Memorial Weekend is Just the Start of the Summer

If you failed to book your Galveston getaway for Memorial Weekend, remember it’s just the start of summer. You still have a little time to get some sand between your toes and enjoy all this Texas coastal treasure has to offer. But, if you want your pick of vacation rentals, book early! 

Of course, Galveston’s beaches are the #1 reason people choose the island, so make sure to allocate plenty of time to relax or play at the beach. 

Beyond the beach, here are some suggestions on what to include as part of your summer getaway:

Schlitterbahn Waterpark, 2109 Gene Lucas Blvd.

Sure there’s the beach, but there’s nothing better than a waterpark. And Schlitterbahn Galveston is one of the best in the country. The park is divided into three sections, Wasserfest (the indoor area), Blastenhoff, and Surfenburg. Look for MASSIV in Blastenhoff. It’s one of the tallest water coasters in the world, standing at 82 feet, 6.72 inches. Tip: Food and drink are available, but you can also bring your own picnic. The park just completed an overhaul of its restaurants, including new menus and the addition of a brand-new food truck featuring street tacos. If you visit Galveston regularly, the park also offers a season pass. 

Palm Beach at Moody Gardens, One Hope Blvd. 

If you’re wondering what makes Palm Beach at Moody Gardens so special, it’s the setting and amenities. You’ll find a lazy river, wave pool, tower slides, and splash pad. We recommend you arrive early and grab your beach chair and umbrella. Chairs and umbrellas are first-come, first-serve. Tip: Bundle your attraction tickets for added savings. 

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, 2501 Seawall Blvd.

Nothing is more Instagram-worthy than the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. The Pleasure Pier offers 16 rides, a midway, shops, and food. It’s a great way to spend the afternoon or an evening when it’s all lit up. If one amusement park isn’t enough. You can purchase a weekend adventure pass that offers unlimited three-day admission on rides at the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, the Kemah Boardwalk, and the Downtown Aquarium in Houston. The weekend pass is valid on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Memorial Day Ceremony at the Galveston Naval Museum, 100 Seawolf Parkway

The Galveston Naval Museum is home to the USS Stewart, 1942 Destroyer Escort, and the USS Cavalla, 1943 Gato Class Submarine. On Monday, May 30, the Museum is hosting its annual Memorial Day Ceremony at 10 a.m. Fun fact: The USS Cavalla is on the National Register of Historic Places.    

We hope you make the most of your Galveston getaway with these tips for Memorial Weekend on the island. 

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.

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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