Galveston

Galveston is a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, about an hour from Houston by car. The Strand, the old commercial district, has Victorian-era buildings converted into shops, galleries, and restaurants. The seawall runs for 10 miles along the Gulf side, and there are 32 miles of beaches in total. Bishop's Palace, a Victorian mansion, is one of the more impressive old houses. The Texas Seaport Museum has the tall ship Elissa, and Seawolf Park has a WWII submarine you can walk through. Shrimp po'boys and fried oysters are the things to eat. The Strand has waterfront cafés and a few rooftop bars. Moody Gardens has aquariums and a rainforest pyramid. The Pleasure Pier on the seawall has rides and arcade games. Most attractions are walkable from the cruise terminals, and the Island Transit bus covers longer distances. Tipping is standard in the US, so keep cash handy for restaurants and taxis.