Old Central Travel Guide

Galveston

If find yourself in Galveston and you want to get away from the Seawall crowds then this is a great beach to visit. Most days you’ll find that it isn’t crowded at all, only a few people around. Follow the picturesque white boardwalk to a trail that will lead you to the beach. Be sure to stop and smell the many flowers along the way—just remember to keep off the dunes and watch out for rattlesnakes.
If find yourself in Galveston and you want to get away from the Seawall crowds then this is a great beach to visit. Most days you’ll find that it isn’t crowded at all, only a few people around. Follow the picturesque white boardwalk to a trail that will lead you to the beach. Be sure to stop and smell the many flowers along the way—just remember to keep off the dunes and watch out for rattlesnakes.
In front of Olympia Grill, view of the Pleasure Pier.
Perfect beach day.
#beach Galveston at sunset, 2013

Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Old Central

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center

4 out of 5
7 Hope Blvd Galveston TX
The price is ฿4,579 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
฿4,579
฿5,265 total
6 Apr - 7 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa resort in Galveston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,049 reviews)
We had issues with our room but the front desk handled it immediately.

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Galveston Beach by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Galveston Beach by IHG

2.5 out of 5
3228 SEAWALL BOULEVARD Galveston TX
The price is ฿3,602 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
฿3,602
฿4,142 total
30 Mar - 31 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Galveston. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,285 reviews)
Room was a little tired, our shower door did not close and the fire pit facing the beach that we were looking forward to was not working while we were there.

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Galveston Beach by IHG
The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center

The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center

4 out of 5
5222 Seawall Blvd Galveston TX
The price is ฿9,530 per night from 10 Mar to 11 Mar
฿9,530
฿11,693 total
10 Mar - 11 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Galveston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,194 reviews)
Yes ocean was visible.

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026

The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center
Galveston Beach Hotel

Galveston Beach Hotel

2.5 out of 5
8710 Seawall Blvd Galveston TX
The price is ฿2,110 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
฿2,110
฿2,427 total
22 Mar - 23 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Galveston. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,936 reviews)
Had a great view with a beach and this was my very first time getting a hotel with a balcony. I love love love this place and super affordable!

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Galveston Beach Hotel
Hilton Galveston Island Resort

Hilton Galveston Island Resort

3.5 out of 5
5400 Seawall Blvd Galveston TX
The price is ฿4,442 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
฿4,442
฿5,108 total
5 Apr - 6 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in Galveston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,200 reviews)
The room was fine. The dining room was fine. The wait staff inexperienced, but adequate. Twice between midnight and 2 am we were woken up by large loud groups of people in the hallway.

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2026

Hilton Galveston Island Resort
Grand Galvez Resort, Autograph Collection

Grand Galvez Resort, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
2024 Seawall Blvd Galveston TX
The price is ฿6,566 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
฿6,566
฿7,551 total
23 Mar - 24 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Galveston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,279 reviews)
Loved the room -- amazing views and comfortable bed. The AC ran a bit hot and cold, but otherwise great. This is picky, but the pool cushions and the cushions on the lobby wicker chairs felt thin. Go with a firmer filler when you decide to replace them. At the pool, I would recommend waitstaff circulate ...

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Grand Galvez Resort, Autograph Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Old Central

Take from our room.

Midtown

While visiting Midtown, you might make a stop by sights like Galveston Seawall and Seawall Beach.

Midtown
Morning light on historic church on Galveston Island, Texas.

Kempner Park

While visiting Kempner Park, you might make a stop by sights like Seawall Beach and McGuire-Dent Recreation Center.

Kempner Park
Lunch Vacation

This tranquil "spot" is 45 minutes from my office in bustling downtown Houston. When it gets too crazy... a little break along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico is a welcome treat. December and 72°, Christmas music and waves.

Fort Crockett

While Fort Crockett may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Seawall Beach and Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier.

Fort Crockett
In front of the hotel.

Historic Downtown Galveston

While visiting Historic Downtown Galveston, you might make a stop by sights like Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal and Strand Theatre.

Historic Downtown Galveston
In front of the hotel.

Strand Historic District

Strand Historic District is a destination visitors seek out for its pristine beaches, ample dining options and captivating waterfront views. You might also want to check out attractions like Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal or Strand Theatre while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Strand Historic District
One of our favorite little weekend getaways is a quick 45 minute drive from Houston. The Hotel Galvez and Spa has been the grand hotel of the Galveston sea wall since 1911. Originally built to help Galveston tourism recover from the devastation of the great hurricane of 1900 that almost ended the life of this island city. Charming architecture, beautiful pool, great bars and amenities. Given its age and history it has more than a few ghost stories as well. The Hotel is a member of Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

San Jacinto

While visiting San Jacinto, you might make a stop by sights like Seawall Beach and The Bryan Museum.

San Jacinto


Old Central Travel Guide