audio tour in Galveston lets you move through the restored 1895 home of W.L. Moody Jr.—one of America's ten wealthiest people at his death—at your own pace, with audio narration guiding you through each room. Free parking is included; the tour takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on how long you linger. Wheelchair accessible with some limitations on motorized chairs; public transportation stops nearby.Is it for me?The self-guided format and free parking make this work well if you're staying in Galveston without a car or prefer to explore at your own pace rather than follow a group schedule. Drop in anytime between 10am and 4pm, spend as long as you want in each room, and move through the mansion on your own terms.
Galveston: Haunted Walking Tour & Ghost Stories at NightYou’ll walk Galveston’s oldest streets at night with a local guide sharing true ghost stories and city legends. Hear echoes of the Great Hurricane of 1900, pause outside haunted mansions and orphanages, and feel history come alive under streetlamps. It’s spooky but also moving — you might leave thinking about those lost voices long after you’re home.
Spooky Strand Ghost Tour in Galveston: 90-Minute Walking TourThe Spooky Strand Ghost Tour is a 90-minute walking tour through Galveston's most haunted district, led by an experienced guide who recounts the violent deaths and unresolved mysteries that keep spirits tethered to the historic 19th-century buildings. You'll visit the railroad station where an engineer was decapitated, the hotel where a Civil War soldier still marches the lobby, and the opera house tied to a coffin that floated across the Atlantic. Children from age 3 are welcome, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.Is it for me?Book the daily tour if you want the full 90-minute experience on any night that fits your schedule, or choose the discount option if you're visiting with a group or returning for a second walk. Both follow the same route through THE STRAND's haunted buildings and cover the same paranormal history—the difference is timing and price.
Galveston: Pub Crawl History Walk with Local StoriesYou’ll follow a local guide through Galveston’s historic bars, hearing wild tales of pirates and gangs while tasting jello shots or slushies along the way. Expect spontaneous stops based on your group’s vibe and enjoy sweeping harbor views from a rooftop bar—plus plenty of laughs and true local color.
Galveston: Sunset Cruise with BYOB & Adult Vibe on HarborYou’ll board right in Galveston for an easygoing sunset cruise with BYOB vibes, mellow music, and locals sharing stories as you glide past historic ships and watch colors spill across the bay. Expect laughter, new friends (or just quiet), and that salty Texas air lingering long after you step off.
Galveston: Model-T Electric Golf Cart Rental & Self-Guided TourYou’ll drive a replica 1908 Model-T electric golf cart around Galveston at your own pace, following self-guided tour maps to tree sculptures and sea turtle art. Expect friendly locals, lots of laughter (and maybe a few confused looks), plus time to stop wherever catches your eye—from Pleasure Pier to quiet corners by the Seawall.
