Vacation Rentals in Galveston

Staying in a cabin by the beach is the classic way to stay in Galveston. The city's distinctive raised houses offer direct access to the Gulf Coast and the area's gorgeous sands, while being close to the downtown area as well. You'll find standalone vacation rentals all along Seawall Boulevard with large balconies and interior spaces, patios for barbecues, and space to park as well.

If your budget is tighter or you just don't need the space a beach house provides, why not have a look at Galveston's vacation apartments? There are hundreds of comfortable apartments in central Galveston and Jamaica Beach. Many of them are right next to the beach, and offer services like doormen and concierges, providing extra security and help if needed. And they tend to be really convenient for Galveston's downtown museums and galleries.

Galveston is located on a barrier island on the Texan Gulf Coast, around 50 miles from Houston. The city of Galveston has a population of just over 50,000, but punches above its weight in terms of museums, markets, and other cultural attractions. However, it's the beaches strung out along the island that make the city so appealing for vacationers.

Most of downtown Galveston is gathered on the north-eastern tip of the barrier island, but the island itself stretches for 30 miles in total. Island Transit run a bus network around the island, which covers almost all of the beaches along Seawall Boulevard. The island's flat terrain is also ideal for cycling.

Being so close to Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Galveston can easily be reached from anywhere in the USA. Cruise ships dock at the port, buses link the city to Amtrak's Texas Eagle service, while I-45 and I-10 run either into or close by the town, making access by road easy.

The East End Historic District in downtown Galveston is a magical neighborhood, with attractive 19th century Greek revival-style homes, while the Willis-Moody Mansion provides a window into the lives of elite Texans around the turn of the century, and the Elissa is a beautifully restored sailing vessel. There's history everywhere.

Galveston is crammed with family attractions. There's Moody Gardens with its nature-themed pyramids and thrilling coasters, the Pleasure Pier which offers great views, rides, and places to eat, and the delights of Schlitterbahn Waterpark.

All along Galveston Island, you'll find sandy beaches and warm Gulf waters – the perfect environment for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, volleyball, or whatever else you love to do by the sea. And the harbor is a great jumping off point for fishing adventures.

Galveston's premier family attraction when the weather's warm (which it usually is), Schlitterbahn offers a dizzying array of pipes, pools, and other aquatic entertainments, allowing everyone to cool off.

One of the most educational amusement parks in the USA, Moody Gardens is built around three pyramids which contain all kinds of botanical and biological wonders. And as well as its rainforest walks and aquariums, there's a thrilling adventure park – the perfect blend.

Make the most of your time by the Gulf of Mexico by hitting Galveston's incredible beaches. From Galveston Island State Park in the south, to East Beach in the north-east, the island's coast is a succession of gorgeous coastal attractions.

Galveston has always been a city of sailors, and you can get a great feel for this history at attractions like the Texas Seaport Museum (home to the Elissa, an 1877 sailing vessel) and Seawolf Park, (home to the USS Cavalla and USS Stewart).

Galveston's historic buildings are in amazing shape, particularly considering they were almost wiped out by the 1900 hurricane. Areas like the East End and the Strand are portals into another age, with highlights like the Railroad Museum and the Pier21 cultural center.

Galveston is one of Texas' leading vacation destinations due to its attractions and climate. In general, the “shoulder seasons” from March to May, and September to early October are excellent times to go. On the weather front, summers are hot (averaging around 85 degrees), and winters are mild. You wouldn't want to swim in December or January, but it's still a great place for an out-of-season break.

If you want some good old fashioned Gulf Coast cooking, September's Shrimp Festival isn't to be missed. There's a lively Oktoberfest in late October, while the Food and Wine Festival takes place in May. On the arts side, Artoberfest in October is the highlight, but there are also eight weekly ArtWalk events during the year when local galleries showcase their creations.