Galveston Vacation Rentals

32 mile long Galveston Island on the gulf coast of Texas was once home to Indians, pirates, illegal gambling halls and raucous sailor filled saloons. For a time, it was the biggest city in Texas, the largest seaport West of New Orleans and the "Wall Street" of the South.
Today, the island is a popular, yet relatively uncrowded vacation spot easily accessible to two Major Houston airports. Houston Hobby and George Bush Intercontinental Airport are only about 60 and 90 minutes away respectively.
Once on the island, you'll want to make time to visit the historic Strand District showcasing more than 100 shops & restaurants in some of the most beautiful examples of architecture dating back to the 1800's. If you love grand old Victorian homes be sure to tour Moody Mansion and the Bishops Palace.
History buffs will enjoy exploring the 1877 tall ship Elissa, Sea Wolf park (home to a WW1 submarine & Destroyer Escort), the Lone Star Flight Museum, or the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum. The gripping film "The Great Storm" chronicling the 1900 hurricane, the most devastating natural disaster in our nations history, is also a fascinating look at the islands rich history.
Within walking distance of the Strand is the Galveston Cruise Ship terminal where Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines offer exciting, and affordable, trips departing year round. If you'd just like to do a little local water bound sightseeing, try the Bolivar Ferry (it's free!) dolphin watching or paddlewheel bay cruises. Both bay and offshore chartered fishing trips are available as well.
Theme parks like Moody Gardens & Schlitterbahn are popular for family outings as well. At Moody Gardens, you can visit several different pyramids featuring an aquarium, rain forest, butterfly gardens and Imax theatre. Schlitterbahn is famous as the worlds best water park and their Galveston location even offers a retractable roof to keep the fun going even in inclement weather! Local attractions also include championship golf, Putt-Putt, bungee chair, parasailing, Jet Ski & boat rentals, movie theatres, symphony, plays, concerts, nightlife and a wide variety of dining options. NASA and the Kemah Boardwalk, while not on the island, are still within about an hours drive.
As for the climate, the island is famous for mild winters making it a popular "Winter Texan" getaway. Summertime temps will probably be in the 90's but the near constant breeze keeps things pretty comfortable. Besides, since the island is long and narrow, you're never more than a few minutes from a refreshing dip in Galveston Bay or the Gulf of Mexico.
There always seems to be something exciting going on in Galveston, but Mardi Gras in February and Dickens on the Strand in December are perhaps the two most noteworthy.
Accommodations range from a wide variety of hotels & motels, to condos and family vacation homes. In other words, you should have no trouble finding just the right spot in regards to size, price and location.