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If a Houston, Texas family decides to go to the beach, they usually take a 45 minute drive south to Galveston. Sure, the water at Galveston is almost always a murky brown, and you can't do much surfing unless there's a storm coming, but it's the best beach area Texas has. Besides, Galveston has lots to offer: A rich history, beautiful architecture, an eclectic atmosphere, and great seafood. Even if you're just going to Galveston to take a cruise, I suggest spending a few days here to explore.

Let's start with Galveston's historic district, the Strand. If you love shopping for antiques, visiting museums, eating old-fashioned candy, and admiring Victorian architecture, this is the spot for you. From here you can get a ride on the trolley or a horse-drawn buggy. If you only spend one day in Galveston, spend most of it here. It's very close to the beach and the Cruise Ship Terminal.

History buffs will want to tour Bishop's Palace, a magnificent house that survived the Great Storm of 1900. It's one of the finest examples of Victorian architecture in the nation, complete with stained glass windows.

Galveston has its share of museums, including the Railroad Museum and the Texas Seaport Museum. Although the Railroad Museum is a lot of fun, I personally recommend the Seaport Museum on Pier 21. This is where you can see the ELISSA, a restored three-masted tall ship that was built in 1877. I loved walking across the deck and going below to see the sailors' quarters.

Moody Gardens is the place to be if you want to experience tropical rainforests, aquatic wildlife, and larger-than-life movies at the 3D IMAX. The Rainforest Pyramid is filled with ten stories of mini habitats from the rainforests of Asia, Africa, and America-complete with native critters. You can also meet sharks, penguins, and exotic fish at the Aquarium Pyramid.

If you hate seafood, stay away from Galveston. The restaurants here serve up fresh shrimp, catfish, swordfish, and just about anything else that once lurked in the sea. Some of the best seafood restaurants are on Seawall Blvd, although you can also find some gems just by exploring Downtown Galveston. I'm sure you can find decent food that once mooed, oinked, or clucked, but you'd be cheating yourself out of the full Galveston experience.

If you plan to stay a few nights in Galveston, you have many choices: You could stay in a hotel, a bed & breakfast, or a condominium. If you want a view of the gulf, choose something on the Seawall. You can find both affordable motels and luxurious award-winning hotels there.

Whether you're visiting Galveston to spend some time on the beach or to board a cruise ship, I hope you take a few extra days to experience everything the 32 mile long island has to offer. It's worth it.

Learn more about this author, Victoria Neely.
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