Tuesday, January 31, 2012

A Gem On the Gulf Coast


Just in case you haven’t heard, Galveston, Texas is more than just a cruise ship port city. To be sure there are some fabulous cruises that sail from this wonderful Texas coastal city. Carnival has two ships (Carnival Magic and Carnival Triumph) that sail from the Island year round. Royal Caribbean has The Mariner of the Seas that does seasonal cruises and beginning this Fall both Princess (Crown Princess) and Disney (Disney Magic)will be bring ships to the Port of Galveston. In fact, Texas Cruise and Travel has blocked space on the Crown Princess and we can help you plan a cruise vacation on any of these ships.

But, like I said, Galveston, Texas is more than just a cruise port city. It is a great destination in its own right. There are plenty of great hotels like the historic Galvez and the fabulous San Luis as well as the Moody Gardens Hotel. There are accommodations to meet your every need from drive up motels to grand hotels.

People living in Texas know that Galveston is the place to go for some of the finest dining to be found anywhere along the on the Gulf Coast. Restaurants abound on the Island with some of the finest situated along the Island’s famous seawall or near the historic Strand district. One restaurant that is a must for visitors and natives alike is Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant. Gaido's has been a Galveston landmark since 1911 and offers some of the finest seafood on the entire Gulf Coast.

The question that I am usually asked is, “But what is there to do there?” Where do I start? First there are all the things that people on islands do. There is plenty of fishing, boating, beaches and other water activities. Just about anything you find on a Caribbean Island you'll find in Galveston and a whole lot more.

There is Moody Gardens with its pyramid shaped Aquarium, Tropical Rain Forest, Discovery Pyramid, 3D & 4D Imax style theaters, golf and much more. You can stroll through the historic Stand District and spend the day at the soon to open world class Pleasure Pier.

Then there are the annual special events such as Dickens on the Strand, Madi Gras and just a whole year of fun stuff . . . all that are family appropriate.

Truth is, Galveston Island is a great family vacation destination. There is something there for the whole family. So even if you are going on an exciting cruise vacation on one of the fabulous cruise ships be sure and arrive a few days early and discover historic Galveston Island. By the way, did you know that Galveston was once the headquarters for the famous pirate Jean Layette?
For a complete calendar of events and fun opportunities visit the Galveston Island Tourism website. Like I said, there is more to Galveston Island than just sand and surf. Check it out.

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