10 Best Things To Do In And Around Tiki Island, Texas

1. Saltwater fishing

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Tiki Island and the Galveston area at large are prime spots for some of the South’s best saltwater fishing. For those so inclined, they can cast off from various points the island. But if you’re keen to find some good catches further out, there are various companies – a little over 100 in fact – that conduct saltwater fishing tours a little ways out into the waters off Tiki Island.

Angler Charters

Address: 715 N Holiday Dr slip B1, 776550 Galveston, TX

Website: Angler Charters

2. Moody Mansion

The Moody Mansion is a grand monument that is venerated in the area and it isn’t hard to see why on first glance. Tucked into the heart of Galveston, the mansion was first built in 1895. Shortly after the area was hit by the great hurricane of 1900, powerful business magnate W.L. Moody, Jr. purchased the property and established it as the base for his family which lasted all the way until 1986.

Moody Mansion

Address: 2618 Broadway St, 77550 Galveston, Texas

Website: Moody Mansion

3. Moody Gardens

Moody Gardens is a full-fledged aquarium and wildlife park that overlooks the Offatts Bayou. Clocking in at 242 acres (100 hectares), visitors here can partake in a bevy of fun activities from visiting a rainforest exhibit that shows off animals from Central and South America and Africa to riding a zip-line or tackling a ropes course. If you’re looking for a smoother activity to get into, Moody Gardens also operates the Colonel Paddlewheel, a replica of a paddlewheel boat from the 1800s that will let you cruise through the bayou. There are also movie theater presentations on site and a water park complete with a wave pool.

Moody Gardens

Address: 1 Hope Blvd, 77554 Galveston, Texas

Website: Moody Gardens

4. The Strand Historic District

In downtown Galveston, the Strand Historic District is a key destination. Dubbed as a National Historic Landmark in 1976, this five-block area has Victorian-era buildings that are still in use by local businesses. It lies on a street that runs parallel to Galveston Bay, and as such is still prone to be affected by severe weather such as what took place with Hurricane Ike in 2008. It withstood that damage and is still home to a number of museums and galleries as well as restaurants and clubs that are integral to the area’s nightlife.

The Strand Historic District

Address: 2100 Strand, Downtown Galveston, 77550 Galveston, TX

Website: The Strand Historic District

5. Seawolf Park

This park is a destination for those visitors looking to gain a little insight into the naval history of the United States. Nestled on Pelican Island, the park was once a place for immigrants to arrive and gain entry into the country. Seawolf Park is open on a 24-hour, seven days a week basis with the exception of Christmas. The place is home to the submarine U.S.S. Cavalla, as well as the destroyer escort U.S.S. Stewart.

Seawolf Park

Address: 100 Seawolf Park Blvd, 77551 Galveston, TX

Website: Seawolf Park

6. Enjoying the beaches

If there’s one thing that Tiki Island and the Galveston area can offer, it’s a chance to soak up some quality sun on the beach. There are quite a few homes on Tiki Island with beach access that are available as vacation rentals. In addition, Galveston has a slew of beaches that are mostly public for visitors to enjoy such as Terramar Beach and the Galveston Island State Park which also has areas for camping out.

Galveston Island State Park

Address: 14901 Farm to Market 3005, 77554 Galveston, TX

Website: Galveston Island State Park

Beaches in and around Tiki Island

Website: List of beaches in and around Tiki Island

7. Baywatch Dolphin Tours

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This family-owned and operated business has helped visitors from all over get a chance to see one of the most beloved sea creatures up close – the dolphin. Since 2005, Baywatch Dolphin Tours have pushed off from Pier 21 in Galveston. The tours run daily, seven days a week and guests take a ride on a jet-drive boat out into the waters where the dolphins congregate.

Baywatch Dolphin Tours

Address: 2100 Harborside Dr, 77550 Galveston, Texas

Website: Baywatch Dolphin Tours

8. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is a highly adored destination for carnival-style fun in a setting that was once the norm all across the United States dating back to the last century. The pier has undergone numerous changes since it was first built way back in 1906, with one stint as the home for a famed local hotel. But since 2009, it’s been the place for many to go and enjoy themselves on roller coasters that grand heights over the Gulf of Mexico. There are also a few shops and a couple of restaurants to grab a bite.

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

Address: 2501 Seawall Blvd, 77550 Galveston, Texas

Website: Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

9. Port Bolivar Ferry

One way to take in the sights of Tiki Island and the Galveston area at large is by taking the Port Bolivar Ferry. The ride itself lasts 15 minutes but during that time, riders can check out the scenery of Port Bolivar and the marshlands. They may also get to see dolphins who call the inlet home swimming about. The trip also allows you to see the cruise ships at port in the distance.

Port Bolivar Ferry

Address: Galveston Ferry Landing, 77550 Galveston, TX

Website: Port Bolivar Ferry

10. Carnival Freedom Cruise Ship

One of the main features of the area including Galveston is that it is the home port for cruise ships like the Carnival Freedom. The Freedom is one of Carnival Cruise Lines’ most recent vessels to take to the seas in the past decade, first traveling through the eastern section of the Mediterranean Ocean before being repositioned to Galveston two years ago. Now, cruise-goers headed to the Caribbean and Central American nations such as Belize and Honduras depart from here weekly.

Carnival Freedom Cruise Ship

Website: Carnival Freedom Cruise Ship

A last look at Tiki Island

For those making their way to Tiki Island, Texas, they’ll find that it’s a distinct point of tranquility. It represents another side of South Texas, a region well known for having a good time. Whether you like to take it easy and breathe in the salt-tinged air under a crisp blue sky on the beach, or you’re someone who likes to explore the history behind your surroundings, being in Tiki Island will certainly fill your needs no matter what you choose to do.