Credit Vadim Troshkin

Originally settled by French Pirates, this historic port city, world-renowned luxury cruise terminal and popular Gulf Coast tourist destination, once known as “The Playground of the South,” proudly owns a history rich with fascinating  maritime legend and lore. The city is situated on two barrier islands just 45 miles southeast of downtown Houston, and is home to six unique historic districts showcasing over 60 structures of architectural significance listed in the National Register of Historic Places; Galveston boasts one of the largest and most well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the country. The five-block Strand District, with its wonderfully renovated structures housing art and antique galleries, quaint shops, cozy cafes, great restaurants and intriguing museums is a favorite “destination” attraction and  renowned seasonal events venue, hosting several local festivals each year. A humid subtropical climate featuring mild winters and hot, humid summers annually attracts millions of visitors to Galveston’s 32 miles of warm, sandy beaches and her fabulous family amusement attractions  Moody Gardens, Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Pleasure Pier; year-round recreational activities abound. Galveston is an outdoor lover’s paradise -  golf, fishing, bicycling, skating, volleyball, surfing, birding and more await visitors to this ten-mile-long Gulf Coast paradise; do it all, or do almost nothing – the world is, indeed, your oyster, on island time. Pack your swimsuit, flipflops and sunscreen and leave your worries – and even your agenda -  behind; plop down in the sand or dangle your feet off a  pier and watch enormous brown pelicans skim the cobalt waters, looking for lunch; you’ll figure it out.