Cruise Port in Galveston Guide
Port of Galveston, Texas Cruise Port
Port of Galveston, located on the Gulf Coast of Texas, is a popular cruise departure point for Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America itineraries. As Texas’ primary cruise hub, Galveston offers visitors a mix of history, scenic coastal beauty, and Southern hospitality. With its charming historic district, beachfront attractions, and delicious seafood, Galveston is a great port to explore before or after a cruise.
Cruise port in Galveston, Texas
General
General
Information
Location: Galveston, Texas, USA
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone: Central Time Zone (CT) | UTC -6 (Standard), UTC -5 (Daylight Saving Time)
Language: English is the primary language.
Electricity: 120V, 60Hz (North American standard plug types A & B)
Tipping: 15-20% for restaurants, 10-15% for taxis
Emergency Number: 911
Getting Around
- Walking: The cruise terminal is near downtown, making it easy to explore on foot.
- Shuttle Services: Many hotels and cruise lines offer shuttle transportation.
- Public Transit: Island Transit operates local bus services.
- Taxis & Rideshares: Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are available for short trips.
- Car Rentals: Available at Houston airports and downtown Galveston.
- Trolley Service: Galveston Island Trolley runs a historic streetcar-style route through the city.
Top Attractions & Activities
- The Strand Historic District – A vibrant area with Victorian-era architecture, shops, and restaurants.
- Moody Gardens – A family-friendly attraction with an aquarium, rainforest pyramid, and 3D theaters.
- Pleasure Pier – A historic pier turned amusement park featuring rides, games, and ocean views.
- Bishop’s Palace – A stunning 19th-century mansion known for its intricate architecture.
- Seawall Urban Park – A scenic spot for walking, biking, and enjoying ocean views.
- Galveston Railroad Museum – Features historic train exhibits and a working rail yard.
- East Beach – One of Galveston’s best beaches, known for its relaxed atmosphere.
- Schlitterbahn Waterpark – A top-rated water park with slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers.
Monthly Weather & Events
| Month | Avg Temp (°F / °C) | Weather Notes | Key Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 57°F / 14°C | Mild and cool | Yaga’s Chili Quest & Beer Fest |
| February | 60°F / 16°C | Pleasant winter days | Galveston Mardi Gras |
| March | 66°F / 19°C | Warming up, spring blooms | Galveston Island Food & Wine Festival |
| April | 72°F / 22°C | Warm and sunny | FeatherFest Birding & Nature Festival |
| May | 78°F / 26°C | Start of summer heat | Beach Revue Vintage Festival |
| June | 84°F / 29°C | Hot and humid | Juneteenth Festival |
| July | 86°F / 30°C | Very hot, occasional rain | 4th of July Parade & Fireworks |
| August | 87°F / 31°C | Peak hurricane season | Brewmasters Craft Beer Festival |
| September | 82°F / 28°C | Hot but cooling down | Galveston Island Shrimp Festival |
| October | 75°F / 24°C | Pleasant, low humidity | Oktoberfest Galveston |
| November | 67°F / 19°C | Cooler, breezy | Lone Star Rally |
| December | 60°F / 16°C | Mild, festive lights | Dickens on the Strand |
Guided Tours
- Dolphin Watching Tour | 1 hour: Boat tour to see dolphins in Galveston Bay.
- Historic Ghost Tour | 1.5 hours: Explore Galveston’s haunted history.
- Segway Tour of The Strand | 2 hours: Ride through historic sites and the seawall.
- Fishing Charter | 4-8 hours: Deep-sea and bay fishing trips available.
Cruise Port in Galveston Guide
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Getting To and From Houston Airports (IAH & HOU)
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): 70 miles from Galveston.
- William P. Hobby Airport (HOU): 42 miles from Galveston.
- Transportation Options:
- Shuttle: Several private shuttle services connect Galveston and Houston airports.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Approx. $80–$150 one-way from Houston.
- Car Rentals: Available at both airports and in Galveston.
Accommodation Recommendations
- Luxury:
- The Tremont House – A historic boutique hotel with elegant decor in The Strand district.
- Hotel Galvez & Spa – A beachfront resort with a full-service spa and ocean views.
- Mid-Range:
- Harbor House Hotel – A stylish waterfront hotel near the cruise terminal.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Galveston Beach – Beachfront location with modern amenities and great views.
- Budget:
- Best Western Plus Seawall Inn & Suites – Affordable stay near the beach with complimentary breakfast.
- Quality Inn & Suites Beachfront – A budget-friendly option with ocean views and an outdoor pool.
Shopping, Cafés & Dining
Best Shopping Areas:
- The Strand – Boutique shopping in the historic district.
- Galveston Island Market – Artisan and craft vendors.
- Murdoch’s Souvenirs – Beachwear and gifts.
Best Cafés:
- MOD Coffeehouse – A cozy coffee shop in the historic district.
- Sugar Bean Coffee & Cream – Specialty coffee with a beachside atmosphere.
Best Restaurants:
- Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant – A landmark seafood restaurant with Gulf views.
- Rudy & Paco – Upscale Latin-inspired cuisine.
Recommended Reading & Local YouTubers
- Books:
- “Galveston: A History” by Gary Cartwright
- YouTube Videos:
- 24 Hours in Galveston, Texas | Top Things to Eat and See! by Kristin & Will
- Galveston Vlog: winter days in a Texas beach town, the most beautiful airbnb, lots of food recs by Marissa Fiala
- Things to do in Galveston Texas for a Weekend Trip by Luttitravels
Printable Map
Download a detailed map of Galveston here: Printable Map.
