Galveston Area Vacation Questions - TexasBowhunter.com Community Discussion Forums

KX500 · 03-03-2021, 11:28 AM

Never been to the area, so wondering about several things. I hear Galveston Beaches are a bit restrictive.

Is it better to stay in or very close to Galveston or better to be down the coast a little further. If so, what towns should I look at?

We're mostly looking for some beach days and touristy stuff.

I have a lot of Holiday Inn points, so staying in that hotel chain (free) is extremely likely.

I assume with the Governor saying 'open up', Texas is going to be better than a lot of places!

hogslayer78 · 03-03-2021, 11:35 AM

The water isn't very nice in Galveston at all. If I were you, I would look around Corpus or South Padre Island.

Bayouboy · 03-03-2021, 11:36 AM

If you are going to travel from Illinois to a nice beach Galveston will be disappointing.

You can get some great food in the area and a few trinkets. But, if you want nicer water and beachfront I recommend you go further down the coast.

90% of the time Galveston basically looks like ditch water.

ateague11 · 03-03-2021, 11:36 AM

If you are coming from Illinois I would look at the Florida panhandle vs. Texas beaches

rvd · 03-03-2021, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ateague11

If you are coming from Illinois I would look at the Florida panhandle vs. Texas beaches

This or Port Aransas south. The Corpus airport is also one of the easiest in the state to get in and out of fwiw.

Bayouboy · 03-03-2021, 11:40 AM

Even Mississippi and Alabama have nicer beaches.

KX500 · 03-03-2021, 11:57 AM

Going to Florida next week. Looking at Texas because the last couple days can be a Blackbuck hunt. Will look at Corpus.

DXT Steve · 03-03-2021, 12:47 PM

But....... If you wanted to come to Galveston, you could cross the ferry to the Bolivar Peninsula. There you can actually drive your vehicle on the beach and stop by our soon to be newly opened store Crystal Beach Decor' and More. There you will have the opportunity to see one of the largest whitetail deer you have ever seen, as you buy RTIC cups, shirts, Game Guard shirts and much, much more!

Duckologist · 03-03-2021, 01:09 PM

Galveston is a S**t hole

cap50948 · 03-03-2021, 01:11 PM

Stay in Galveston. Lots to do on the strand and walking the sea wall at night is pretty fun. There's a lot to do downtown on the strand.

For beaches, use the ferry to go to Crystal beach. Beaches are way better and there are less people.

MadHatter · 03-03-2021, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DXT Steve

But....... If you wanted to come to Galveston, you could cross the ferry to the Bolivar Peninsula. There you can actually drive your vehicle on the beach and stop by our soon to be newly opened store Crystal Beach Decor' and More. There you will have the opportunity to see one of the largest whitetail deer you have ever seen, as you buy RTIC cups, shirts, Game Guard shirts and much, much more!

This ^^^.
You can rent a really nice house for a lot less on Bolivar.
Beaches are wide open over there, and everything is laid back compared to G-Town.
Ride the ferry over over to Galveston each day.
Definitely not Florida water, but personally I love the area.
Always said I was going to move back one day, but haven't made it yet

.

Bayouboy · 03-03-2021, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DXT Steve

But....... If you wanted to come to Galveston, you could cross the ferry to the Bolivar Peninsula. There you can actually drive your vehicle on the beach and stop by our soon to be newly opened store Crystal Beach Decor' and More. There you will have the opportunity to see one of the largest whitetail deer you have ever seen, as you buy RTIC cups, shirts, Game Guard shirts and much, much more!

True dat!

Shake N' Bake · 03-03-2021, 01:52 PM

Dont listen to the nay-sayers. Me and my family love Galveston.
If you stay on the island, take the ferry over to Bolivar and eat at Stingarees
Eat at The Spot
Go to The Strand, Moody Gardens and Scliterbahn

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Dale Moser · 03-03-2021, 02:00 PM

Beach water color is over rated BS. We’ve been several times to Crystal Beach/Bolivar and our families have a blast. We VRBO front row house with a walk over and the party is on. We cross over at high island so no ferry necessary, if the women want to go to Galveston they can cross and do women stuff. Highly reccomend the area, and new things are being built. Most everything there has been built since the cane in 09.

I wouldn’t stay IN Galveston.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

LivinADream · 03-03-2021, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dale Moser

Beach water color is over rated BS. We’ve been several times to Crystal Beach/Bolivar and our families have a blast. We VRBO front row house with a walk over and the party is on. We cross over at high island so no ferry necessary, if the women want to go to Galveston they can cross and do women stuff. Highly reccomend the area, and new things are being built. Most everything there has been built since the cane in 09.

