10 Things To Do on a Rainy Day
Sometimes when you plan your trip to Galveston ahead of time, you might end up dealing with a little bit of rain on your visit – don’t worry! A little rain never hurts in Galveston because this island getaway is more than just a beach. From penguin encounters and ghost tours to local breweries and spas, here are 10 things to do on a rainy day on Galveston Island.
1. Experience Moody Gardens
Recently undergoing a $37M renovation, Moody Gardens’ aquarium is a must-see. Dive into the oceans of the world in a 1.5-million-gallon aquarium teeming with creatures from tuxedo-clad penguins to seals, stingrays, sharks and more! Don’t stop there. Moody Gardens boasts tons of other attractions including an indoor rainforest, 3D & 4D theaters, science and interactive exhibits and other seasonal attractions. If you find yourself here during the winter, be sure to check out the ICE LAND exhibit!
2. Play at Schlitterbahn Indoor Waterpark
Voted ‘Best Indoor Waterpark’ by Theme Park Enthusiasts for eight straight years, Schlitterbahn indoor waterpark is a perfect way to enjoy island time even if the weather is not cooperating. Enjoy the 70,000 square-foot indoor waterpark with the state’s longest indoor river, offering more than a dozen heated water adventures including four tube slides, three speed slides, three kids’ activity areas containing a variety of children’s water elements and pint-sized slides, a secluded beach, a heated pool, a man-made surfing wave, and the Torrent tidal wave river.
3. Explore Pirates! Legends of The Gulf Coast
Pirates! Legends of The Gulf Coast is a pirate-themed family experience where visitors can learn about the legends, myths and stories of the last buccaneers. The interactive entertainment venue features the deck of a pirate ship, a captain's cabin and actors portraying the notorious Jean Laffite and his brother Pierre, as well as the life that all pirates led.
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4. Treat Yourself at La King's Confectionary
Step inside La King’s and the poor weather will leave your mind immediately. This old-fashioned confectionery features a 1920’s soda fountain, serving malts, shakes, ice cream sodas, sundaes, splits, floats and your favorite fountain drinks. They also proudly make and serve "Purity" ice cream, Texas' first ice cream manufacturer, since 1889 founded on Galveston Island. But let us not forget the homemade candy! La King's master candy maker will delight you with his old-time specialties - peanut brittle, divinity, pecan pralines, hand dipped chocolates, fudges, and our famous saltwater taffy made right before your eyes on antique equipment. They make more than 40 candies from traditional recipes, just waiting for you!
5. Tour the 1895 Moody Mansion
Restored to its turn of the century splendor, the 28,000 square-foot, four-story structure was completed in 1895. Today, guests visit 20 rooms on a tour that depicts the home life of a powerful Texas family. The Moody’s established one of the great American financial empires. Based on cotton, it grew to include banking, ranching, insurance and hotels. Self-guided and guided tours are available. With the ‘Guided All-Access Tour,’ you can take an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour with a knowledgeable docent guiding you through areas not normally open to the public, describing Mary Moody Northen’s vision for preserving her home and sharing her collections. These tours are conducted at 4 p.m. daily, so make your reservation today by calling (409) 762-7668.
6. Hop on a Ghost Tour
Hop on Galveston Ghost Tour Bus on any given rainy day for an experience you won’t forget. This interactive tour offers audio and video of Galveston history. Hear from eyewitnesses as they recount their ghost encounters. The bus holds up to 20 passengers and is handicap accessible.
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7. Adventure through Galveston’s Art Scene
Galveston’s 70-block historic downtown is a veritable treasure chest of art and culture, from the 19th-century architecture that made The Strand a National Historic Landmark to its museums, galleries and theaters. Here are just a few (of many) ideas to get you through a rainy day in Galveston with art:
If you love art or just want to have a fun time with friends or family, Clay Cup Studios is the perfect place for you. Learn how to paint pottery and/or canvas, partake in a workshop or just stop in and browse! This spot is perfect for a hands-on artist.
Not an artist yourself, but love to admire other’s work? Stroll through one of Downtown Galveston’s many art galleries. Some suggestions would be to visit the Galveston Arts Center, Rene’ Wiley Studio & Gallery or Vacation on Canvas.
8. Relax with a Spa Day
Get out of the gloomy, rainy headspace and immerse yourself in some personal wellness. Nothing is better than treatments that energize and rejuvenate the spirit while on vacation. Take the Spa at The Hotel Galvez with a full menu of treatments is available to satisfy every need. The salon is a Kérastase level six-station salon, a distinction given to approximately 1,000 up-scale salons nationwide.
Another top-class option for a (rainy) spa day is the Spa San Luis. Experience the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation as they combine the essence of nature with traditional spa remedies. Your personalized pampering begins as soon as you step through the door, and every moment of your time with the Spa San Luis team is focused on your comfort and well-being at their Galveston spa resort.
9. Tour the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum
Take a leisurely, self-guided tour through the retired Ocean Star jack-up rig which now serves as a museum and educational facility. From geological exploration to drilling, to oil and gas production, you will see offshore drilling equipment, exhibits and videos on this refurbished offshore drilling rig. There are three floors within the museum that include scale models and interactive displays that visitors can explore through the self-guided tour, providing a close-up look at what life is like on a drilling rig. It houses some of the equipment that has been historically used to tap the vast natural energy resources beneath the world’s oceans.
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10. Drink Local at Galveston Island Brewing
Former tugboat captain Mark Dell'Osso recently opened Galveston Island Brewing Co. on Galveston's west end. The wildly successful brewery offers homemade beer by the pint, and by the growler to go. His brews are also distributed to a number of restaurants and pubs across the Island. Located just off Stewart Road, the brewery features an air-conditioned taproom with copper bar and wooden bar stools, showcasing classic beer styles from around the world. Live entertainment frequently scheduled. Check listings.
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Galveston.com & Company promotes local and area businesses via website design, online advertising services; and outdoor advertising via the Galveston Island Trolley. The company also supports a host of Galveston’s most revered events and organizations.
