Top 10 Things To Do Indoors In Galveston, Texas - Updated 2024

1. Find your way out of the rooms in Escape the Island

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

In this excellent and fun Galveston indoor attraction, you can surely bond with your loved ones. The escape rooms of Escape the Island are precisely created to test your decision-making abilities and push you to solve interesting puzzles.

Investigate some clues and escape the dark basement before the hour is over. If you want to experience survival mode during a hurricane, select Escape the Storm. You may even play the role of a marine archeologist and investigate a mysterious shipwreck.

There’s so much to do here, so make sure to select from a variety of rooms to book online and reserve your time.

Escape the Island

Address: 910 21st St, Galveston, TX 77550, United States

Website: Escape the island

Opening hours: Sun: 2pm - 10pm; Tue - Sat: 10am - 10pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 25 USD

2. Say hello to the adorable otters in Moody Gardens

Moody Gardens is one of Texas’ major tourist destinations, with around 242 acres (97.93 hectares) of land boasting different activities for families and friends to enjoy. It employs nature to enhance “rehabilitation, conservation, and research”, and it acts as a learning environment for people to learn more about the world.

Visit the Aquarium Pyramid to explore the depths of the Gulf of Mexico, the South Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and more. The Rainforest Pyramid is home to river otters, saki monkeys, and even rare and endangered plants.

Moody Gardens also has 3D and 4D theaters, as well as an Audience Recognition Theater for a more fantastic time.

Moody Gardens

Address: 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554, United States

Website: Moody Gardens

Opening hours: 10am - 7pm (daily)

3. Ride the caboose at Galveston Railroad Museum

People of all ages are welcome to participate in the fun and engaging activities provided by the Galveston Railroad Museum. From the lovely train station to the 5-acre (2.02-hectare) railyard, there is so much to do here. You may learn about the area’s interesting railroad history by touring the various rail cars or riding on a caboose. Then, recharge by having delicious lunch with your traveling buddies in the historic dining car.

Here, you may see old locomotives, artifacts, and model trains. Apart from delivering an absolutely enjoyable experience, this museum seeks to maintain, observe, and re-use its historic buildings for the creation of educational and interactive activities.

Galveston Railroad Museum

Address: 2602 Santa Fe Pl, Galveston, TX 77550, United States

Website: Galveston Railroad Museum

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 6 USD

4. Enjoy impeccable performances at Grand 1894 Opera House

Grand 1894 Opera House is known as “The Official Opera House of the State of Texas”. It is also on the National Register of Historic Places as a link to Galveston’s rich past and an important aspect of the city’s future. By preserving, maintaining, and managing its role as a major performance venue, this opera house promotes the cultural life of Galveston.

It features top-tier touring artists in theater, music, dance, opera, and children’s programs. It also showcases live theater and globally renowned musicians. Visit their official website and look at their calendar of events to get your tickets right away!

Grand 1894 Opera House

Address: 2020 Postoffice St, Galveston, TX 77550, United States

Website: Grand 1894 Opera House

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat: 12pm - 5pm; Sunday (varies)

5. Conquer the unique obstacles at Magic Carpet Golf

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Magic Carpet Golf is located in Galveston’s West End and is a perfect place for families to spend quality time together. It has two colorful 18-hole golf courses for everyone to enjoy. You will surely love the entertaining obstacles, such as the enormous dragon and giant red ant, that will make your game experience more interesting. There’s also a cannon that can shoot your ball into a castle, as well as a gigantic cheese that will put your skills to the test!

This mini golf facility will undoubtedly provide you with novel ways to spend your time here. Furthermore, the property is wonderfully maintained, with lush greenery, tropical flowers, and palm trees, as well as views of the neighboring beach.

