by Luanne Kelchner

Created on: February 18, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Glen Campbell sang of his dreams of Galveston and the beautiful sea waves crashing. Of course, he crooned that particular ditty before his "extreme DUI" arrest in 2003 so there's a bit of credibility in it. Besides Jimmy Webb wrote the song and I haven't seen his mug shot plastered all over the Internet. But aside from all of that, the haunting song speaks of a place that causes young men to dream of it when they are far far away. It's no wonder; Galveston is a small island that contains 32 miles of gorgeous Gulf beaches and some of the most spectacular architecture in the world.

For beach lovers there are beaches aplenty. From family beaches with no alcohol consumption to beaches with live music and bars. There are snack bars, showers and RV hookups for your convenience so you are sure to find a beach that suits your particular beach style. Grab some sunscreen and check them all out. You're sure to find the right one for you.

Of course with all that coastline the fishing is fabulous. Visit Galveston Island's Galveston Fishing Pier for a day of casting. It is a mile long concrete fishing pier with snacks, coffee, rod and reel rentals, and even a cart to carry your equipment. Spend a day fishing for jackfish, redfish, trout and flounder. And to keep it all on the up and up there is even a Wal-Mart right across the street to get yourself a fishing license. Redneck heaven.

Rent a bike and take a guided tour of the island at Island Bicycle Company. There you will receive a guided tour of the island that starts at the beach and ends at the historic Strand District. Or if you're the lone wolf type rent a bike and take off on your own for a day of exploration.

Galveston is renowned for it's grand architecture. Take a tour or two or three of some of the grandest homes you are ever likely to come across. Plucked directly out of history these fantastic homes display beauty in their graceful lines and tell the history of Galveston Island. These sturdily built mansions are some of the few surviving homes of The Great Galveston Hurricane of 1900. The Strand District houses many restaurants and shops in some of the most beautiful Victorian era buildings. The Strand also is home to Galveston's Mardi gras celebration as well as many nightclubs and shops to keep you busy for days.

Galveston Port is home to two Carnival Cruise line vessels as well as one Royal Caribbean vessel. In addition to being a major port for goods, cruisers will find themselves in Galveston Island's port as a departure point for their Caribbean cruise. It would be the start to a wonderful vacation to spend a few days in Galveston before you head off on your cruise. Plan a few days to explore this historic and splendid city and put yourself in that vacation spirit. There are so many attractions like Moody Gardens that requires a full day to explore and enjoy. You will find museums galore like the Railroad Museum, The Lone Star Flight Museum and The Mardi Gras Museum to mention just a few. As you can see a few days are required to visit just a few of the wonderful attractions Galveston Island has to offer. Make it a part of your cruise vacation or a vacation all on it's own.

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