I wouldn’t stay IN Galveston.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This ^^^. Color doesn't matter, I live about 20 miles from crystal beach, we have a blast there. Bring your buggy to ride the beach and your boat to fish east Bay.

Sent from my motorola one 5G UW using Tapatalk

RRagan83 · 03-03-2021, 02:57 PM

Look at Cobb realtor lots of good rentals in Gilchrist

Johnny · 03-03-2021, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shake N' Bake

Dont listen to the nay-sayers. Me and my family love Galveston.
If you stay on the island, take the ferry over to Bolivar and eat at Stingarees
Eat at The Spot
Go to The Strand, Moody Gardens and Scliterbahn

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Yep, love me some Galveston, way more than Florida and Alabama and I have been there numerous times. Tons to do in Galveston but I hang out on the West End or San Luis Pass fishing most of the time. Check out all the beach house rentals on the West End on VRBO. The closest places to attractions would be Pirates Beach, Sunny Beach, Indian Beach and just a little further down is Jamaica Beach. Also check out Cajun Greek's on 61st Street while there for some dang good eats.

https://cajun-greek-seafood.com/

dirtybay · 03-03-2021, 04:22 PM

I got married in Galveston. We go there once a year. Hit the strand and enjoy all the shops, bars, coffee and food. La kings for a shake or malt.
Book a night on strand and git everything there, then finish off with a beach rental. Book a fishing trip as well.

Lonewolf · 03-03-2021, 05:33 PM

Love Crystal Beach!

MadHatter · 03-03-2021, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RRagan83

Look at Cobb realtor lots of good rentals in Gilchrist

Can't go wrong here.
Been using them for 10+ yrs.
Top notch rental agency.

C-dubyah · 03-03-2021, 07:07 PM

I live nearby and Galveston is great to visit for other things beside the beach. Check out Moody Gardens, walk down the Strand, Pleasure Pier, some cool bars and restaurants, charter fishing.

For the beach get on the county beach between Surfside and San Luis Pass, somewhere in the middle of that area, there will be several openings on Blue Water Highway to go straight onto the beach. You can back right up to the water and the beach is clean unless a bunch of seaweed came in. Take a heavy duty rake if the seaweed is there, a little elbow grease and you will have a clean spot to setup. Also, most of the openings to go onto the beach from the road have loose sand so take a truck or haul azz when going through.

dhall · 03-03-2021, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duckologist

galveston is a s**t hole

yes

MadHatter · 03-03-2021, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dhall

yes

The middle for sure.
You gotta stay on edges

.
It definitely has its own vibe

.

waterdog · 03-03-2021, 08:54 PM

am a b.o.i. sad but true would never take a trip back.. not the place it was back in the days. better places to go see and have fun.

orchard · 03-03-2021, 09:16 PM

I usually post up right before the pass. Early mornings out there in the surf can be mind blowing sometimes.

Anteloper · 03-03-2021, 09:43 PM

My wife watched the "outdaughtered" episode where they went to Galveston so now were going to Galveston Island in June. It looks like were staying a mile or 2 East of the state park. We will definitely check out some of these places.

KX500 · 03-04-2021, 08:55 AM

Stuck with Galveston. Got a Holiday Inn on Seawall Blvd - used points, staying for free (except parking).

And (for the most important part) booked a hunt for Axis or Blackbuck, after Galveston, with Hensel Whitetail Ranch - first week of June.

Not a fisherman, probably do whatever the wife wants on the non-hunting portion of trip - but she most always picks good stuff - I married extremely well.

I'll save Corpus Christi/Padre Island for a vacation/Nilgai hunt someday.

Bayouboy · 03-04-2021, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KX500

Stuck with Galveston. Got a Holiday Inn on Seawall Blvd - used points, staying for free (except parking).

And (for the most important part) booked a hunt for Axis or Blackbuck, after Galveston, with Hensel Whitetail Ranch - first week of June.

Not a fisherman, probably do whatever the wife wants on the non-hunting portion of trip - but she most always picks good stuff - I married extremely well.

I'll save Corpus Christi/Padre Island for a vacation/Nilgai hunt someday.

Not sure how long you will be staying. But, if you want a change of pace drive 20 minutes north on 146 and hit Kemah for some good food and live music at T Bone Toms and a few other venues.

Pope · 03-04-2021, 11:00 AM

You guys are trashing my hometown.

quackerback · 03-04-2021, 11:22 AM

Galveston island Brewery makes some good beers also.

rebelmdb69 · 03-11-2021, 10:11 AM

Who has some fishing charter recommendations. Post em up or pm them if you don't mind.