Magic Carpet Golf

Address: 9030 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554, United States

Website: Magic Carpet Golf

Opening hours: 9am - 10pm (daily)

6. Admire the beautiful collection of contemporary art in Galveston Arts Center

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

A visit to the Galveston Arts Center will undoubtedly improve your understanding of and connection to contemporary art. Through beautiful exhibitions and educational activities, this institution offers free admission to let you see its collection of modern visual arts. It also features professional artists’ works, such as Lauren Kussro’s prints and paper sculptures and Mayuko Ono Gray’s graphite drawings.

This facility provides active art classes for an additional fee per session that can help you improve your skills in sculpting, collage, digital photography, and other areas. Given the contemporary art collection that inspires, engages, and provokes, you are certain to have an evocative and valuable experience while you are here.

Galveston Arts Center

Address: 2127 The Strand, Galveston, TX 77550, United States

Website: Galveston Arts Center

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

7. Explore the historical beauty of Bishop’s Palace

Take the opportunity to see the magnificent Bishop’s Palace, which is regarded as one of the country’s most notable late Victorian residences. This historical landmark was built in 1892 and retains its original splendor, with stained glass and intricate window carvings. It is on the National Register of Historic Places because of its architectural significance.

This location is ideal for a nostalgic yet instructive experience since it provides educational field trips concentrating on history, arithmetic, and science. You are welcome to visit the palace on your own using the provided audio guide equipment. Every Saturday morning, this attraction gives exclusive tours of its normally restricted regions. There is also a gift shop on the premises.

Bishop’s Palace

Address: 1402 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX 77550, United States

Website: Bishop’s Palace

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Price: Starting at 10 USD

8. Explore the 1877 ship at Texas Seaport Museum

When you visit Texas Seaport Museum, you will be transported back in time and will be able to completely experience Galveston’s unique immigrant history. Galveston is a major port and thriving city in the country, therefore your visit to this museum will be filled with information about the challenges of early immigrants coming to the area.

The Galveston Historic Foundation restored the 1877 tall ship, ELISSA, into a floating museum. It is one of just three ships of its sort still sailing in the world. So, if you want to learn more about the city’s commerce and immigration, this ship museum is ideal. It also welcomes 40,000 visitors every year.

Texas Seaport Museum

Address: Pier 22 Suite, 8, Galveston, TX 77550, United States

Website: Texas Seaport Museum

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Price: Starting at 7 USD

9. Shop at your heart's content at Galvez Shopping Center

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Galvez Shopping Center is a one-stop shop for all of your everyday needs. This modern mall will help you purchase a variety of products as it is home to 17 stores that provides basic needs such as vitamins, clothing, food, and more. There is also a nice pet shop on-site to meet the needs of your pet.

You can drop by the mall’s key retailers such as The Home Depot, Dollar Tree, and Target. Take your time freshening yourself up at one of the beauty salons here. Moreover, gaming enthusiasts will surely love visiting the video game store. If you find yourself hungry after a long day, you can dine in the restaurant serving chicken wings, among others.

Galvez Shopping Center

Address: 6228 Broadway St, Galveston, TX 77551, United States

Website: Galvez Shopping Center

Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily)

10. Visit the butterfly garden at The Bryan Museum (from USD 14.0)

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The Bryan Museum is a must-visit attraction that will serve you with a fun and educational trip. This museum provides self-guided tours of its attractions, which include the Butterfly Garden. Within two hours, you may view the original artwork and screen displays on-site. There is also an extensive collection of artifacts dating back 12,000 years that you will certainly appreciate.

The museum covers the story of Texas and guides you through Galveston’s Wild West history. In addition, you will learn more about the Native Americans when you book a tour at The Bryan Museum. 

Galveston The Bryan Museum Admission Ticket

Duration: 2 hours

46 reviews

from USD

14.0

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Experience Galveston like never before

Galveston has numerous attractions that appeal to a wide range of individuals. The historic landmarks, art galleries, boutiques, and other well-known attractions make this a fantastic place to unwind after a long day at work. So, if you want to explore the vibrant city’s indoor attractions, consider checking out the above list!