A quick weekend get-away from Dallas on one tank of gas is not hard to do. In just five to six hours you and your family can be playing on the beaches of Galveston, Texas and soaking up the summer sun.
Located on the Gulf of Mexico, the island of Galveston offers thirty two miles of beaches, a quaint downtown area, and southern island charm. Because of the small size of the island it is very easy to get around the city and nothing is very far away. When you need a break from sun and sand, there is plenty else to see and do around Galveston. Houston, for those interested, is less than an hour drive away and can provide you with several shopping and nightlife needs that Galveston is unable to satisfy.
To get to Galveston from Dallas you should take I-45, which runs straight down the state of Texas, around Houston and over to the island of Galveston. At the time of publishing, there is construction work taking place along I-45 so travel times will fluctuate, but the average drive should last between five and six hours. A full tank in Dallas should get you all the way to Galveston, but this may vary depending on the mileage per gallon of your car.
Along the route there are two road side rest stops, there appeared to be others that were under construction or remodeling, but there are plenty of exits with enough facilities and restaurants to get what you need. Huntsville, Texas is about halfway to Galveston and has several exits with many lunch options, from fast food to sit down diners.
Best Family Beach in Galveston
Stewart Beach, 6th and Seawall Blvd.- A great option for families Stewart Beach hosts several family oriented events and competitions. There is a restaurant located right on the beach or you can take advantage of several eateries right along Seawall, particularly Chili’s or New York Pizzeria which both have outdoor seating available.
If Stewart Beach becomes too crowded with umbrellas, Porretto Beach is just west of Stewart and a short walk along the beach. There is available parking all along Seawall for both beaches, but you can pay to park your car on the sand at Stewart Beach.
Best Family Attractions
The Tall Ship Elissa- When you and your family visit the Texas Seaport Museum at Pier 21 you will learn and see for yourself what a historic tall ship is. At the museum you will learn about the history of sailing and Elissa’s story in particular. Once you have learned all about Elissa you get to climb aboard the beautiful vessel and have a look at the results of her restoration for yourself.
Moody Gardens, One Hope Boulevard- Moody Gardens is a must see family destination when in Galveston. Home to a ten story rainforest pyramid and the biggest bat exist in the South, Moody Gardens is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Take a stroll through the Aquarium and play with the kids at the Palm Beach or Discovery Museum. If you need a break, sit back in the IMAX 3-D theater or 4-D theater and catch the latest show. If you want to see several of the attractions at Moody the one or two day passes are the best options, saving you in separate admission costs.