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

Pineywoods · 03-11-2021, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hogslayer78

The water isn't very nice in Galveston at all. If I were you, I would look around Corpus or South Padre Island.

This. I lived in Galveston for about 6 months while we had a project going on the island. I hated it. In my opinion you have to get near South Padre to find a decent beach in Texas. I'm not a fan of that whole stretch of coast through that area near Galveston.

asu-indian · 03-11-2021, 08:32 PM

Lots of history there. So there is old and new. We just got back and appreciated it all.

Boss Buck · 03-12-2021, 07:39 AM

We are going the first of May. We plan on relaxing at pool bar and beach. Nothing else we won’t to do.

Hooverfb · 03-12-2021, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dale Moser

Beach water color is over rated BS. We’ve been several times to Crystal Beach/Bolivar and our families have a blast. We VRBO front row house with a walk over and the party is on. We cross over at high island so no ferry necessary, if the women want to go to Galveston they can cross and do women stuff. Highly reccomend the area, and new things are being built. Most everything there has been built since the cane in 09.

I wouldn’t stay IN Galveston.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This. Downtown ( the strand) is nice to walk around, find some shops, grab a beer walk n talk. My son loves just going down there and being near the beach. If it was up to him at 5 years old, we'd live there lol.

Bayouboy · 03-12-2021, 08:15 AM

I live less than 30 min from Galveston. And, I won’t even visit the place unless absolutely necessary. I can find seafood just as good in Kemah or San Leon. But, for folks that don’t get the chance to get there very often it may be a nice change.

Kinda like New Orleans is to a lot of us from La.
I find the food and fun around Acadiana a lot better than New Orleans.

cbd10pt · 03-12-2021, 08:25 AM

Go to Orange Beach Alabama.
Cheap hotels beautiful water nice people.
I live Just the other side of the causeway from Galveston.
It's not pretty until you get 15 miles off shore

dbelcher269 · 03-12-2021, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KX500

Stuck with Galveston. Got a Holiday Inn on Seawall Blvd - used points, staying for free (except parking).

And (for the most important part) booked a hunt for Axis or Blackbuck, after Galveston, with Hensel Whitetail Ranch - first week of June.

Not a fisherman, probably do whatever the wife wants on the non-hunting portion of trip - but she most always picks good stuff - I married extremely well.

I'll save Corpus Christi/Padre Island for a vacation/Nilgai hunt someday.

Nothing wrong with Galveston. Sure there are nicer beaches up and down the coast, but Galveston has some pretty decent restaurants and history. The Space Center in Houston is neat to.

warrington · 03-12-2021, 09:37 AM

Port Aransas

Mexico · 03-12-2021, 10:18 AM

Galveston has a cool vibe with plenty to do for " adults only " or the whole family. It really has it all... except pretty water.. great restaurants, water parks, outdoor theater, tours and museums of all kinds, fishing, birding, historical sites...you name it, it has it.

ken · 03-12-2021, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KX500

Stuck with Galveston. Got a Holiday Inn on Seawall Blvd - used points, staying for free (except parking).

And (for the most important part) booked a hunt for Axis or Blackbuck, after Galveston, with Hensel Whitetail Ranch - first week of June.

Not a fisherman, probably do whatever the wife wants on the non-hunting portion of trip - but she most always picks good stuff - I married extremely well.

I'll save Corpus Christi/Padre Island for a vacation/Nilgai hunt someday.

Can you use your points at Holiday Inn Silverleaf? This place is out near the end of the the island and a nicer location.

quackerback · 03-12-2021, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rebelmdb69

Who has some fishing charter recommendations. Post em up or pm them if you don't mind.

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

Captain Cody. Goes by captain c on here. Went with him and had a great time

MisterB · 03-13-2021, 10:21 PM

Blue Water Resort in Freeport. We just got back from a week in the RV park. Stayed bayside. Caught bunch of big blue crabs (in traps baited with chicken drumsticks) off the little piers there. Fished the surf by wading out in insulated waders to cast out farther. Caught my first Red Drum on bait shrimp and “fish bites”, 26 inches long, caught a nice flounder on cut bait and bunch of Whiting, and of courseL bunches of those dang little saltwater catfish. Buy you a crab box-trap nearby at Buckies and a throw net. Caught bunches of 3-6 inch Mullet for cut bait with a cast net right off the little piers behind the Rv spaces.

