Spend Your July Vacation on Galveston Island

Spend your July vacation on Galveston Island. While the beach is a must for July, there are plenty of things to enjoy around the island. If you’re wondering what to add to your trip as part of your vacation rental planning, here are our suggestions:

Free Sand Building Lessons

If you’re planning family time on the beach, you might as well be a pro at building a sandcastle. You and your family can participate in “Sandcastle Days” for a free sandcastle building lesson every Saturday in July. A professional sandcastle builder offers classes at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. at East Beach, straight down from the East Beach Pavilion. 

July 2  – Movie Nite on The Strand featuring Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse 

If you’d prefer to enjoy a movie under the stars with family, pack chairs and pick up dinner for Movie Nite on The Strand at Saengerfest Park, 23rd and Strand. “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” begins at 8 p.m. 

July 4 – Fourth of July Parade

There’s nothing better than a patriotic parade for Independence Day. You’ll love Galveston’s parade because it’s on the beachfront. The parade kicks off at 5 p.m. from 59th Street and travels east to 27th Street. After the parade, enjoy a brand-new drone show over the Gulf at 9:15 p.m.

July 4 – Fourth of July Drone Show Over the Gulf

Imagine hundreds of drones creating custom formations, including firework bursts, patriotic images, and more. This year, Galveston presents a one-of-a-kind interactive drone show on July 4th. Each show is 12 minutes and begins at 9 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. from 37th and Seawall. Because there is no concern regarding falling debris, the beach on either side of 37th Street will remain open during the show. So bring a blanket or beach chairs and enjoy the show. 

Beats on the Beach and Free Fireworks at Moody Gardens

Every Saturday in July, enjoy your favorite music during Beats on the Beach at Palm Beach at Moody Gardens, One Hope Blvd., from 6 to 10 p.m. A seven-minute fireworks show begins at 9:15 p.m. There is a paid admission to Palm Beach, or take advantage of their Value Pass.

Movies on the Beach

The Galveston Park Board of Trustees sponsors Movies on the Beach throughout the summer. Movies are scheduled on Saturdays and begin at 8:30 p.m. Parking at Stewart Beach and East Beach is $15 per car and admission at Seawolf Park is $6.

July movies are scheduled as follows: 

• July 9 – Moana at Stewart Beach
• July 14 – The Little Mermaid at East Beach
• July 23 – Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle at Seawolf Park

July 9 – Music Nite on The Strand featuring Hard Luck Revival (Country, Americana)

If you’re in Galveston and looking for free, live music here’s an option – Music Nite on The Strand is from 6 to 8 p.m. This month features Hard Luck Revival performing Country and Americana music. Enjoy this free concert at Saengerfest Park, 23rd and Strand. 

July 10 – Galveston Family Beach Challenge 

If a gigantic obstacle course is appealing to you and your family, then sign up for the Galveston Family Beach Challenge at East Beach. Picture a gigantic obstacle course offering 14 stations for kids and adults. Picture a beach bag game, a life-size battleship game, limbo, volley balloon, a giant Connect Four, and more. And the best part is it’s free and your family could win a grand prize of a $500 gift card plus tickets to Galveston attractions. 

July 16 – Ninth Annual Albatross Old Smokey Throwdown

Well, we all know there’s nothing better than a barbecue on a hot summer day. The Old Smokey Throwdown is an opportunity for cooking teams to show their stuff. This annual event is sponsored by the Albatross Bar, 815 21st Street. 

July 16 – ArtWalk

ArtWalk is one of Galveston’s most popular events held in Downtown Galveston. Art galleries, shops, and other businesses welcome visitors from 6 to 9 p.m. to browse art by local and regional artists. For locals, it’s like a community reunion.  

Where to Shop and Where to Eat

Here are some suggestions of what should be on your list.

Wing’s, 529 Seawall Blvd. and 4918 Seawall Blvd.

Everyone needs unexpected gear when they visit Galveston, these sister shops have anything and everything you might need for the beach including souvenirs. Make sure you buy that Galveston Island t-shirt or tank as a remembrance of your visit.  

Southern Spears, 6026 Seawall Blvd., Shop C

The nice thing about this shop it’s a surf store operated by surfers. Southern Spears offers quality surf clothing, equipment and surfboards. They also offer surf lessons. The carry surfboard from shapers in Australia and Texas.  

Koop’s BBQ Kitchen, 4501 Broadway. 

Barbecue is always a good choice for Texas and Galveston. Plus, it’s always nice to have someone else do the cooking. Koop’s is a local favorite and is in a new location on Broadway. Buy smoked meat by the pound or order a plate. You should also consider their burger.    

Shrimp ‘N Stuff, 3901 Avenue O (original location), 2506 Ball Street, and 16603 Termini – San Luis Pass Road

If you are craving a good old fashioned fried shrimp po-boy, this is the restaurant. And, the plus is there are three locations. Shrimp ‘N Stuff has been a Galveston mainstay since 1976. Po-boys are their specialty. They offer, shrimp, catfish, shrimp salad, chicken fried steak, crab ball, crawfish tale and more. Put this on your list. 

We hope you enjoy these tips for your July trip to Galveston. Remember, Ryson Vacation Rentals is ready to help you make the most of your vacation rental. The island is ideal for a weekend stay, weekly rental, or month-long getaway.

Ryson Vacation Rentals offers more than 250 properties across the island that provide plenty of reasons to visit Galveston this year. If you need help planning your visit, Gulf Coast Concierge can assist.

Book Your Galveston Vacation Now

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christine Hopkins is a proud BOI, meaning she was “Born on the Island.” She is the co-author of the newly released “100 Things to Do in Galveston Before You Die,” published by Reedy Press. Before the book, she wrote more than 300 blogs on Galveston offering travel tips on what to see and do. Over the years, she’s given hundreds of tours for visiting travel writers showcasing the sites on the island. Currently, she’s a Galveston guide for ToursByLocals.com.