Galveston Island is a sand-barrier island on the southeast coast of Texas and the Gulf of Mexico, fifty miles southeast of Houston. The island is twenty-seven miles long and less than three miles wide at its widest point and runs parallel to the coast two miles out. Years ago, it was a marsh cut by several short bayous. Between the island and neighboring Pelican Island runs the Galveston channel, which formed a natural harbor for nineteenth century sailing vessels and small steamers. The gap between Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula offers the principal entrance into Galveston Bay, while San Luis Pass affords a smaller entryway at the island’s western end.
Search property for sale on Galveston
- See Galveston Island Map
- See Travel Map Galveston
Check out the City Areas on Galveston
The area houses many tourist attractions. The attractions include the Galveston waterpark, Moody Gardens, the Lone Star Flight Museum, a downtown neighborhood of historic buildings known as “The Strand,” many historical museums and mansions, and miles of beach front.
The Strand plays host to a yearly Mardi Gras festival, Galveston Island Jazz & Blues Festival, Texas Beach Fest, Lone Star Bike Rally, and a Victorian-themed Christmas festival called “Dickens on the Strand” (honoring the works of novelist Charles Dickens, especially A Christmas Carol) in early December.
Visit Galveston – the official destination marketing organization site.