Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

Rox74 · **Galveston Vacation -** 07-27-2007, 01:14 PM

The family is taking a trip to Galveston in a couple of weeks. This is the first "real" vacation for the girls and I want to make the best of everything. Anyone have suggestions on "must see" places?

Thanks!

kenw · 07-27-2007, 01:21 PM

Bishop's House, sunset ferry cruise (just walk-on!) to Boliver and back.

the beaches at Boliver are usually cleaner and quieter.

jagphoto · 07-27-2007, 01:24 PM

Moody Gardens, Casey's restaurant, and Pocket Park 2 is usually very clean.

Steelsun · 07-27-2007, 03:13 PM

With your kids - Moody Gardens & Schlitterbahn are musts.

Also the ferry is free and you may see some dolphins.

Sea Wolf park is a neat thing.

And if you are into planes - there is a museum near Moody that is cool.

Also walk the "Strand" historic district - cool shops.
Nearby is the Clipper Ship Elissa (may be out right now though) which is an old style sailing ship that has tours.

Tim-in-TX · 03:39 PM

Just tell them not to go in the water. There have been high levels of bacteria lately, and, a couple of miles up the coast (Crystal Beach) a man got the flesh eating bacteria Vibrio Vulnificus http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?se...cal&id=5499011 (The guy it happened to just happens to be from my home town, go figure!)

I think the beaches farther South, like Jamaica Beach, San Luis Pass and Surfside Beach, are safer....though Surfside is quite a bit of a drive.

Went to Schlitterbahn last summer and had a blast, but, since then, they have opened more stuff, so it should be even more fun!
Also there is Seawolf Park (http://www.galveston.com/seawolfpark/), and the Lone Star Flight Museum (http://www.lsfm.org/). Moody Gardens is must though!!!

**Dang it Steelsun! You must have posted while I was still typing out the post and looking for links to post! I type to dang slow!**

Torrey · 07-27-2007, 04:27 PM

Last time I was there several years ago, a small group of us camped in the state park right off the beach and spent most of our time at Moody Gardens, the plane museum, the train museum, and the ship museum. Moody Gardens is a must and a perfect place for kids. I would rate all of the museums about the same. Depending on what your kids like, it was neat to actually board an old ship or train and see what passengers and crew had to deal with.

Patti Edens · 07-27-2007, 05:41 PM

You might want to check out this book. It has some great photos in Galveston.

http://www.amazon.com/Texas-Coast-Im...5575865&sr=8-1

I've seen it at Barnes and Nobles and Borders too if you just want to thumb through it for ideas.

carrbowl · 07-27-2007, 10:04 PM

Don't know if the girls would like fishing (mine does so I"m taking a chance!!) you can take a boat just inside the bay which doesn't make you sick and is just 4 hours---30 min drive there and 30 min back.--you need absolutley no supplies, they supply the bait and poles. And the best part is it is only $20 for kids and $25 for adults. You can really catch some decent fish, but even if you don't want to keep the fish, it is fun to see the big fish and take a little ride on the boat. There is also a place to see sea turtles hatched. Can't remember where though..but have a great time!!!

Rox74 · 07-27-2007, 11:06 PM

Thanks for all of the great ideas!! And Renae, these girls can fish with the best of them. They LOVE it! When it's cooler out, their Dad & Grandpa take them fishing on Saturday mornings.

We are renting a Beach House in Bayou Vista (not sure where that is yet). It should be a great time! Thanks again for all of the great ideas, I have written them down and trying to map everything out!

johnastovall · 07-28-2007, 09:11 AM

Ashton Villa

Garten Verein

Samuel May Williams Home

Other very photographic historic homes can be found here.

For a really interesting Galveston Vacation, I would suggest getting a copy of The Galveston That Was by Howard Barnstone and Henri Cartier Bresson and then visit the places Bresson photographed today.

I have to say as a long time student of Galveston's history and buildings, I think summer is the worst time to visit Galveston. It is best seen in the winter months when the tourists are gone and the sun is muted with winter clouds.

guitarbug · 07-28-2007, 10:20 AM

I would not miss Moody Gardens! Great photo ops.

Cope · 07-28-2007, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rox74

We are renting a Beach House in Bayou Vista (not sure where that is yet). It should be a great time! Thanks again for all of the great ideas, I have written them down and trying to map everything out!

Bayou Vista is not actually on Galveston Island, it is across the causeway on the mainland. In addition to the other sites mentioned, there is a railroad museum and I believe an air museum.

Rox74 · 07-28-2007, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cope

Bayou Vista is not actually on Galveston Island, it is across the causeway on the mainland. In addition to the other sites mentioned, there is a railroad museum and I believe an air museum.

Yeah, I knew it was a little bit of a drive. The house belongs to a friend of the family so my Mother-n-law goes there all the time. That's the whole reason we are staying there - we got a deal, lol.

Cope · 07-28-2007, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rox74

Yeah, I knew it was a little bit of a drive. The house belongs to a friend of the family so my Mother-n-law goes there all the time. That's the whole reason we are staying there - we got a deal, lol.

It isn't such a handicap, there is Nasa just North of you and lots of shopping and food.

Rox74 · 07-28-2007, 03:07 PM

My husband grew up in Clear Lake so he is somewhat familiar of the area. We were thinking of going to Nasa during the heat of the day 1 day. All I can think of is how long of a drive it is. I know I'm going to have to do most of the driving so I'm dreading it. That's ok, it will be fun!!