Vacation rentals in Galveston
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Popular amenities for Galveston vacation rentals
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Galveston beach vacation rentals
AC,HOT TUB, King Bed, EV plug, DogFriendly
At The Beach- Beautiful Ocean View Condo #9204
Beachfront Resort~Top Floor~Sunrise~Ocean View~W&D
Sunny Beachfront Condo
Ocean Front Home with Private Beach Access
Just Beachy at the Pass- Beachfront property
Gorgeous Beachfront Home with Modern Finishes
Beach life
Pet-friendly vacation rentals in Galveston
Once Upon A Tide *Hot Tub*dogs ok walk to beach
House for Waves *Dogs stay FREE* 1/2 mi to beach
Gorgeous Pet-friendly Bungalow 2 Minutes to Sand
A Beach Away
Vacation at 1904 B. Midtown. Near Beach. Pets OK!
Large 5bd Hot Tub w Ocean View, Firepit & Gameroom
Amy’s Canal House - Pet Friendly
Seahorse Inn-Steps to Beach & Pleasure Pier!
Family friendly vacation rentals in Galveston
Super Nice Crystal Beach Home - Walk to Beach!
Bikes/kayaks, great fishing, fire pit, pickleball!
CLEAN! SPACIOUS, fast Wifi, 7min Walk to Beach
Summer Vacation with all the modern conveniences!
The Phoenician by the Sea
2 blocks from Beach Pleasure Pier close to Strand
Family Friendly and relaxing
Crashboat Camp Apartment on the Bay
Quick stats about vacation rentals in Galveston
Total rentals
4.8K properties
Total number of reviews
218K reviews
Family-friendly rentals
3.5K properties are a good fit for families
Pet-friendly rentals
1.8K properties allow pets
Rentals with a pool
2K properties have a pool
Rentals with dedicated workspaces
2.4K properties have a dedicated workspace
Your guide to Galveston
All About Galveston
Galveston Island is home to the port city of Galveston, which is located off the Gulf Coast of Texas only an hour away from Houston. The island is surrounded by Galveston Bay to the north, the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and West Bay to the west, and it draws visitors to its amusement parks, historic mansions, and museums dedicated to submarines and railroads. Along the coast, the 17-foot Galveston Seawall stretches for 10 miles and is covered in the world’s longest mural. Beyond the seawall, Galveston has more than 32 miles of sandy beaches surrounded by bright blue waters. Saltwater fishing is a popular activity here, with flounder being a popular catch.
Galveston also has an impressive concentration of Victorian architecture to explore. One standout is the Victorian-style Bishop’s Palace residence — a National Historic Landmark in the city’s historic district — which dates back to 1892. Another historical landmark residence, the 1895 Moody Mansion, is decorated in myriad styles, including French Rococo and Classical Revival, which you can see on tours of the grand home. Dig further into Texas history at the Bryan Museum, which offers a chronological exploration of the state spanning more than 12,000 years.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Galveston
The most popular time for booking beach rentals in Galveston is during the summer months when the weather is hot and humid, and the beaches are buzzing. Be mindful of the Gulf’s hurricane season — August to October — and keep an eye on the forecast during this time.
During fall, temperatures here are mild, the humidity drops, and you can learn about the city’s Hellenic heritage at the annual Galveston Greek Festival in October — where you’ll find traditional Greek produce, dancing, and pastries. The winter months are warm enough to enjoy with just a light sweater, and birders can spot migratory species at Galveston Island State Park. Visit between February and March for the third-largest Mardi Gras season in the country, which includes parades and a masked ball.
Top things to do in Galveston
The Strand
The Strand is a five-block historic district in the heart of Galveston with buildings that date back to the 19th century. It’s filled with antique stores, art galleries, Cajun restaurants and oyster bars, and country dance halls. There’s also a life-sized chess board you can play on, parks and green spaces, and a harbor where you can watch the ships come and go. If a historical experience is more your style, check out the Texas Seaport Museum where you can see one of the world’s oldest currently sailing ships, the Elissa.