03-03-2021, 11:28 AM	#1
KX500 Six Point Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: SW Illinois Hunt In: Texas (whenever I can) & Illinois	Galveston Area Vacation Questions Never been to the area, so wondering about several things. I hear Galveston Beaches are a bit restrictive. Is it better to stay in or very close to Galveston or better to be down the coast a little further. If so, what towns should I look at? We're mostly looking for some beach days and touristy stuff. I have a lot of Holiday Inn points, so staying in that hotel chain (free) is extremely likely. I assume with the Governor saying 'open up', Texas is going to be better than a lot of places!

03-03-2021, 02:00 PM	#14
Dale Moser Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Wise Cty Hunt In: Young Cty	Galveston Area Vacation Questions Beach water color is over rated BS. We’ve been several times to Crystal Beach/Bolivar and our families have a blast. We VRBO front row house with a walk over and the party is on. We cross over at high island so no ferry necessary, if the women want to go to Galveston they can cross and do women stuff. Highly reccomend the area, and new things are being built. Most everything there has been built since the cane in 09. I wouldn’t stay IN Galveston. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Last edited by Dale Moser; 03-03-2021 at 02:05 PM.

03-03-2021, 08:54 PM	#24
waterdog Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006	am a b.o.i. sad but true would never take a trip back.. not the place it was back in the days. better places to go see and have fun. Last edited by waterdog; 03-03-2021 at 09:05 PM.

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03-03-2021, 11:35 AM	#2
hogslayer78 Pope & Young Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Porter, Tx Hunt In: San Augustine	The water isn't very nice in Galveston at all. If I were you, I would look around Corpus or South Padre Island.

03-03-2021, 11:36 AM	#3
Bayouboy Pope & Young Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: League City Hunt In: East Texas	If you are going to travel from Illinois to a nice beach Galveston will be disappointing. You can get some great food in the area and a few trinkets. But, if you want nicer water and beachfront I recommend you go further down the coast. 90% of the time Galveston basically looks like ditch water.

03-03-2021, 11:36 AM	#4
ateague11 Ten Point Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Taylor, TX Hunt In: In a tree!	If you are coming from Illinois I would look at the Florida panhandle vs. Texas beaches

03-03-2021, 11:40 AM	#6
Bayouboy Pope & Young Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: League City Hunt In: East Texas	Even Mississippi and Alabama have nicer beaches.

03-03-2021, 11:57 AM	#7
KX500 Six Point Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: SW Illinois Hunt In: Texas (whenever I can) & Illinois	Going to Florida next week. Looking at Texas because the last couple days can be a Blackbuck hunt. Will look at Corpus.

03-03-2021, 12:47 PM	#8
DXT Steve Ten Point Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Hitchcock, Texas Hunt In: South Texas	But....... If you wanted to come to Galveston, you could cross the ferry to the Bolivar Peninsula. There you can actually drive your vehicle on the beach and stop by our soon to be newly opened store Crystal Beach Decor' and More. There you will have the opportunity to see one of the largest whitetail deer you have ever seen, as you buy RTIC cups, shirts, Game Guard shirts and much, much more!

03-03-2021, 01:09 PM	#9
Duckologist Ten Point Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: SW Louisiana	Galveston is a S**t hole

03-03-2021, 01:11 PM	#10
cap50948 Four Point Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: TX Panhandle Hunt In: Hemphill, Erath, Leon, Freestone	Stay in Galveston. Lots to do on the strand and walking the sea wall at night is pretty fun. There's a lot to do downtown on the strand. For beaches, use the ferry to go to Crystal beach. Beaches are way better and there are less people.

03-03-2021, 01:52 PM	#13
Shake N' Bake Associate Sponsor Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Krum, Tx Hunt In: Where ever im invited	Dont listen to the nay-sayers. Me and my family love Galveston. If you stay on the island, take the ferry over to Bolivar and eat at Stingarees Eat at The Spot Go to The Strand, Moody Gardens and Scliterbahn Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

03-03-2021, 02:57 PM	#16
RRagan83 Ten Point Join Date: Dec 2014 Hunt In: Schleicher, Edwards, Kimble, and McCulloch county	Look at Cobb realtor lots of good rentals in Gilchrist

03-03-2021, 04:22 PM	#18
dirtybay Six Point Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Seabrook Hunt In: East Texas	I got married in Galveston. We go there once a year. Hit the strand and enjoy all the shops, bars, coffee and food. La kings for a shake or malt. Book a night on strand and git everything there, then finish off with a beach rental. Book a fishing trip as well.

03-03-2021, 05:33 PM	#19
Lonewolf Six Point Join Date: May 2007 Location: Mineral Wells Texas Hunt In: Young and Palo Pinto counties	Love Crystal Beach!

