Moody Gardens

Moody Gardens
Moody Gardens
Photo by George Zimzores


This impressive theme park in Galveston Bay features a zoo, an aquarium, museums and rides.

More than just an amusement park, Moody Gardens is a complete entertainment complex located about an hour outside of Houston. The complex is easy to spot—its three pyramids house different sections, including a tropical rainforest, an aquarium and a museum and discovery centre. A selection of gardens, hotels and restaurants are dotted around the complex.

Start at the 10-storey Rainforest Pyramid to experience life in the tropics. The climate-controlled rainforest is home to birds, butterflies, monkeys and sloths, all of which roam freely in the complex. Keep your eyes open for the Amazon otters and Chinese alligators that live in the waterway system that runs through the ground floor. Explore the forest via elevated platforms and walkways that wind along the floor and up through the trees.

The largest of the three pyramids is the Aquarium Pyramid. Spread over four different ocean displays it offers an incredible selection of marine life, including coral reefs and tropical fish from the South Pacific, penguins in the South Atlantic section and seals in the North Pacific section. The Caribbean section houses a vast underwater tunnel filled with eels, sharks and turtles.

The Discovery Pyramid houses ever-changing exhibits from all over the world. The exhibits usually focus on the themes of nature and science, and are always fun and educational.

Moody Gardens hosts various activities and offers special facilities throughout the year, including a water-park and a man-made beach during the summer. Catch a movie at the 3-D and 4-D cinemas, or take a ride on the RideFilm theatre which features a 180-degree wraparound screen. Golf fans will love the recently renovated Moody Gardens Golf Course.

You can buy a one- or two-day Value Pass, or purchase separate tickets for each attraction. Proceeds from the tickets go towards helping this non-profit organisation invest in conservation and research activities.

Located about 80 kilometres southeast of Houston, there is plenty of free on-site parking at Moody Gardens.

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 Moody Gardens Hotel Deals

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center

4 out of 5
7 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX
Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center
Beachfront Palms Hotel Galveston

Beachfront Palms Hotel Galveston

3 out of 5
5914 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Beachfront Palms Hotel Galveston
Inn at The Waterpark

Inn at The Waterpark

2 out of 5
2525 Jones Dr, Galveston, TX
Inn at The Waterpark
Galveston Beach Hotel

Galveston Beach Hotel

2.5 out of 5
8710 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Galveston Beach Hotel
Quality Inn & Suites Galveston - Beachfront

Quality Inn & Suites Galveston - Beachfront

2.5 out of 5
5924 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Quality Inn & Suites Galveston - Beachfront
Best Western Plus Galveston Suites

Best Western Plus Galveston Suites

2.5 out of 5
8502 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Best Western Plus Galveston Suites
Baymont by Wyndham Galveston

Baymont by Wyndham Galveston

2.5 out of 5
2826 63rd St, Galveston, TX
Baymont by Wyndham Galveston
Holiday Inn Galveston Island by IHG

Holiday Inn Galveston Island by IHG

2.5 out of 5
7220 Broadway, Galveston, TX
Holiday Inn Galveston Island by IHG
Motel 6 Galveston, TX

Motel 6 Galveston, TX

2 out of 5
7404 Avenue J, Galveston, TX
Motel 6 Galveston, TX
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 Moody Gardens

At Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including birdwatching and exploring the Discovery Museum. Golf enthusiasts can tee off at the Moody Gardens Golf Course, making it a perfect spot for weekend getaways filled with fun activities. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, Moody Gardens offers a delightful mix of experiences for all travellers.

Shopping

For shopping near Moody Gardens, explore the Mall of the Mainland, located 22.5km away, offering a vibrant mix of shops. If you're up for a drive, visit Tanger Outlets, 25.7km away, or Baybrook Mall, 41.8km away, both featuring a lively atmosphere and diverse retail options.

Recreation

Experience a round of golf at Moody Gardens Golf Course, featuring lush fairways and a relaxed atmosphere just 1.6km away. For family fun, head to Magic Carpet Golf, a whimsical mini-golf course two miles from Moody Gardens, perfect for adventure seekers of all ages.

Indulge in luxury at the Galveston Country Club, located seven miles from Moody Gardens, where you can enjoy exclusive amenities and a serene environment for relaxation and recreation.

Adventure

Experience the thrills at Galveston Schlitterbahn Waterpark, located 483m from Moody Gardens, offering exciting water rides for the whole family. For more adventure, head to Galveston Go Kart and Fun Center, a mere 3.2km away, for high-speed karting fun.

Nightlife

Experience the thrilling atmosphere at Haunted Mayfield Manor, perfect for adventure seekers. For a touch of culture and romance, enjoy a show at the Strand Theatre, or unwind at Pier 21 Theater for a captivating film night. Each venue offers a unique vibe to enhance your Galveston experience.

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

Find the best attractions near Moody Gardens

Whether you're seeking culture, family experiences, or simply a relaxing getaway, Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas, offers a variety of attractions. Explore the scenic jetty pier and nearby beach, or attend events at the conference venue. With a range of activities available, including those specific to Moody Gardens and Galveston Island, there's something for every traveller to enjoy while soaking in the local charm.

  • Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier: Enjoy a delightful day at this vibrant jetty Pier, just 6.4km from Moody Gardens. With its thrilling rides and family-friendly atmosphere, it offers a charming blend of historical significance and exciting excursions, perfect for all ages.
  • Texas A&M University - Galveston: Experience the lively city vibes at this modern university, located 6.4km away. Known for its maritime studies, it's a fantastic place to explore academic life and the engaging community surrounding it.
  • Galveston Island Convention Center: Situated 3.2km from Moody Gardens, this event venue exudes a professional atmosphere. Hosting various conferences and events, it's an ideal spot for networking and business engagements amidst the island's scenic beauty.

Best time to go to Moody Gardens

The best time to visit Moody Gardens can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Moody Gardens falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Moody Gardens falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January55.4°F (13.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March64.2°F (17.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
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 SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July83.8°F (28.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly 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 SunnyAverageAverage
November64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Moody Gardens

To save money on your visit to Moody Gardens, consider travelling during the off-peak months of December to February, when accommodation prices are lower, particularly on Tuesdays. Avoid weekends, especially Saturdays, as they tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to compare hotel rates and search for package deals that combine flights and activities for better savings. Additionally, take advantage of free local attractions and affordable public transport options 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 Moody Gardens 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 Moody Gardens is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Moody Gardens is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and ideal type of accommodation. To discover the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your Moody Gardens hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

* 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.