Dreamy destinations and quixotic advetures; they surely paint a lovely picture. The picture gets prettier when you see your other half in it.
Having a built-in travel companion is one of the best things about being in a relationship. Whether domestic or international, a trip with your special someone doesn’t only ensure exciting experiences but also helps you learn tons of things about each other. Perhaps your boyfriend can get an adrenaline rush from tombstoning, or your girlfriend can befriend anyone, even though she only knows a few words in the local language!
Of course, not every time can you jet off to Bali or book a luxurious stay in Hawaii, but don’t let your budget hold you back from having a fantastic trip with each other. Right in the U.S., one of the best places to enjoy the romantic ambience is Galveston. This ocean town prides itself on the beautiful sunsets on the bay, historical architecture, and delicious coastal cuisine.
So, if you want to step away from it all and enjoy paradise with your loved one, here is Enjoyfuntrip’s guide on the most enchanting things to do in Galveston for couples!
But First, Where To Stay?
For a fancy experience at a reasonable price, make sure to check out The Grand Galvez Resort & Spa in downtown Galveston.
From a breathtaking view of the seashore to the elegant décor, top-notch spa facilities, and delicious food, they have everything you might ask for from a couple’s getaways. If you are looking for the perfect wedding ballroom, they also have a gorgeous one with beachfront access.
But there is (supposedly) one thing you might not expect: Ghost stories! Legend has it that there are dozens of spirits lurking around the corners of Galvez, unable to move on from this plane.
Well, whether or not you will actually come across “Sister Catherine”, the “Love Lorn Lady”, or any phantom child is anyone’s guess. Nonetheless, the rumors surrounding this historic hotel give Galvez a mysterious, almost surreal vibe that you can’t find anywhere else. Perhaps you and your partner will want to come back more than once to catch a ghost in action!
Soak Up The Sun On Galveston Beaches
Being an island, Galveston boasts quite a few sunny beaches. The options are endless, but I’d suggest stopping by Stewart Beach.
Located on the northern end of the city’s iconic Seawall, Steward Beach is entitled to the “best beach in Galveston Texas”. It is blessed with sugar-white sand and tranquil, blue-emerald water. There is plenty of room to spread out, and you can rent an umbrella or sun lounge.
In addition to the stunning views of the Gulf, it offers a wide range of amenities. Just beyond the sand, there are so many concession stands where you can enjoy snacks and drinks.
But don’t let the fun end here: After spending a day on the beach, take a short stroll on Broadway Avenue. Looking at all the old mansions and historic churches, you will fall in love with the town even more.
What if you and your partner are both wildlife lovers? Walk along the beach while admiring Willett’s, Wilson’s Plovers, and Horned Larks from afar at the Bolivar Flats Bird Sanctuary! That will be the best of both worlds, though getting too close is not recommended: Too much human interference might be harmful to plant life and hidden nests.
Ride The Roller Coaster Together At Galveston Island’s Historic Pleasure Pier
Did you know that moments of anxiety and adrenaline rush can boost romantic attraction? Love is a roller coaster ride, people say, and sometimes they literally mean it: Taking your other half on a thrilling fun park ride is the perfect way to make them fall head over heel for you once again!
With that in mind, let’s pay Galveston Island’s Historic Pleasure Pier a visit! Resting on Seawall Boulevard, this beloved tourist attraction extends more than 1,000 feet into the Gulf. So far, the historic pier has delivered a dozen rides that are sure to get your heart racing.
The original pier was demolished in 1961, and it wasn’t until 50 years later that its successor welcomed tourists again. Aside from the roller coaster, don’t forget to take a spin on the Ferris Wheel and admire the breathtaking coastal view.
Die-hard fans of midway games will find their paradise in the game center: There are over 200 gaming titles here, which will keep you and your date occupied the whole day!