03-03-2021, 07:07 PM	#21
C-dubyah Six Point Join Date: Aug 2018	I live nearby and Galveston is great to visit for other things beside the beach. Check out Moody Gardens, walk down the Strand, Pleasure Pier, some cool bars and restaurants, charter fishing. For the beach get on the county beach between Surfside and San Luis Pass, somewhere in the middle of that area, there will be several openings on Blue Water Highway to go straight onto the beach. You can back right up to the water and the beach is clean unless a bunch of seaweed came in. Take a heavy duty rake if the seaweed is there, a little elbow grease and you will have a clean spot to setup. Also, most of the openings to go onto the beach from the road have loose sand so take a truck or haul azz when going through.

03-03-2021, 09:16 PM	#25
orchard Four Point Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: La Porte Hunt In: errwhere	I usually post up right before the pass. Early mornings out there in the surf can be mind blowing sometimes.

03-03-2021, 09:43 PM	#26
Anteloper Six Point Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Wolfforth Hunt In: Texas	My wife watched the "outdaughtered" episode where they went to Galveston so now were going to Galveston Island in June. It looks like were staying a mile or 2 East of the state park. We will definitely check out some of these places.

03-04-2021, 08:55 AM	#27
KX500 Six Point Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: SW Illinois Hunt In: Texas (whenever I can) & Illinois	Stuck with Galveston. Got a Holiday Inn on Seawall Blvd - used points, staying for free (except parking). And (for the most important part) booked a hunt for Axis or Blackbuck, after Galveston, with Hensel Whitetail Ranch - first week of June. Not a fisherman, probably do whatever the wife wants on the non-hunting portion of trip - but she most always picks good stuff - I married extremely well. I'll save Corpus Christi/Padre Island for a vacation/Nilgai hunt someday.

03-04-2021, 11:00 AM	#29
Pope Six Point Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Arlington Hunt In: Coleman	You guys are trashing my hometown.

03-04-2021, 11:22 AM	#30
quackerback Pope & Young Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: alma,tx Hunt In: down the road	Galveston island Brewery makes some good beers also.

03-11-2021, 10:11 AM	#31
rebelmdb69 Ten Point Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Oklahoma Hunt In: OK KS TX	Who has some fishing charter recommendations. Post em up or pm them if you don't mind. Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

03-11-2021, 08:32 PM	#33
asu-indian Ten Point Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Lake Fork Hunt In: Texas, Kansas	Lots of history there. So there is old and new. We just got back and appreciated it all.

03-12-2021, 07:39 AM	#34
Boss Buck Pope & Young Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Nevada Tx. Hunt In: Stephen Co.	We are going the first of May. We plan on relaxing at pool bar and beach. Nothing else we won’t to do.

03-12-2021, 08:15 AM	#36
Bayouboy Pope & Young Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: League City Hunt In: East Texas	I live less than 30 min from Galveston. And, I won’t even visit the place unless absolutely necessary. I can find seafood just as good in Kemah or San Leon. But, for folks that don’t get the chance to get there very often it may be a nice change. Kinda like New Orleans is to a lot of us from La. I find the food and fun around Acadiana a lot better than New Orleans.

03-12-2021, 08:25 AM	#37
cbd10pt Ten Point Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: League city/ Marbella Hunt In: looking for new places	Go to Orange Beach Alabama. Cheap hotels beautiful water nice people. I live Just the other side of the causeway from Galveston. It's not pretty until you get 15 miles off shore

03-12-2021, 09:37 AM	#39
warrington Ten Point Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Heath, TX Hunt In: Abilene	Port Aransas

03-12-2021, 10:18 AM	#40
Mexico Pope & Young Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Clear Lake Tx Hunt In: Old Mexico, Centerville Tx	Galveston has a cool vibe with plenty to do for " adults only " or the whole family. It really has it all... except pretty water.. great restaurants, water parks, outdoor theater, tours and museums of all kinds, fishing, birding, historical sites...you name it, it has it.

03-13-2021, 10:21 PM	#43
MisterB Eight Point Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Longview Hunt In: Hill Country	Blue Water Resort in Freeport. We just got back from a week in the RV park. Stayed bayside. Caught bunch of big blue crabs (in traps baited with chicken drumsticks) off the little piers there. Fished the surf by wading out in insulated waders to cast out farther. Caught my first Red Drum on bait shrimp and “fish bites”, 26 inches long, caught a nice flounder on cut bait and bunch of Whiting, and of courseL bunches of those dang little saltwater catfish. Buy you a crab box-trap nearby at Buckies and a throw net. Caught bunches of 3-6 inch Mullet for cut bait with a cast net right off the little piers behind the Rv spaces.