by Mary Vance

Created on: February 19, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Galveston, Texas, is a great choice for a vacation. Exciting events take place all during the year. Most attractions are accessible through out all seasons. Galveston has so many attractions, that there is always something to appeal to people of every age.

There are two major airports that serve the Houston/Galveston area. Shuttle buses, taxis,
and all major rental car services can be obtained at the airports. Four cruise ship lines operate out of Galveston. They offer from four day - two week cruises, to many destinations.

Galveston has a long history. It was at one time known as the "Ellis Island of the West", for the hordes of people who flocked there seeking their fortunes. It got its name from the Spanish governor, and general, Bernardo de Galvez. He died before he could set foot on his namesake.

Better known are the escapades of the pirate Jean Lafitte. He based his pirating operation on the island he had named, Campeche. After his attack on an American ship, he was forced to abandon the island. He burned everything on the island before his departure. Galveston was incorporated as a city 1839. The great hurricane of 1900 almost completely destroyed Galveston. The city was rebuilt,it over came tragedy to become one of the top resort cities.

Getting around the city itself is made simple by the Galveston Island Trolley. The trolleys run every twenty minutes, and are accessible from most places on the island. It is a fun mode of transport, covering areas such as the Seawall, famous Pier 21, the Strand Historic District, and the University of Texas Medical Branch. The trolley ride offers views of many points of interest. The fare is $1.50 for adults and .60 for children.

Walking along the wide sidewalk atop the Seawall, you can take in the sights and sounds of the beach,surf,and fellow beach-goers. Skates, bicycles, and pedal surreys can be rented at many locations along the Seawall.

Moody Gardens is a must see attraction. Explore the pyramids of Moody Gardens. At the Aquarium
Pyramid you can watch the goofy antics of the many penguins as they play in, and out of the water. See rare white crocodiles, shark of all kinds, and thousands of tropical fish. The Rain Forest Pyramid has a wide range of animals such monkeys, toucans, and many other exotic birds. You will feel that you are walking through a Brazilian jungle, minus the mosquitoes.

The Moody Gardens Discovery Museum will amaze you. At their Imax Theater you can watch movies in 3D, on the six story screen. The

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