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Here are our suggestions for a three day Galveston itinerary for your first visit.

Day One:

4 p.m. - Check into your hotel. Take some time to get settled and explore the property.

Dinner – For your first evening on the Island, you should venture to Downtown Galveston. You’ll find a variety of restaurants on and near Postoffice Street and located on The Strand. If you are looking for fine dining, try Rudy & Paco’s (dress code and reservations suggested). If you are looking for something casual try Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar or The Black Pearl Oyster Bar. We also recommend Mama Theresa’s Flying Pizza, Trattoria La Vigna, Taquilo’s Tex Mex Cantina, and Saltwater Grill.

On The Strand, you’ll find Riondo’s Ristorante, Yaga’s Cafe and Fuddrucker’s as well as other casual spots like Brews Brothers, Stuttgarden Tavern and Hubcap Grill. FYI, Brews Brothers and Stuttgarden have a great craft beer selection. And, keep your eye out for Devil and the Deep Brewery coming fall 2017.

Day Two:

Breakfast – Dine in at the hotel or venture to the East End Historic District to Mosquito Café, The Sunflower Bakery and Café or give ShyKatz Deli and Bakery in the Lost Bayou District a try. Like most Galveston restaurants, all are locally owned.

Morning Activity – Well you are on an island, so we’d recommend some beach time or pool time. Rent some beach chairs and an umbrella and get some sand between your toes. Or check out a bike from the hotel (Hotel Galvez offers courtesy bikes) and take a ride along Seawall Blvd. Another idea is to rent a paddle board or take a surf lesson.

Lunch – Enjoy a late lunch at one of the variety of Seawall restaurants. Some classics include Benno’s Cajun Seafood and Nick’s Kitchen and Beach Bar (Gaido’s casual option). Other suggestions include Mario’s Seawall Italian Restaurant, Miller’s Seawall Grill, The Gumbo Diner, Salsa’s Mexican Restaurant, and The Spot. If you are looking for familiar dining options, there’s Saltgrass Steakhouse, Rainforest Café, and Landry’s.

Afternoon Activity – Take a trolley tour or see our blog for fun ways to see Galveston.

Dinner – Catch the hotel shuttle or the downtown trolley to Pier 21 and enjoy the view and dinner at one of the restaurants. Your options are Willie G’s Seafood and Steaks and Fisherman’s Wharf. All offer a wonderful view of the harbor and ambiance. By the way, Pier 21 offers two museums, four harbor excursions and Pier 21 Theater.

Day Three:

Breakfast – Downtown Galveston breakfast options include the iconic Star Drug Store, MOD Coffee House, and Shrimp ‘N Stuff, or for Mexican food try El Jardin (413 24th) or Apache Mexican Cuisine (511 20th).

Morning Activity – For your last activity we’d recommend you tour one of Galveston’s iconic historic homes: The Moody Mansion and Bishop’s Palace. Or if you are a huge history buff, you’ll want to make your last stop The Bryan Museum. It has an impressive collection of historic artifacts and art representing the Southwestern United States.

Noon – Sorry folks it’s now time to check out of your hotel. We hope you enjoyed your hotel as much as you enjoyed all your sightseeing.

Keep in mind, there’s still so much to see and do including Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, Moody Gardens, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, harbor tours at Pier 21 and more. Check back for future suggested itineraries.

Where to Stay:

• For a beach view with history and, of course, Sunday Brunch, stay at Hotel Galvez & Spa. The hotel provides a courtesy shuttle to transport hotel guests downtown.
• For a stay in The Historic Strand District, book your stay at The Tremont House.
• Or if you want to enjoy of view of the harbor, consider Harbor House Hotel & Marina at Pier 21.