Celebrating Easter on Galveston Island

If you’re planning to celebrate Easter on Galveston Island, here are some recommendations for Easter brunch in Galveston, Easter services, and things to do. Remember Easter is April 17 this year.  

If you’re staying on the west end of the island, consider making a reservation at Waterman’s Restaurant, 14302 Stewart Road. Waterman’s Restaurant is known for its view, ambiance, and menu. Their standard menu ranges from seafood to steak to chicken and pasta. And, their specialties include grilled redfish, bbq bourbon salmon, petite filet mignon, 22oz cowboy rib-eye steak, Southwest shrimp pasta, lobster stuffed ravioli, and more. So book your reservation in advance for Easter weekend.

And, if you’re looking for something a little more casual for your Easter meal, make a reservation at The West End Marina & Restaurants, 21706 Burnet Drive. Popular appetizers include their seafood nachos, lobster bisque, and ceviche. And, their Southern-fried seafood is a real treat. Chef’s favorites include Gulf red snapper, redfish on the half shell, crab legs, and more. West End Marina offers a weekly brunch menu from 10 to 2. You’ll want to make a reservation at this popular spot on the far west end. 

One of the restaurants that should be on everyone’s bucket list is Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant, 3828 Seawall. The Gaidos family has served fresh Gulf seafood in Galveston since 1911. And, yes, you’ll want to book your reservation for their Easter Buffet in advance. And, whatever you do, order the Pecan Crunch Pie. They also offer a Family Pack To-Go Menu.   

Riondo’s Restaurante, 2328 Strand, is an excellent option for dining in Galveston’s historic downtown. Their focus is “farm to fork” and “sea to table.” Aside from Easter, they offer a brunch menu every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring Mario’s gulf shrimp Migas, tiramisu crepes, Grand Marnier French toast, breakfast prosciutto pizzetta, and other favorites. You can make your reservation for Easter through OpenTable.  

And, nothing could be fresher than Katies Seafood House, 2000 Wharf Road. For decades, Katie’s was known for its Seafood Market, which operates next door. Their menu offers local features as well as Mosquito Fleet shrimp specials. Tip: The Mosquito Fleet is the name for the pier where Galveston’s shrimp boats dock. 

Moody Methodist Church offers a Sunrise Service on Easter Sunday at 7 a.m. at 48th and Seawall Blvd. As you can guess, this is a beautiful spot for a sunrise service. Bring a folding chair or plan to stand during the service. You can park on the street along the Seawall. People start arriving as early as 6:30 a.m. to snag their spot.  

And, if you are staying on the west end of the island, Seaside Church offers a beachside service at 6:30 a.m. on Easter Sunday in Jamaica Beach. Look for the only traffic light in Jamaica Beach. At the traffic light, turn towards the beach, and the service is about a block onto the beach. Bring a lawn chair or towel for sitting. After the service, the church invites everyone for breakfast and a family Easter egg hunt.  

If you’re planning to attend Easter services at a local church, there are plenty of options, and many of Galveston’s churches are historic. Plus, Galveston’s congregations are known for being welcoming to guests.   

The Easter Bunny is appearing at the Annual Salty Easter Bash on Saturday, April 16, at 11 a.m. at East Beach. Valiant Church is partnering with the Galveston Park Board of Trustees to host its Annual Easter Bash. As part of the event, the Easter Bunny arrives by helicopter and brings more than 20,000 Easter eggs, including 200 marked eggs featuring special prizes. 

You should also make plans for Moody Gardens, One Hope Blvd. Moody Gardens is a family-friendly complex offering a tropical rainforest pyramid, aquarium pyramid, a 3D and 4D theater, and the Colonel Paddlewheeler Boat. Check their website on special events planned for Easter.  

Make the most of these travel tips and enjoy your Easter weekend in Galveston. Ryson Vacation Rentals offers more than 200 properties across the island that provide plenty of reasons to visit Galveston during spring break. If you need help planning your visit, Gulf Coast Concierge is available to help.