Things To Do
It’s Spring Break in Galveston
Spring Break Galveston Texas 2022
Spring Break in Galveston is upon us, let’s all take a break and get some sun, have some island fun on the beaches, and welcome our visiting friends!
Even though the weather still feels somewhat “wintery” on the island and with more cold temperatures exected, it is that time of year again.
Ready or not, it’s Spring Break in Galveston! This year, schools are starting break sometime beginning March 12 and lasting through March 28. It looks like March will be a busy month full of fun, visitors, and events.
There is never a lack of things to do in Galveston. Here are a few suggestions, as well as some changes you should know!
Public Transit Schedule – If you plan to use the trolleys or shuttles during Spring Break, here is the updated schedule:
Stewart Beach Is Closed! Stewart Beach Park is currently undergoing renovations to improve their facilities. This is great for beachgoers starting this summer. But …
Unfortunately, this means the park is temporarily closed!
Stewart Beach is expected to reopen in June 2022.
Galveston Helicopter Tours Has Moved – Speaking of Stewart Beach being closed until Memorial Day…
If you book a helicopter tour of Galveston Island, you’ll typically depart from Stewart Beach.
The location at the airport is 115 Terminal Dr Galveston, TX 77550
If you prefer, you can book a tour online anytime.
Beachcombing and Shark Teeth! What is the best time for beachcombing? Two hours after high tide, there will be freshly exposed beach, and that’s the best time to start exploring.
Local Tip: if you are looking for sea glass, spend your time on the smaller beach areas along the bay, instead of the gulf side of the island.
Find Shark Teeth – A lot of beachcombers look for shark teeth on the beach, and there are plenty to be found.
Shark tooth hunting is an easy and fun activity for the whole family from the youngest to the oldest!
Look for the dark triangle shapes, they are usually mixed in with broken shells and sand on the beach, particularly at the tide line where waves crash onto the shore, and in small tide pools. You may want to take a stick and poke around the wrack line (where the highest tide leaves organic debris on the shore) of high tide looking through the material washed up onto the beach.
Good luck hunting!
Galveston – Port Bolivar Ferry is Free – The ferry boat ride is the best free ride you’ll ever take. Watch for dolphins that love to ride beside the ferry.
Locals tip: To save time, park your car and walk onto the ferry! Enjoy a little time on the edge of Bolivar Peninsula, take a break, then turn around and walk back on the ferry. One busy days – like during Spring Break – walk-ons can often ride the ferry and return before a car in line even boards.
The ferry also offers some amazing sunrise and sunset photo opportunities. The ferry runs 24/7 so time your ride accordingly to get some amazing pics – videos too!
Professional Sandcastle Lessons -This is a rare opportunity to learn how to create dazzling castles and sand sculptures from amazing professional sandcastle artists!
This is a FREE family-friendly event held during the weekends. The instruction is open to kids and adults at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm on March 12, 13, 19, 20.
Lessons are being held right at the water’s edge, 201 Seawall Boulevard in Galveston.
You don’t have to register, just show up and create amazing things! Take photos of your creation and send them to us!
What To Do During Spring Break
Island Treasure Hunts
This is a really cool way for all ages to explore the island. If you haven’t tried it yet, you must! It’s simple and fun. All you need is a smart phone and you can pick from several scavenger hunt games around various parts of the island.
You’ll discover historical trivia, complete fun challenges and even win local prizes. You can tour and play anytime, at your own pace.
Get all the details, pricing, starting points as well as parking and transportation information at: Island Treasure Hunts
Take A Trolley Ride
The Galveston Trolley is back. After a decade of being out of service, The City of Galveston celebrated the return of the trolleys on October 1, 2021.
The original trolley cars have been restored and are now back in full operation. Take a ride during Spring Break! Check out the updated schedule.
Go Dolphin Watching!
Take a free 45-minute ride on Galveston’s Port Bolivar Ferry. You can always count on amazing views, all the different birds, and occasionally catching dolphin activity. If you are really lucky you might catch a glimpse of the pink dolphin!
The port is located at 502 Ferry Rd, Galveston, TX 77550-3146.
If you don’t get to see dolphins on your ferry ride, head over and take a Dolphin Tour from Galveston Water Adventures.
Galveston Water Adventures also offers sunset cruise and seasonal jet boat rides.
Hit The Beach!
We don’t need to overstate the obvious choice, right? There is plenty of beach to chose from.
Note: Stewart Beach is closed for renovations so you’ll need to head slightly west on the seawall, or head out a few miles and enjoy a pocket park. Just go west from the seawall and look for the signs.
The water is still a bit chilly for most of us, but that means more opportunity for sandcastles, picnics, and beach side fun! While you are at the beach you can look for shells and shark teeth!
Galveston Railroad Museum
There has never been a better time to visit the Galveston Railroad Museum which is dedicated to the restoration, observation, and re-use of its historic facilities and equipment for the development of educational and interactive programs, which support railroading and transportation initiatives serving our regional community.
