Local
Information
Bio
Galveston is an island located along the Gulf Coast
region of Texas. Galveston is known for its historic
neighborhoods and a 16 kilometer-long seawall designed to
protect the city from floods.
The city houses
many tourist attractions, including
Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, Moody Gardens, the
Lone Star Flight Museum, a downtown neighborhood of historic
buildings known as The Strand, many historical museums and
mansions and miles of beach front.
The Strand plays
host to a yearly Mardi Gras Festival, Galveston Island Jazz
and Blues Festival, Texas Beach Fest, Lone Star Bike Rally,
and a Victorian-themed Christmas festival called "Dickens on
the Strand." Galveston's history and abundant beaches are
major tourist destinations. Houstonians and visitors from
around the world purchase homes and condominiums to make
Galveston their second home.
Quick Facts
Area of Galveston: 539.6 square kilometers
Elevation: 2 meters
Population: 57,466
Length: 51.5 kilometers
Width at widest point: 4 kilometers
Average temperatures during the summer: 38.40 Celsius
Average temperatures during the winder: 21 to 27
Celsius
Shopping
There are several major retail stores within walking
distance of Schlitterbahn and student housing. Wal-Mart,
located 3
kilometers from the park has groceries,
men's, women's and children's clothing, a full pharmacy, and
much more. Marshalls and
Ross are 2 kilometers from the park. They are discount
stores which feature men's, women's and children's clothing,
shoes, purses and jewelry as well as household decorating
items.
There are many
other shopping opportunities on the island, which are too many to
mention here. Schlitterbahn can provide you with a detailed list
and maps upon your arrival. Most destinations are within walking
distance or a short bike ride away, or can be reached by
city bus or taxi.
Entertainment
Other than the beach, one of the top destinations for Galveston
visitors is the 242-acre Moody Gardens which is part theme park,
part education and rehabilitative facility, and part pleasure
garden.
The best way to
connect to Galveston's past is by an excursion through one
of its historic districts. Stroll through the
36-square-block area of downtown Galveston, exploring the
enticing shops on The Strand, the waterfront district, and
the trendy art districts. Museum's, whether you fancy land,
sea, air or art deco, include the Railroad Museum at the foot
of The Strand, the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig, the
Museum on Pier 20, the Lonestar Flight Museum, the Mardi
Gras Museum, The Texas Seaport Museum and the Galveston
County Historic Museum.
With all this
touring, lucky you, you've worked up an appetite. Dining is
a Galveston highpoint. The specialty is fresh-cooked, fresh
caught Gulf Coast cuisine - available in both traditional
and nouvelle settings in restaurants for every mood and
palate from upscale continental to hip fusion to authentic Tex-Mex
or down-home barbecue.
