Galveston Monthly - Exploring Your Island Paradise

This Month

The Galveston Burger Bucket List

Few foods have achieved global icon status quite like the hamburger - a simple yet irresistible classic that transcends cultures, cuisines, and generations. In the U.S. alone, nearly 50 billion hamburgers are served each year, according to the Department of Agriculture, proving that this humble beef-patty-on-a-bun is more than just a meal - it’s an institution From sizzling grills at fast-food drive-thrus to gourmet interpretations at five-star restaurants, the burger’s versatility knows no bounds. And what better time to celebrate its legendary status than May - National Hamburger Month?

Artifacts and Archives

Tucked away on the upper floor of Galveston’s historic Moody Mansion lies a treasure trove of family history, including thousands of artifacts collected over generations. Many of them were gathered by Mary Moody Northen herself. It’s a rich archive of objects, stories, and heirlooms that researcher Sharon Batiste Gillins helps illuminate through carefully curated rotating exhibits. A Galveston native, Gillins left the island after high school to pursue college in Washington, D.C. She built a career in California as a telecommunications professor at Riverside Community College.

The Wild Side of Galveston

Galveston Island State Park has undergone significant renovations over the past few years, incorporating a comprehensive range of amenities available to park visitors. If you live on Galveston Island and haven’t been in a while, you may be surprised at the complete offerings now available daily. If you visit the island, you will find abundant activities for the entire family. The campgrounds have been updated, and there are many trails for hiking, biking, and paddling. The new restrooms include outdoor showers. The visitor's center has ample parking and a small gift shop.

Your Outdoor Island Oasis

Creating an outdoor oasis in Galveston is less about square footage and more about Gulf Coast Texas spirit. It doesn’t matter whether you have a grand backyard shaded by towering palms or a pocket-sized patio tucked between historic island homes - the warm Gulf breeze and the unmistakable charm of coastal life make it easy to turn any space into a little sanctuary. The secret starts with the soil, as it often does on the island. Galveston’s ground can be a ...

Street Smarts

“Odonym” is a fancy word for street or road name, and Galveston has far more than its share. Though most cities only require one name per street, in most instances Galveston has at least two, and often a history of more. Alex Thompson made the first known map of Galveston in 1828. Streets running east and west bore such names as Crockett, Milam, and Travis, while others closer to the beach were San Jacinto, Menard, and Christy.

City National Bank Building

Located in the Central Business District, the 1920 City National Bank Building at 2219 Market is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (1984) and stands as one of Galveston’s most significant early 20th-century structures. In 1907, William L. Moody Jr. founded City National Bank and later purchased the Levy Building at Market and 23rd, where banking operations remained until the completion of a new fireproof building next door, designed by ...

Galveston's Back Garden Tour Is Back

Placeholder image The Back Garden Tour returns on Saturday, May 17, from 9am to 4pm, offering an exclusive look at some of Galveston’s most inspiring private and shared garden spaces.

Hosted by Clean Galveston, this self-guided, rain-or-shine tour showcases private oases, elegant retreats, and tranquil landscapes across the island. From whimsical and charming to sophisticated and serene, these diverse spaces highlight the creativity and passion of local gardeners.

Attendees will have the opportunity to gather expert gardening insights from real-life Galveston green thumbs while exploring thoughtfully designed outdoor sanctuaries.

Tickets are $20 per person and available online at www.cleangalveston.org or for in-person purchase on the day of the tour at each participating garden.

For more information, visit www.cleangalveston.org.

What’s New on Galveston Island

New Sweet Shop and Indo-Chinese Fusion Eatery Open, Popular Antique Shop Expands, Moke Rentals Welcomes New Ownership, and a New Art Gallery Debuts

FAs summer arrives and the island’s weather warms, Galveston comes to life. Full-time residents, second-home owners, and visitors alike fill the streets, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, bustling restaurants, and lively shopping district - ready to embrace the season.

Just in time for summer, two new eateries have opened - a neighborhood sweet shop and café bar, along with a restaurant specializing in Indo-Chinese fusion cuisine, offering fresh flavors for locals and tourists alike. Meanwhile, Galveston’s art district continues to flourish with the addition of a new gallery on the east end of Postoffice Street, and a popular antique store has expanded its space and selection, making them must-visit spots during Galveston’s new monthly ArtWalks.

Read More

Pirate's Beach West Dune Plant Restoration Project

Placeholder image Thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous donor, Artist Boat successfully planted 9,300 native plants within the dune zone between the beachfront homes of Pirate’s Beach West and the Gulf. These plantings help stabilize the dunes, prevent erosion, and support natural dune growth, all while enhancing the area's beauty.

The project began in early March with planting, followed by the installation of temporary irrigation systems, which will be monitored weekly. Protective barriers were also installed to safeguard the site. Native species planted include Panicgrass, Seaoats, Saltmeadow Cordgrass, Sea Purslane, and Dune Sunflowers.

Partnering with beachfront homeowners, the plants will be watered on a two-day rotating schedule through November, after which the temporary irrigation will be removed.

Volunteers from Temple Bible Church contributed their time during planting days, collectively planting over 9,000 native plants in just three days.

Artist Boat, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, works to preserve the Gulf Coast through land conservation and inspiring, educational adventures that encourage creativity, awareness, and action.

Secure donations are processed through Stripe and are tax-deductible as allowed by law. For more details, visit www.artistboat.org.

Plein Air Southwest Returns May 4-10

Plein Air Southwest, a juried membership paint-out event presented by the Outdoor Painters Society, returns to Galveston from May 4-10. Marking its seventh year on the island, this event coincides with the 51st Annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour

Hosted by the Galveston Historical Foundation, this prestigious competition brings 44 juried artists from Texas and across the nation to paint for five days and nights at carefully selected locations throughout the city, competing for $25,000+ in cash and merchandise.

Artists will capture the essence of Galveston, focusing on Historic Homes Tour sites, downtown Strand, Galveston Harbor, the tall ship Elissa, and surrounding streets and alleys.

Completed works will be displayed at the elegant 1859 Ashton Villa, one of Broadway’s oldest mansions. For more information visit www.outdoorpainterssociety.com.

Home & Garden
Enjoy inspirational interiors, decorating and gardens from those that help shape Galveston Island style.

Food & Drink

Where to find lunch, brunch, dinner covering casual to fine dining. These places are not afraid to try new things. Hope you're hungry.

Arts & Culture

Beaches aren't all Galveston has to offer. Local theater productions, contemporary art exhibits and other family events that always inspires.