The museum has 5 acres of trains and there are approximately 40 rolling stock, including locomotives, passenger cars, freight cars, and cabooses. The 1932 Depot was the headquarters of the Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe Railroad.
The fully restored depot has a gift shop, interactive displays, and the People’s Gallery statues. The Map Room, adjacent to the Depot, has rotating exhibits.
Now you can even make plans to sleep over on a train, and hop on a caboose ride.
Galveston Historical Society Experiences
The Galveston Historical Society has some unique and interesting choices that the entire family can enjoy.
- Ship To Shore Galveston Experience
Follow in the footsteps of the early immigrants, from the long sea voyage to the hustle and bustle arriving in the 1880s at Galveston, one of the busiest ports and booming cities in the United States. - 1892 Bishop’s Palace
Galveston Island’s most visited historic home! Listed in the National Register of Historic Places and considered one of the most significant of Victorian residences in the country. - Historic Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch
Explore Galveston’s historic harbor onboard the SEAGULL II. Bring your camera for dolphins, incredible views, and a front-row seat to our maritime history. - 1877 Tall Ship Elissa Tour
A National Historic Landmark and the Official Tall Ship of Texas! Go onboard for a self-guided tour tracing her incredible history, connection to Galveston, and restoration. - Hendley Green Movie Night
Free to the public on 3/18, this special showing starts of “The Princess Bride” at 7 p.m. with a Princess Bride trivia contest, followed by the feature.
Galveston Pirate Museum
Pirates! Legends of the Gulf Coast Museum showcases a part of Galveston’s varied history that kids are interested in. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the Gulf of Mexico served as a major port for pirates and privateers.
Here’s a chance for kids to meet the resident pirates and hear all the stories, myths and legends about the last Galveston Buccaneers.
Visit Moody Gardens
- Dinos Alive – Embark on a Jurassic Adventure.
Get up-close and personal experience with some of the planet’s most feared and amazing creatures in this exciting exhibit featuring full-size, life-like animatronic dinosaurs.
- Spring Adventures
Have fun and learn this Spring Break! These programs are geared towards learners of all ages and will include educational program activities, topic focused guided tour and re-entry into the corresponding attraction for more self-discovery. These programs take place from 9:00am–12:00pm on the dates below:March 14, 2022 – Whimsical World of Water
March 15, 2022 – Investigating Insects
March 16, 2022 – The Nitty-Gritty of Animal Niches
March 17, 2022 – Treetops in the Tropics
March 18, 2022 – Wilderness Explorers
March 19, 2022 – Sensical Survival - 3D Theater
Dont miss the 3D experience at Moody Gardens. Currently featured are:– “Wings Over Water”, narrated by Michael Keaton, tells the compelling story of three amazing bird species—the Sandhill Crane, the Yellow Warbler and the Mallard Duck—with extraordinary footage of their fascinating behaviors. All of them depend on the wetlands for their survival.
– “Sea Lions – Life by a Whisker” is a classic coming-of-age tale filled with hope, humor, and wonder – a heart-warming journey of a sea lion pup named Otto, and the man that has dedicated his life to trying to save her species. A fierce campaigner for ocean conservation and the ban of single use plastics, Neill is the perfect fit to tell the Whiskers story.
– “Mowgli’s 4D Jungle Adventure” – Mowgli is a fearless boy raised by wolves, unites a pack of unlikely allies – including a formidable black panther, a goofy sloth bear, a caring elephant and a ruthless tiger – to protect one of the jungle’s own from being captured by evil poachers.
For tickets and and more details: visit Moody Gardens Website
Go Fishing!
You can fish with the kiddos at Galveston Island State Park. Although the beachside park is still closed, you can still fish in the bay area. While you visit the par, you don’t need a fishing license. You do need to bring your own fishing gear. There is also a canoe and kayak launch area when you bring your own. No equipment rental is available at the State Park.
If you want to fish on the surf side, head over to Jimmy’s on the Pier at 9000 block of Seawall Blvd., or stop in at 61st Street Fishing Pier. Both of these locations have gear rentals as well as snacks and drinks.
Seawolf Park is a local favorite with some serious action. This might a good place for more experienced fishing.
Galveston Children’s Museum
Spring Break Camp – Each day of Camp will present your child with challenges where they can explore, test, create and design in the world of Science all while having FUN!
Children will also have plenty of museum playtime as well as snacks and interacting with new friends.
Topics will challenge ages 4-10 and present non-stop fun! Single-day camps will run from 9 am – 3 pm.
Walk The Strand!
Galveston’s Famous Strand District is full of great shops, restaurants, and plenty of personality. Even if you frequent The Strand, you can take a day (or an evening) to live like a tourist.
Stroll up and down the sidewalks taking your time. Stop and have a refreshing beverage at one of the many small seating areas. Stroll through the souvenir shops and try a new local restaurant while you are here.
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