Take a Tour of Galveston’s Most Gorgeous Historic Homes

If you are one of those people who can’t help but glance through the windows of a gorgeous house when you’re walking or driving by. Or you’re obsessed with HGTV. Then, we can pretty much guarantee you’re going to love the Galveston Historic Homes Tour scheduled for May 1, 2, 8, and 9. This year is the 47th Annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour for the Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF).

This year is the 47th Annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour for the Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF). GHF hosts Homes Tour annually during the first two weekends of May. This year, there are ten private homes on tour. These are the type of homes you drive by and just wonder what’s inside. 

This year, homes range from 1877 to 1916. GHF takes special care when selecting the homes and the owners spend months getting their house ready for the tour. Remember, there are ten homes, so plan out your route. You can tour homes from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. 

Here are some quick tips:

• Dress for the weather. Consider bringing an umbrella or hat for some added shade. These tours are popular and, more than likely, you’ll be in a line, so please respect others and social distance.
• Bring and wear your mask. GHF requires visitors to wear their masks while inside the homes. 
• Bring something to drink in case it’s warm outside but remember no beverages inside the homes.
• Purchase your weekend pass in advance. This year, your ticket is valid for the first weekend or the second weekend, not both like in past years. 
• Consider enjoying the tour by bicycle. Ask us about renting a bike. 
• Thank the volunteers. The ticket takers and docents are typically all volunteers. 

In case you didn’t know, Galveston Island is home to one of the largest collections of historic homes in the nation. Galveston also has four designated historic districts – The Strand National Historic Landmark District, East End Historic District, Silk Stocking Historic District, and Lost Bayou Historic District. During Homes Tour, you’ll probably see homes in the East End, Silk Stocking, and Lost Bayou Districts, while The Strand is primarily commercial.  

We hope you’ll take a break between touring homes and dine in one of the many locally-owned restaurants. You’ll find several restaurants in the East End and The Strand. And, don’t forget to venture to Postoffice Street and West Market for more dining options. These last two areas are local favorites. 

We hope you make the most of your Galveston getaway with these tips for Galveston Historic Homes Tour. 

Ryson Vacation Rentals offers more than 200 properties across the island to suit any taste and budget. If you need help planning your visit, Gulf Coast Concierge is available to help.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christine 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.