Bolivar Peninsula
The Bolivar Peninsula is home to a historic lighthouse, protected bird habitats, restaurants with fresh-caught seafood, and 27 miles of beaches to explore. To get here, take the Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry from Galveston Island to the small town of Port Bolivar. Along the way, you’ll have front-row views of the Gulf and may even be able to spot a dolphin or two during your ride.
Galveston Railroad Museum
Take a deep dive into Galveston’s railway history at this art deco structure from 1932. The Galveston Railroad Museum houses one of the largest collections of trains in the country, including freight cars, diesel engines, and steam engines, some of them still running. The old passenger cars are decked out in style, evoking the golden age of train travel, and there’s a museum cafe for drinks and light bites. A mile-long train ride is available all year, and there’s a holiday-themed service available during the winter months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the weather in Galveston?
Galveston enjoys a subtropical climate with warm, humid summers reaching highs of about 90°F (32°C), and mild winters with average lows around 50°F (10°C). Rain is common throughout the year, but especially from May to October during the hurricane season. Despite this, sunny days are prevalent.
What are some of the best things to do in Galveston?
In Galveston, visitors frequently explore the Strand Historic District with its Victorian architecture and antique shops, enjoy the family-friendly attractions at Moody Gardens, or experience the thrill of the rides at the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. A walk along Galveston Seawall or a visit to Stewart Beach can also be appealing.
What is the best time of year to visit Galveston?
Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) are the most popular times to visit Galveston due to pleasant temperatures. Notable local events include the Galveston Island Wild Texas Shrimp Festival in September and Dickens on The Strand, a holiday street festival taking place in early December.
What are the best places to stay in Galveston?
Visitors to Galveston often prefer to stay in the East End Historic District, with its Victorian-era architecture, or the Seawall District, known for its beach access and diverse dining options. For a quieter stay, the West End provides a more serene atmosphere, while Downtown is recommended for those seeking a lively nightlife and shopping experience.
What are the best places to visit in Galveston?
Popular places to visit in Galveston include the Galveston Railroad Museum, the historic 1892 Bishop's Palace, and the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum. Visitors also often explore Moody Gardens with its distinct pyramid structures, the Lone Star Flight Museum, and the Galveston Island State Park.
What are some hiking trails in Galveston?
For hiking in Galveston, visitors often enjoy the Galveston Island State Park's Prairie and Beachside Trails, covering about 5 miles (8 km) of diverse landscapes. The East End Lagoon Nature Park also presents trails with panoramic views of the bay and the lagoon.
What are some family activities to do in Galveston?
In Galveston, families often explore the interactive exhibits at the Galveston Children's Museum, enjoy the indoor and outdoor adventures at Moody Gardens, or have fun at the Schlitterbahn Waterpark. A visit to the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier or a beach day at Stewart Beach are also popular choices.
What are some of the best day trip ideas in Galveston?
For day trips from Galveston, popular options include visiting the Space Center Houston, just 40 miles (64 km) away, or exploring the attractions of Downtown Houston. Another suggestion is a visit to the Brazos Bend State Park, known for its wildlife and hiking trails, located about 70 miles (113 km) from Galveston.
What types of vacation rentals are available in Galveston?
Uncover the perfect home-away-from-home with our diverse selection of vacation rentals in Galveston. From over 2,680 house rentals to over 10 cabin rentals, we've got you covered. For even more variety, explore our Airbnb Categories to find the ideal space for your getaway.
Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Galveston?
Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 2,390 vacation rentals in Galveston featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.
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- Galveston Beach
- NRG Stadium
- Houston Museum District
- Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
- Jamaica Beach
- George R. Brown Convention Center
- Beach Pocket Park Number 1
- Kemah Boardwalk
- Beach Pocket Park Number 2
- East Beach
- Seahorse
- White Oak Music Hall
- Downtown Aquarium
- Bolivar Beach
- Sunny Beach
- High Island Beach
- McFaddin Beach
- The Menil Collection
- Houston Zoo
- Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark
- Palm Beach
- Porretto Beach
- Surfside Beach
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