Most Treasured Destinations on Galveston Island!

  The Strand is where the locals hide, when the strip is jam packed with tourists, though many local Houstonians also know The Strand well. It is a lot like New Orleans, to say the least. it has the old buildings, hanging gardens, balconies, that can be reserved for Mardi-Gras, boutiques, margaritas served like slushies sort of on tap, for passer -by's and an eclectic gathering of people from all walks of life, from Native American artwork, to African arts, to Victorian era reenactments. Take a horse and carriage to soak in the rich history and diversity of the Strand on Galveston Island.

  Moody gardens is by far, my favorite place to visit in Galveston Island. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to healing and helping disabled and handicapped people, especially children. What started with just simple hippo-therapy, spread into many facets of what is now known as Moody Gardens. Besides the 3 pyramids, there is a full service luxury hotel, water park, playgrounds, sand beach,IMAX theater and a river boat.

    The three pyramids include the discovery pyramid, it is somewhat a museum and active adventure for children with awesome science exhibits and the Ridefilm theater. Next, is the rainforest pyramid, which has species from Americas, Asia, and Africa. The rainforest pyramid suffered the most damage from hurricane Ike. believe it or not, it was not wind damage, the wonderful design of the pyramids and materials used kept the Pyramids safe from hurricane force winds. The damage came from the loading dock in the back of the pyramid, and it flooded, from underground below the pyramid, causing more damage than ever expected. it was very sad, many animals seemed different after losing their once beautiful home. With so much hard work of both volunteers and workers, the rainforest pyramid is back in shape and they are working on building upper levels so that you can view it from the canopy!

   Last but not least, is the Aquarium pyramid. This is where I was blessed to do some volunteering before, and it is a site to behold. They have different exhibits for the many oceans, including the Caribbean, N. Pacific, tropical Pacific, and S. Atlantic. Sharks, sea turtles, seals, and penguins are some of the main attractions, but the rich oceanic life is too large to be listed in one sitting!

  The Seawall, or the strip, is the place you must walk on every Galveston visit.  The feel of the breeze in your hair, and the odd rarities you see in the sand, the occasional dirty, long stemmed rose, the hermit crab, the soft edged sea glass, its a stress reliever in itself and the very reason many people gave up lawns and homes to own a simple loft in Galveston. When you live on a small Island, you often leave regular life behind, for the beach lifestyle. You may not have a lawn to mow, but outside your doors are endless wonders and long evening strolls with your dog or bike rides with a sunset that's worth the sacrifice!

Galveston's cemeteries are some of the most beautiful around! Much like New Orleans, many are above ground. This Island has a rich history of Death by tragic storms, but these cities of the dead are so peaceful, tranquil.

    KARANKAWA INDIAN BURIAL GROUND (Closed)- – Bob Smith Drive – Jamacia Beach – Galveston Island, TX is one place i am not sure you can check out, but if you are like me, I don't think its legal or right, to prevent us from showing respect to the dead....

Finished in 1892, the Bishop's palace or Gresham House is made of stone and steel, is considered one of America's finest Victorian style homes! This "palace" is also considered Chateausque, or French 19th century revival. Home to Walter Gresham the founder of Santa Fe, gulf ,and Colorado railroads, its structure was so strong, it was one of the only surviving structures in the storm of 1900!