Things to do at the Galveston Seawall

The Galveston Seawall and its adjacent Seawall Boulevard offer a range of tourist attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. It boasts the longest continuous sidewalk in the United States at 10.3 miles long! It was built to protect the city from future hurricanes. Here are some popular attractions along the Seawall in Galveston, Texas:

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier:

Located at the intersection of Seawall Boulevard and 25th Street, the Pleasure Pier is a family-friendly amusement park built on a historic pier. It features rides, games, restaurants, and shops, offering a classic seaside amusement experience. My husband and daughter enjoyed flying over the pier and water on the Texas Star Flyer (not me!) and we all enjoyed the Ferris wheel. Grab a corn dog, ice cream cone or funnel cake for that classic seaside boardwalk experience! Or eat lunch or dinner at Bubba Gump’s. Pleasure Pier

Restaurants:

Numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries line Seawall Boulevard, offering a variety of cuisines, from fresh seafood to international dishes. Visitors can enjoy a meal with a view of the Gulf or grab a snack while walking along the Boulevard. Our favorites are The Spot (offers burgers, seafood, salads, etc with multiple bars), Papa’s Pizza, Nick’s Kitchen and Beach Bar (lots of seafood, burgers, tacos and more), Miller’s Seawall Grill, Mario’s Seawall Italian (delicious gelato!), and Gaido’s. There are many other restaurants to enjoy, from fast food to upscale dining experiences.

Fishing Opportunities:

Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck from the Seawall and the jetties, or they can join fishing charters departing from the nearby marinas. Galveston is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, and the Seawall area is no exception. Try your luck at the 61st Street or 91st Street fishing piers. You can rent fishing rods and frozen bait is available for purchase so there is no need to drag equipment with you on your trip! Fishing charters provide all the gear and bait needed, and the captains will clean your catch for you! There are several restaurants in Galveston that will cook what you catch, so no worries about dragging it on your cruise ship! These include Huli Huli Hut, Katie’s, Waterman’s, Marina Bar & Grill, and all of them are great restaurant choices if you strike out on the water.

Events and Festivals:

Throughout the year, the Seawall area hosts various events, festivals, and concerts. These events showcase local culture, music, and art, providing entertainment for both tourists and residents. They include fun runs like the Santa Hustle Race and the Galveston Island Turkey Trot for charity, the Lone Star Rally, Galveston Restaurant Weeks, Mardi Gras parades, July 4th festivities, sandcastle competitions, and much more.

Bicycle Rentals and Segway Tours:

Renting bicycles or joining Segway tours is a popular way to explore the Seawall and its surroundings. Many rental shops along the Seawall offer bikes, scooters, and Segways for tourists to enjoy a scenic ride. Rent a surrey bike and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Seawall. Many offer electric bike rentals, trailer rentals for the little ones, golf cart rentals, Slingshot rentals, and beach gear rentals (surfboards, kayaks, boogieboards, metal detectors, etc).

Fun Activities:

Fly a kite, race your friends, or play mini golf! There are shops along Seawall Blvd. offering beautiful, unique kites for sale, like those at Kites Unlimited. Test your mini golfing skill at Magic Carpet Golf. Or race your friends and play arcade games at Galveston Go Karts and Fun Center. Enjoy an afternoon treat at Rita’s Italian Ice & Custard, Orange Leaf Fro Yo, Ben & Jerry’s, Dippin’ Dots, Sugar Land Candy Shop, or Teaside Tapioca (boba tea, slushies, smoothies, coffee).

Shopping:

Shop your way down the Seawall! Start on the east Seawall at Wings souvenir shop. Then make your way down to Murdoch’s near Pleasure Pier. They offer lots of souvenirs, hermit crabs, candy/snacks and more. Enjoy sitting on the patio in the back of Murdoch’s with a cold frozen beverage from the bar and watch the waves come in from your rocking chair. Continue west to Dolphin World, Seawall Souvenirs & Bike Rentals, and many more.

The Beach!

There are many beach access stairways along Seawall Blvd. There are umbrella and chair rentals at various locations on the beach so you don’t need to worry about bringing anything extra! Visit Stewart Beach and enjoy volleyball, cornhole, and a playground. Stewart Beach has snacks and drinks available for purchase, restroom and shower facilities and lifeguards. Family-friendly with no alcohol permitted. Stewart Beach

Historical Adventures:

Explore Galveston’s rich history along Seawall Blvd. At Seawall and 23rd Street, you will find the Great Storm Memorial. This monument pays tribute to the victims of the Great Storm of 1900 hurricane, the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. History. You will also find another 1900 Storm tribute sculpture at Seawall near 53rd Street. On the east end of Galveston’s Seawall you can explore the old Fort San Jacinto site. There is a historical marker and remnants of the fort to view.

Birding:

Galveston is home to many species of waterfowl, shorebirds, pelicans, and migratory birds. You will see these on the beach, seawall areas, and the east end of the seawall. The East End Lagoon Nature Preserve is a wonderful location to observe many species of birds that inhabit Galveston Island and offers hiking trails, kayaking, and fishing. East End Lagoon

Whether you’re interested in thrilling rides, historical exploration, outdoor activities, or simply relaxing on the beach, the Seawall area in Galveston offers a diverse range of attractions and experiences for tourists to enjoy. So be sure to add several days to your cruise vacation to explore Galveston Island!