August trip to Galveston

[kermit116]

I am working on planning a surprise trip with DH to Galveston in early August. We recently moved to Texas from another state, and I think he'd really enjoy some time at the beach. He likes surfing and swimming, so I figure between the beach and Schlitterbahn this would be a good place to visit. Plus, it looks like there are some nicer hotels in the area - I'm looking at the Wyndham Galvez as an option. I'm looking for advice on whether this is a good plan for a weekend adults only trip for some who really likes water sports, swimming, water parks, etc. Obviously August will be very hot, but this will probably be the only time we will have free based on transitions to new jobs, work travel, etc.

 

[EMom]

Bad news: The water at Galveston is nasty. No one who actually likes beaches goes to Galveston for the beach.

Good news: There is plenty to do there without getting your body in the water.

I am a native Texan and I cannot recommend the beaches in Galveston area with a straight face. The water is brown, has tons of seaweed, often smells really bad, and will stain your clothes. Again, nasty. I will not even sit directly on the sand there.

The Galvez is lovely. Has a smallish, but relaxing pool with good drinks.

Schlitterbahn is a lot of fun, but weekends will be crowded. Buy your tickets beforehand and be there before opening. If you wait to buy tickets until you arrive, it will take you forever to get in. They have affordable lockers. For a fee, you can reserve a spot with an umbrella or some kind of covering.

I have not been to the Pleasure Pier, but that could be fun. Moody Gardens can be enjoyable, but it depends on what you like, so check out the website. There are some gorgeous historical homes to tour or you could try The Elyssa. If you take the (Bolivar?) ferry, the chances of seeing dolphins is good.

But you don't go to Galveston for the beach if you have even ONCE been to a decent beach before. Have fun.

 

[tiggerluver12]

Completely agree with Emom! Have lived in Texas my entire life and will not even consider Galeveston a beach town. Most of us Texans either go to South Padre Island or Florida for a great beach experience.

 

[kermit116]

Good to know - may reconsider because he really loves the beach. Maybe a trip to the FL panhandle is in order...

 

[momto3pirates]

I have lived in Houston all my life. Galveston beach is not pretty. This year there is a really bad sea weed problem. Mountains of it and it makes everything stink.

 

[donkeyandshrek]

So glad I read this. My kids have been wanting a beach trip and I was looking at Galvaston. Looks like Florida wins again!

 

[Boston Tea Party]

Galveston Island, the armpit of the Mississippi River.

Another down vote here.

Wish we had a better beach, but we just don't. If he is wanting sandy/beachy things to do, move along, look elsewhere.

 

[brekin67]

We just returned from a cruise, where we spent the night in Galveston. It was really nasty. We were unable to swim in the water because of the weeds and the area was just yuck.

 

[rnorwo1]

We live in LA snd go to TX frequently. Yes, the beach there is nasty. Saw a huge rat on the pier there the last time we went, so definitely head East for a beach! You can also go to AL if you don't want to drive to FL... Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have very nice beaches. We prefer Orange Beach because there is less neon and crowds. That'll save you a couple of hours drive over Destin, for ex. Have fun!

 

[WebmasterKathy]

Like the others have said, Galveston is not a great beach town. The water's sort of brown and murky, the sand coarse and smelly.

 

[Hans Olo]

I'm from central Texas and I always take my family to Port Aransas. I really enjoy the whole atmosphere of the island and I love looking out in the channel and watch the dolphins We go at least twice a year. Sometimes the water is super clear and other times not as much. Kinda hit or miss but never nasty in my opinion and I'm kind of picky.
I believe there's also a Schliterbahn nearby as well.
You can also drive up to Corpus Christi and visit the USS Lexington and the Aquarium. Loads of fun!!

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I'm from central Texas and I always take my family to Port Aransas. I really enjoy the whole atmosphere of the island and I love looking out in the channel and watch the dolphins We go at least twice a year. Sometimes the water is super clear and other times not as much. Kinda hit or miss but never nasty in my opinion and I'm kind of picky.
I believe there's also a Schliterbahn nearby as well.
You can also drive up to Corpus Christi and visit the USS Lexington and the Aquarium. Loads of fun!!

There's a Schlitterbahn at SPI now too