Despite lying several miles off the east coast of Texas, it’s possible to drive to Galveston Island using one of two crossings connecting the island with the mainland. The main crossing is via the George and Cynthia Mitchell Memorial Causeway, a 1.5-mile long causeway connecting the Texas mainland with the island’s north. The causeway has 4 lanes on both the northbound and southbound sides, allowing traffic to flow smoothly.
The other crossing is less popular and is located on the island’s southwestern tip. The crossing here is via the San Luis Pass Bridge, which spans 1.3 miles over the San Luis Pass. The bridge connects Galveston Island with the northeastern tip of San Luis Island. The toll fare for crossing by either of the bridges is $2 per vehicle. A free vehicle ferry service from the nearby Bolivar Peninsula also lets you bring your car onto the island.
Galveston Island is a barrier island within the city limits of Galveston City, Texas. The island lies 50 miles southeast of Houston in the Gulf of Mexico. It measures 27 miles in length and 3 miles in width at its widest point. The island traces the coastline of the mainland and lies around 3 miles offshore. It’s separated from the mainland by a body of water known as West Bay.
Galveston Island is exceptionally well connected to the mainland and the surrounding areas. This excellent connectivity makes navigating onto and away from the island easy.
Car – There are 2 direct road connections to the island, the George and Cynthia Mitchell Memorial Causeway in the north and the San Luis Pass Bridge in the south. These routes charge a $2 toll per vehicle per crossing. If you’re traveling to the island from Dallas or Houston, you’ll need to take the I-45, which runs all the way onto the island. An alternative way of bringing your vehicle to the island is by using the vehicle ferry and arriving from the Bolivar Peninsula.
Boat – Another way to get to Galveston Island is by catching a ferry from the Bolivar Peninsula. Ferry services run 24 hours a day, and all ferries can transport vehicles, making it a good alternative to the bridge or causeway crossings. The crossing takes 18 minutes, and there’s no cost for using the ferry. The only downside of using this route is that there can be queues and delays during peak times. However, up to 5 ferries are in service during peak times, minimizing any backlog.
Air – While Galveston Island has a small local airport, it currently does not offer scheduled flights. Therefore, most travelers will need to use one of the 2 airports in Houston, which lies 50 miles to the northwest of the island. Houston’s airports are well served by all major U.S. and international airlines, making it a convenient location to fly into. Domestic flights are available from all parts of the U.S., while direct international flights connect destinations in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.
There’s a good range of car rental providers at both airports if you want to undertake the hour-long drive yourself. Alternatively, you can look to take a shared shuttle to the island, which costs $30 per person each way.
Driving on Galveston Island is easy and no different from driving elsewhere in Texas. You’ll need to reach the island by taking the George and Cynthia Mitchell Memorial Causeway or the San Luis Pass Bridge. Once on the island, you’ll discover a good road network that extends across the length and breadth of the island. During the summer, there are several busy intersections where traffic can back up and cause delays.
The big attraction on Galveston Island is the 25 miles of beaches that run along the island’s east coast. While there are prettier beaches and clearer water further along the coast, it’s still a great place to kick back and relax. There’s also a lot to see and do on the island, making it a great destination for a hybrid break.
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier – This extravagant and spectacularly located amusement park is a great place to visit. Home to 16 thrilling rides, a 5D theatre, and numerous restaurants and shops, there’s enough to keep you entertained for the best part of a day. It’s also a very historic location, with the site dating back to the early 1900s.
Bryan Museum – An excellent museum and choice if you’re fond of local history. The museum focuses on the history of Galveston, Texas, and the American West. It has many artifacts, exhibits, and collections, and is well curated and tells a fascinating story. The museum is housed in a beautiful building that was formerly an orphanage.
Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum – This retired jackup drill and associated museum is focused on one of Texas’s biggest industries – oil and gas production. The main focus is on offshore exploration, and this self-guided museum does an excellent job of educating and informing visitors.
Moody Gardens – This surreal dual hotel and attraction is famous for its 3 pyramids. Contained within these large structures is a rainforest environment as well as an aquarium environment. The site has many other attractions, including a 3D and 4D cinema, discovery museum, and paddlewheel boat. This really is an attraction that offers something for everyone.
The Strand and Historic Buildings – Galveston Island has a fascinating history and is home to many historic buildings. The Strand is a great area to explore and marvel at the nineteenth-century architecture. There are other notable buildings in the area that you can visit, including the 1892 Bishop’s Palace, Moody Mansion, and the Grand 1894 Opera House.
Galveston Island is a great year-round holiday destination, offering something different each season. As rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, it’s largely the temperature and price that dictate the best time to visit. The high season is considered the summer months of June, July, and August, where temperatures average around 85°F. The island is busy during this time, and accommodation prices are higher. The peak season’s shoulder months (May and September) are typically considered a good time to visit as the weather is still warm enough for the beach but without being overbearing. Prices at this time are also lower. As you get into winter, temperatures drop to the low to mid-50s, making it too cold for the beach, which is the main attraction.
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