For more than a hundred years, Galveston has lured visitors with the therapeutic effects of her warm Gulf waters. Today, Galveston is much more than just a beach, and with so many appealing year-round attractions, it’s hard to know where to begin your adventure. With 100 Things to Do in Galveston Before You Die as your guide, you won’t miss any of the history, art, festivals, and dining that bring visitors in droves and keep locals happy. Step inside Bishop’s Palace, considered one of the best examples of Victorian architecture in the United States. Visit Katie’s Seafood for a fresh Gulf catch or Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant, but make sure to save room for its amazing Pecan Crunch Pie. Nurture your love for history and the arts by catching a show at The Grand 1894 Opera House. Take the kids to Moody Gardens to meet a penguin. And no visit to Galveston would be complete without getting some sand between your toes at Texas’ most popular beach. Local co-authors Christine Ruiz Hopkins and Heidi Lutz bring their expert insiders’ perspectives to this jam-packed guide full of hidden gems and top picks. You’ll get the most from an island stay in Galveston by checking their carefully curated suggestions off your list.
Christine is a proud BOI meaning she was Born on the Island. She was born and raised in Galveston and began working in the island s tourism industry when she was 15 years old as a water slide attendant at the now-demolished Sky Rapids Water Slide at Stewart Beach. For more than 25 years, she s worked in travel and tourism promoting Galveston. Her tourism background makes her a bit of an expert on Galveston Island. She s written more than 300 blogs on Galveston offering travel tips on what to see and do. And over the years, she s given hundreds of tours for visiting travel writers showcasing the sites on the island. Heidi Lutz is an award-winning writer and designer who moved to Galveston for her first job out of college – working at the local newspaper. She got the sand between her toes as they say in Galveston and nearly a quarter-century later, she is still there living and loving island life. She is what locals call an IBC or Islander By Choice. Heidi has spent almost half of her life learning about Galveston up close and personal as a reporter, editor, publicist, blogger, tour guide and active community volunteer. Friends now turn to her for recommendations on best places to stay, visit, eat and shop in Galveston, and jokingly refer to her as the unofficial Galveston visitor s bureau.