Thought you knew everything about Galveston? Think again. From year-round cruises to the revitalization of the Island's Downtown to ongoing beach renourishment, Galveston is always adding something new.  Contact RoShelle Gaskins, public relations manager for the Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, for the best tips on what's new and exciting on the island. Meanwhile, take a look at a few important Galveston Island facts!

• Galveston Island is located on the Gulf of Mexico, 50 miles South of Houston.
• Galveston Island is a barrier reef island that averages 2 miles in width, offering 32 miles of Gulf Coast beaches.
• Galveston Island offers temperate weather year-round, averaging 57°F in the winter months and 81°F in summer months.
• Galveston Island has four historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places, which include The Strand National Historic Landmark District, East End Historic District, Silk Stocking District and Central Business District. 
• Galveston Island is home to three National Historic Landmarks including the Tall Ship ELISSA, East End and The Strand and has approximately 1,500 historic buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. 
• Galveston Island is home to Moody Gardens which includes a Rainforest Pyramid, IMAX 3D Theater, Palm Beach, Discovery Museum, Ridefilm Theater, Aquarium Pyramid and Colonel Paddlewheel.
• Galveston Island's Schlitterbahn Waterpark offers the world's first convertible waterpark and is the third waterpark in the Schlitterbahn family of Texas parks.
• Galveston Island has a host of museums and historic homes open to the public for tours, including the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum, Lone Star Flight Museum (Home of the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame), Railroad Museum, Texas Seaport Museum, Ashton Villa, Bishop’s Palace, and Moody Mansion.
• Galveston Island’s Strand National Historic Landmark District/Downtown area offers a host of shops, restaurants and art galleries conveniently located within 36 square blocks.
• Galveston Island was second only to Ellis Island as an immigration station.
• Galveston has the second largest historic preservation group in the nation.  The Galveston Historical Foundation celebrated its 125th anniversary in 1996.
• Galveston Island is home to the University of Texas Medical Branch and Texas A&M University at Galveston.

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