Great Family Vacation on the Ocean

There is little to compare to standing on theIn addition to the over 30 miles of beach,
beach looking out over the ocean at sunrise orGalveston has many different attractions for just
sunset. If you've never been to the Texas Gulfabout anyone. Here's a brief list:
Coast region, especially Galveston Island, you'll be· Moody Gardens - Aquarium Pyramid, IMAX 3D
surprised at all there is to see and do including theTheater, Rainforest Pyramid, Paddlewheel Boat
beaches and ocean. And one of the best andrides and Palm Beach which is a great place for
least expensive Texas Gulf Coast vacations onkids to swim in protected area.
Galveston Island is to rent a beach house.· Schlitterbahn Waterpark - both indoor and
Galveston Island is located about 50 miles southoutdoor facilities, many water rides.
of Houston, Texas. You can fly into Hobby· The Strand - Famous historic area with many
Airport and it's only a 38 mile drive to Galvestonboutiques, restaurants, and walking tours of area.
Island. You can use one of the four Limo Services· Magic Carpet & Bungee Fun - Amusement
for about $35 (one way) or take a Taxi forcomplex with rides, batting cages, and of course
around $70, or rent a car for as little as $27 perBungee Jumping.
day at Enterprise. If you're staying at a beach· Treasure Isle Tour Train - A 17 mile narrated
house, a car would be your best bet since mosttour of the historic parts of the city.
of the beach house rentals are on the west side· Galveston Ferry - Ferry that travels to
of the island.adjacent Bolivar Island. Fun to ride and also visit
There are many reasons to stay at a beachBolivar and High Island for some great bird
house besides being on or near the ocean.watching.
Considering what hotels cost for a family, a beach· Bird Watching - There are up to 300 different
house offers considerable savings both in lodgingbird species that live or pass though Galveston
cost and not having to spend money on eatingarea.
out for every meal. It's like camping only a whole· Fishing - From the Galveston Fishing Pier, along
lot better with a beach house. And many beachthe beach, or crabbing in the canals, or Charter
houses allow pets so you don't have to leave anyFishing Boats.
family members at home.There are many more attractions and fun things
There are also many different sizes and locationsto do for free too. Stop by the Galveston
of beach house to rent for any budget. There areVisitor's Center for free brochures, maps, and
three general seasons and rates for beach houseother information about Galveston. It's located on
rentals. High season (most expensive) is Summer2027 61st Street and is open from 8:30 am to
and runs from June to September. Spring Season5:00 pm every day.
is March to May, and Fall/Winter Season isAnd if you like to go out to eat at restaurants to
September to February. Depending on thetake a break from meals at the beach house
season, you can find the smaller near beach (2-5there are many great restaurants. From seafood
blocks) for as little as $400 per week. And if youto steaks, Italian to Vietnamese, fast food to
have a big family and want to go in the summerbarbecue, you name it and Galveston has a
to a house 100 feet from the ocean, you canrestaurant that serves it. And they have just
spend up to $5,000 for a week.about every possible ice cream and confection
You can cook out or eat in with beautiful oceanstyle treats along the Seawall Boulevard along the
views and have all the comforts of home. Mosteast side beaches.
beach houses come with everything you need likeAll in all, taking a vacation at Galveston Island and
linens, dishes and cooking utensils, wide screenstaying at a beach house is fun and can be very
TVs and DVD players, Wifi Internet access, largeinexpensive. And there's something for just about
decks, barbecues, and washer and dryers. Savingany type of person whether you just want to lay
money and all the conveniences of home right onaround and watch the surf or go on daily
or near the beach.excursions for adventure and fun.