Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier


Ride the thrilling swings over the Gulf of Mexico and browse the shops and restaurants on this fun and scenic pier.

The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is an iconic dock with a range of shops, restaurants and rides. Its many family-fun activities are the main source of entertainment in the center of Galveston on the Gulf Coast. Bring the whole family down to the dock for an afternoon of games, food and shopping.

Walk along the pier and snap photos of the excellent views of the Gulf of Mexico. The pier runs out into the ocean, stretching 1,130 feet (340 meters) long. Bring your kids to various thrilling roller coasters, including the Iron Shark and the Sky Shooter.

Ride the Galaxy Wheel for the best views from the sky. The Texas Star Flyer will make you feel like you’re flying over the water on its swings. Take your toddlers to the rides suitable for little kids.

Select from the range of restaurants along the dock, including the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company from the Forrest Gump movie. Look back on the historic sea wall flanking Galveston’s shore.

Browse the various souvenir shops lining the pier, which was built in 2012. The initial pier on this spot stood from 1943 until 1961, when it was destroyed by Hurricane Carla. For years, the Flagship Hotel stood on this location, before it too was damaged by a hurricane.

Note that the pier and its rides open most days from morning until late in the evening. The schedule is fairly erratic and can be found online. Purchase an all-day ride pass for a fee, with prices based on height. Pay for a pier pass to use the dock without rides.

The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is in the heart of Galveston, stretching out from its southern shore. It is an extension of the Seawall Boulevard and overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. Visit nearby attractions, such as Menard Park, the Jonathan M. Romano Skate Park and the iconic Murdochs gift shop.

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Holiday & seasonal tours

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Popular places to visit


Top Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier Hotel Deals

Grand Galvez Resort, Autograph Collection

Grand Galvez Resort, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
2024 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Grand Galvez Resort, Autograph Collection
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Galveston Beach by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Galveston Beach by IHG

2.5 out of 5
3228 SEAWALL BOULEVARD, Galveston, TX
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Galveston Beach by IHG
Comfort Inn & Suites

Comfort Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
2818 Avenue R 1/2, Galveston, Galveston, TX
Comfort Inn & Suites
Beachfront Palms Hotel Galveston

Beachfront Palms Hotel Galveston

3 out of 5
5914 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Beachfront Palms Hotel Galveston
Gaido's Seaside Inn

Gaido's Seaside Inn

3 out of 5
3700 Seawall Boulevard, Galveston, TX
Gaido's Seaside Inn
Pleasure Pier Retreat

Pleasure Pier Retreat

4 out of 5
2511 Bernardo De Galvez, Galveston, TX
Pleasure Pier Retreat
Wingate by Wyndham Galveston Beachfront at the Seawall

Wingate by Wyndham Galveston Beachfront at the Seawall

2.5 out of 5
1402 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Wingate by Wyndham Galveston Beachfront at the Seawall
Econo Lodge Galveston Seawall

Econo Lodge Galveston Seawall

2 out of 5
3008 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Econo Lodge Galveston Seawall
Sandy Shores

Sandy Shores

3.5 out of 5
2002 27th St, Galveston, TX
Sandy Shores
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

At Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including thrilling amusement rides and exhilarating roller coasters. For a more leisurely experience, consider taking a scenic boat tour or indulging in a charter boat adventure. Additionally, the area is perfect for birdwatching and often hosts vibrant festivals, making it a delightful destination for all types of travellers.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, visit Mall of the Mainland, located 25.7km away, offering a vibrant mix of shops. If you're up for a drive, Tanger Outlets and Baybrook Mall, situated 19 and 45.1km away respectively, also boast an exciting selection.

Recreation

The Moody Gardens Golf Course offers a lush, outdoor experience just 8.0km from the pier, perfect for golf enthusiasts seeking a bit of exercise and relaxation. For family fun, Magic Carpet Golf, also 8.0km away, provides an adventurous mini-golf experience in a vibrant setting.

If you seek a touch of luxury, the Galveston Country Club, located 17.7km from the pier, provides an exclusive atmosphere with upscale amenities, ideal for unwinding and enjoying leisure activities amid stunning surroundings.

Adventure

Experience thrilling rides and water fun at Galveston Schlitterbahn Waterpark, located 6.4km from the Pleasure Pier, perfect for family adventures. For more excitement, visit Galveston Go Kart and Fun Center, 8.0km away, where you can race against friends. Alternatively, enjoy LagoonFest, an adventurous waterpark 29.0km from the pier.

Nightlife

Experience the thrill of Haunted Mayfield Manor's arcadeAdventureZone, just 1.6km from Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, perfect for adventure seekers. For a mix of culture and romance, the Strand Theatre offers captivating performances, while Pier 21 Theater provides a delightful cinematic experience, ideal for a romantic night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier offers a delightful blend of attractions, including historic sites, beautiful beaches, and charming neighbourhoods. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture while enjoying family-friendly experiences. Key highlights include Galveston Beach, the Pleasure Pier, and the iconic Galveston Seawall, alongside various nearby attractions to explore. This vibrant destination is perfect for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.

  • Galveston Seawall: Stretching along the coast, the Galveston Seawall is a historic marvel offering stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. It's an ideal spot for leisurely strolls, cycling, or simply soaking up the sun while learning about its fascinating history and cultural significance.
  • Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum: This unique museum, housed within a retired offshore drilling rig, provides an engaging insight into the oil and gas industry. Explore interactive exhibits and learn about the technology and history of offshore drilling in a captivating maritime setting.
  • Pier 21: A lively tourist precinct, Pier 21 boasts family-friendly activities, outdoor dining, and beautiful waterfront views. Enjoy scenic walks, dine with a view, or embark on a boat tour to discover the local marine life and history.

Best time to go to Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

The best time to visit Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January55.4°F (13.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March64.2°F (17.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
April70.0°F (21.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May76.5°F (24.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June82.4°F (28.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
July83.8°F (28.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
August84.2°F (29.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September81.0°F (27.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October73.6°F (23.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
November64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
December59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

To save money during your visit to Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, consider travelling between December and February for lower accommodation rates, and aim to book your stay on a Tuesday. Utilise Expedia to find budget-friendly hotel options by sorting prices from lowest to highest and explore package deals that combine hotels with flights and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to check for hotel discounts and special offers to maximise your budget, and take advantage of free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can make significant savings by combining your hotel reservation at Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.