Things To Do In Galveston For Couples – Bicycle Through The East End Historical District
To marvel at G-town’s majestic collection of historic buildings, take a bicycle tour down the East End Historical District. There, ornately painted houses line the streets in Greek Revival, Queen Anne, and Victorian styles, among others. This is a wonderful way to enjoy a morning at Galveston, and you can make your way to Sunflower Bakery, which is the local-favorite eatery in the neighborhood.
If you don’t want to rent a bicycle, the streets here also make a romantic place to walk hand-in-hand with your partners. Among all the free things to do in Galveston, this is still an all-time favorite.
After breakfast, stop by the 1892 Bishop’s Palace to experience Victoria’s era wealth. This intricately designed piece of architecture was built in 1892, displaying luxurious furniture and several masterful sculptures.
Spend The Day Exploring Moody Gardens
This ever-expanding leisure and educational facility, with 10 separate attractions spreading across 242 acres, includes everything you can imagine.
To give you an idea of how enormous it is, Moody Garden doesn’t only have three full-size pyramids but also has one of the best zoos in Texas. What’s more, the facility includes hotels, spas, and other relaxation centers.
While exploring the Moody Garden is often considered one of the most exciting things to do in Galveston with kids, it can also be an unforgettable experience for couples: You may explore the dense and colorful rainforest with your significant other or take them to see penguins, stingrays, and even sharks at the aquarium.
Oh, and there is a penthouse steakhouse nearby for lovebirds hoping to wine and dine in a romantic setting!
Things To Do In Galveston For Couples – Go On A Sunset Cruise On The Galveston Bay
A sunset cruise on Galveston Bay is the epitome of romance. Take a sip of champagne and revel in the balmy golden hour with your other half’s company!
There are so many companies that offer sunset cruise services, so you should have no trouble finding one within your price range. These tours are pet-friendly, and tourists are welcome to bring beer or snacks along to make the trip more enjoyable.
Aside from a two-hour sunset tour, you can also choose a one-hour tour of Galveston’s harbor to see marine life and birds. If you are lucky, you can get to see dolphins playing and jumping from a close-up!
Another way to appreciate a gorgeous Texas sunset is to book a table at Waterman’s Restaurant. The restaurant boasts the most spectacular view of the bay with a patio area and an outdoor bar. As you might expect, Waterman’s specialty is fresh seafood from the Gulf. Nonetheless, if you are in the mood for steak, they offer certified Angus beef, too. That’s everything needed for a special date night!
Things To Do In Galveston For Couples – Watch A Show At The Grand 1984 Opera House
There is a reason the Grand 1984 Opera House became Texas’ official state opera house: It’s truly a sight to behold. Beyond the exquisite exterior, the theater continues to throw lavish performances to this day.
The Grand 1984 Opera House, Galveston
It has not one, but two seating decks and numerous private boxes, where patrons can get a good view of the shows. Because of the multiple hurricanes, the opera house needed more than a decade to restore its former glory. Nonetheless, thanks to the locals’ effort, it makes for a splendid night out.
The historic theater has hosted some of the most prominent figures in entertainment. Make sure you check the website to see what’s playing during your visit, or simply take a tour of this marvelous architecture to learn more about its history.
Things To Do In Galveston For Couples – Sips On Drinks At The Rooftop Bar
After the show, head to the Tremont House Rooftop Bar. The bar has a laid-back ambiance and an intimate space, making it a wonderful place for lovey-dovey conversations.
What’s more, Tremont House offers a 360-degree view of the downtown area and the harbors. Couples can sip on handcrafted cocktails and nibble on light snacks while taking in the vista.
Couples Who Travel Together, Stay Together!
The secret to any couple’s happiness is to find balance, and traveling together is perfect for that: Along the way, you two will figure out how to learn and adapt to the strengths and weaknesses of each other.
Hopefully, this list of things to do in Galveston for couples will make you want to pack up and get out of your comfort zone. All the memories of you two can be in the same place, the same old restaurants, the same old parks. Nonetheless, embarking on a new adventure and exploring such a lovely place will enable you to recollect interesting anecdotes from the trip, for years to come!
