Self-Guided Tours

African American Historic Places

This section of our website tour guide was created to invite you to explore Galveston’s rich African American Heritage.

Birding Locations

Each species of bird has its favorite habitats – beaches, wetlands, grasslands, woods, ponds, and bays – all defined by elevation, tides, and salinity. To see the greatest diversity of birds, we invite you to explore all these zones.

Gifts of Henry Rosenberg

When Henry Rosenberg died in 1893, he left the bulk of his estate to fund the construction of a library, an orphanage, a church, a monument, and public drinking fountains for both people and animals.

Historic Buildings & Homes

Although most of the original structures are long gone, the stories of early islanders live on in renovated structures and new establishments created in memory of the past.

Historical Markers

With almost 200 historical markers on the island, its a lot to see on a short trip. Our guide to the markers can help you find what you are looking for – from important people to historic buildings.

Seawall Interpretive Trail

Take time to see the 70 concrete benches covered in hand painted mosaic tile that form a trail along Galveston’s historic Seawall that interpret the ecology, economy, and history of the Texas Coast.

Tree Sculptures

Whimsical sculptures have replaced the majestic oaks destroyed by Hurricane Ike that once lined many neighborhood streets and shaded homes.

Turtles About Town

Get up close and personal with colorful Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle statues around the island, a public art project to raise awareness of Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles that call the Texas Coast home.