Travel advice question,Galveston for a vacation?

[Iron_chet]

My wife and I are trying to do a couples weekend with some friends and looking for heat and beaches.

One of the places I suggested was Galveston because I think it is a touristy area and it is relatively close to Houston. The respective airlines we work for fly to Houston so thinking of meeting there.

Any other suggestions for awesome spots on the Texas Gulf Coast relatively close to Houston?

Our other option is San Francisco but the water is too cold and I am not sure of the beach scene.

 

[User 11148]

If you're accustomed to the beaches of the Carolinas (as we were) Galveston is going to be a disappointment (really any Texas beach is going to be). But Galvy has its charm.

In the main the condos/hotels in Galveston are not actually on the water. They're across the street (it's totally bizarre to me that there are grocery stores etc. that technically are waterfront). If you go far enough west, however, the condos are actually on the water. We usually stay at the Seascape ...

There's an area downtown call "The Strand" that's a little like the French Quarter in New Orleans. Good food, good times.

I have some local connections if you're interested.

 

[YankeeFan]

No. Go somewhere else.

 

[User 11148]

LOL ... now, now ...

 

[User 1019]

I'm not a Galveston fan, but there are certainly worse places. As for beach destinations, I really can't think of any worse. Biloxi, maybe?

 

[cjericho]

Galveston is kind of like Atlantic City without casinos. If the choice is Galveston and SF, go to SF and swim in the hotel pool.

 

[TigerVols]

Wife is working for a while in San Antonio; visited her last week and on Sunday we drove down to Corpus Christi. Made it in under and hour and a half, had a few pops and some really good deep fried shrimp at a little place on the bay, drove around a bit and headed back to SA.

CC was, I have to admit, a bit creepy. Perfectly nice place, very clean, but the downtown (such as it is) sits right on the water, and looks just like it did circa 1975. Really strange, very empty, too, which added to the creepy vibe.

I say this cause we decided next time I visit, we're going to Galveston instead for a night or two...Mrs. TV taught herself the Glen Campbell song on the guitar while in high school and has wanted to visit it ever since.

 

[Ace]

Lived in Houston for a while and been to Galveston many times. I like the area, but I rarely go to the beach. Mostly we wemt to Galveston to fish, visit the Strand or the Schlitterbaun waterpark.

Galveston is fairly close to the Space Center for a day trip, too.

I think it's worth a visit. A cool place with an old-school feel. But not if the beach is your primary destination.

 

[MisterCreosote]

One of the few qualifications I have for beaches is that they not be so crowded I can't move. "Natural beauty" and such are low priorities.

If Galveston's beaches are bad enough to keep the crowds away, they might just be perfect for actual relaxation.

 

[Ace]

One of the few qualifications I have for beaches is that they not be so crowded I can't move. "Natural beauty" and such are low priorities.

If Galveston's beaches are bad enough to keep the crowds away, they might just be perfect for actual relaxation.

They are brown -- I believe from the oil that washes in from the oil tankers. But still better than Biloxi!

 

[YankeeFan]

Do not go to Galveston. Seriously. It has no redeeming qualities.

 

[Fly]

Do not go to Galveston. Seriously. It has no redeeming qualities.

But is it a good place to get your ass kicked?

 

[Ace]

Do not go to Galveston. Seriously. It has no redeeming qualities.

If I was planning a Texas trip, I'd probably go to San Antonio instead. Galveston is more of a quick break from Houston than a destination.

 

[YankeeFan]

If I was planning a Texas trip, I'd probably go to San Antonio instead. Galveston is more of a quick break from Houston than a destination.

Yeah. I lived in Houston, and didn't see the point in visiting Galveston. I would never recommend it as a destination.

 

[Ace]

Yeah. I lived in Houston, and didn't see the point in visiting Galveston. I would never recommend it as a destination.

My kids liked the waterpark. My brothers love to fish and have boats. We also lived on the south side of town. I never went anywhere north of downtown Houston when I lived there.

 

[SpeedTchr]

Utter bull**** that the water is brown due to oil. It is that color due to the silt that comes in from the rivers, etc. Also affected by the wind direction and strength and wave patterns.

Galveston has plenty to do, and if you head on the ferry over to the Bolivar peninsula, there are miles of uncrowded beaches. Visit Moody Gardens, have a great meal at Gaido's, fish off the jetties... there's plenty of stuff to do. Ike did a terrible number on Galveston, but there is still plenty to do for a nice, peaceful break.

 

[albert77]

My parents, and brother and sister live in the Houston area, so I get down there a lot. Galveston isn't a bad place to visit. Lots of nice shops & restaurants in The Strand, Moody Gardens is well worth a visit, as is Schlitterbahn. But it's not worth a special trip. Go to San Antonio instead.

 

[SpeedTchr]

No beaches in San Antonio.
Corpus is a fine destination with plenty to do when you're not on the beach.
Or, for a quieter experience on a lovely beach, go to Rockport.

 

[Ace]

Moddy Gardens, meh.

 

[Fly]

Moddy Gardens, meh.

Agreed. They lock valid HoF threads.