Galveston

Activities

From world-class museums to brand-spanking-new cruise ships, from the explosion in entertainment and dining options to the ever-growing number of places to stay, shop, and explore, this is not your grandfather’s Galveston - or your father’s, for that matter.

The atmosphere is still as warm and friendly as the breezes. The beaches - as beautiful and inviting as they’ve ever been- still go on forever. It’s Galveston as you always knew it, and always knew it could be.

Transportation

Scholes International Airport at Galveston is a two-runway airport in Galveston; the airport is primarily used for general aviation, offshore energy transportation, and some limited military operations. The nearest commercial airline service for the city is operated out of Houston through William P. Hobby Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The University of Texas Medical Branch has two heliports, one for Ewing Hall and one for its emergency room.

The Galveston Railway, originally established and named in 1854 as the Galveston Wharf and Cotton Press Company, is a Class III terminal switching railroad that primarily serves the transportation of cargo to and from the Port of Galveston. The railway operates 32 miles of yard track at Galveston, over a 50-acre facility.

Island Transit, which operates the Galveston Island Trolley manages the city's public transportation services. Intercity bus service to Galveston was previously operated by Kerrville Bus Company; following the company's acquisition by Coach USA, service was operated by Megabus. All regular intercity bus service has been discontinued.

Galveston is served by Amtrak's Texas Eagle via connecting bus service at Longview, Texas.

Interstate 45 has a southern terminus in Galveston and serves as a main artery to Galveston from mainland Galveston County and Houston. Farm to Market Road 3005 (locally called Seawall Boulevard) connects Galveston to Brazoria County via the San Luis Pass-Vacek Toll Bridge. State Highway 87, known locally as Broadway Street, connects the island to the Bolivar Peninsula via the Bolivar Ferry. A project to construct the proposed Bolivar Bridge to link Galveston to Bolivar Peninsula was cancelled in 2007.

Food & Drink

Although freshly-caught seafood is a resounding favorite on the Island, area menus offer tastes from around the world, ranging from well-known Cajun favorites to Tuscan secret recipes.