Oh Galveston

With summer in full swing I am in vacation planning mode. Being an enthusiastic traveler, it is one of the more exciting times for me. 

As Mrs. Bell and I still have school-age children our extended trips are limited to the summer months. For our family that typically means a trip to the beach.

As I browse the travel sites and take stock of my hotel rewards points my thoughts turn to one of the beaches I have traveled to on several occasions, Galveston, Texas.

Having been raised in Texas I have been to Galveston more than any other beach. I have fond memories of my parents taking my sisters and I several times when we were young.

Art on Pleasure Pier

The water can be murky at times and seaweed is sometimes prevalent. The beach itself is clean, much nicer than I remember from decades ago. Chair and umbrella rentals are readily available. Seashell hunting is okay, though you're not likely to find anything extravagant. We have never had a problem with marine life while swimming in the ocean.

The Seawall that runs along the ocean is full of life. Numerous eateries, hotels, and other businesses line the boulevard. Live music, plenty of shops, and places to just sit and enjoy the ocean view can be found along the Seawall. Walkers and bike riders abound. Quaint, old, shops can also be found on the bay side of the island.

A recent addition in years, Pleasure Pier is an amusement park on a pier over the ocean. There are several rides and the typical amusement park games are available as well. The view from the top of the ferris wheel is quite a sight.
If you'd rather travel during the cooler months Galveston offers Dickens on the Strand, a December street celebration that takes you back to the Victorian era.

Moody Gardens offers plenty of educational experiences and includes a nice hotel on the grounds. If you stay there in the winter, as we have before, the heated pools are a bonus.

View from our room at San Luis Resort

For a spa-like stay, we enjoy the elegance of the San Luis Resort. I have lost count of how many times we have stayed at the San Luis.

As a bonus, you can ride the Galveston- Port Bolivar Ferry for  view of marine life. Every time we have done so we had great views of dolphins swimming along side the ferry.

There is plenty to see and do for families in Galveston. Whether we just wanted to lay out on the beach or enjoy the restaurants and shops, we have always enjoyed our trips to Galveston Island.

The thoughts and opinions presented here are mine. Pictures are also mine.

More thoughts and ramblings on twitter @MattBellWrites