Galveston Monthly - Exploring Your Island Paradise

This Month

Exploring Galveston's Frozen Delights

They say you can’t buy happiness, but you can buy ice cream - and on a sweltering summer day, that’s pretty close. While many indulge in this frozen favorite year-round, the official start of summer means the heat is here to stay, and a cold, creamy treat is more tempting than ever. Whether it's a classic cone, a decadent sundae, or a creative new flavor, there’s nothing quite like ice cream to cool down and sweeten the season.

Start Your Engines

Few people know the forerunners to the popular NASCAR races were locally held events, including beach races in Galveston. The Galveston Automobile Club organized the first public race in 1906. The event attracted 3,000 spectators, but that was just a hint of the excitement to come. After the devastating 1900 storm, community leaders and business owners were searching for ways to reinvigorate the formerly successful cotton industry by demonstrating the versatility ...

The Legacy of 1810 Sealy

At first glance, the Victorian home at 1810 Sealy draws attention with its distinctive architecture, but the finer details reward those who pause for a closer look. A conical roof at the corner might suggest a turret, but it gracefully caps a welcoming corner of the upstairs porch. The three double galleries boast railings with a unique split one-over-two spindle design. Scroll brackets at the dormer window mirror those found on the first-floor porch, which also features...

Treasures From The Tide

I’ve lived on Galveston Island for 23 years, and the beach has always been a significant part of my life. Over the years, I’ve written about the serendipitous treasures we find along the shore, but I’ve never truly explored what draws me back time and time again - the connection with the beach spirits. If you’re a beachcomber, you’ve likely found yourself saying, “The beach gods were good to me today,” or “Karma was with me,” after stumbling upon a glass stopper or a long-sought collectible.

Green Without The Grind

On Galveston Island, where tropical breezes meet unforgiving heat and soil can feel more like powdered beach than fertile ground, cultivating a beautiful lawn can be an uphill battle. Traditional grass lawns, once the hallmark of American curb appeal, are increasingly complex to maintain in this coastal climate. Between salt-laden air, sporadic rainfall, prolonged sun exposure, and seasonal storm surges, keeping a natural lawn looking good often demands relentless effort and money.

Splash Day

For decades, Splash Day was the official start of summer tourism in Galveston, drawing thousands of visitors to the island’s shores. Originally known as the Bathing Girl Revue, the event debuted in 1920 as an elaborate beachside pageant celebrating the beginning of the local summer season. Over time, it evolved into a major spectacle, featuring parades, beauty contests, and festive gatherings that embodied the island’s vibrant spirit.

Two New Boutiques Open and an Island-Favorite Eatery Reopens After a Devastating Fire

With school out and warmer days ahead, Galveston's downtown business district is buzzing with activity. Whether you're searching for a one-of-a-kind gift or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll, late spring and early summer offer the perfect backdrop for exploring the island’s charming streets.

Exciting changes are underway as two new shops bring fresh offerings to the area, while a beloved local eatery makes its long-awaited return in a new location after overcoming a devastating fire.

Favorable weather and the success of Galveston’s new monthly ArtWalk schedule have contributed to a thriving downtown business scene - a remarkable turnaround from last year’s challenges following Hurricane Beryl.

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San Luis Bridge Toll Eliminated

Placeholder image Travelers crossing the San Luis Pass Bridge can now do so free of charge, as the $2 toll was officially eliminated in late May. With this change, the bridge’s toll plaza has ceased operations, marking the end of cash-only payments for the scenic 1.3-mile span.

In April, Galveston County commissioners voted to remove the toll, a decision that eliminates the last remaining cash-based toll crossing in the greater Houston metro area. The bridge, also known as the San Luis Pass-Vacek Toll Bridge, was originally built in 1966 to replace its predecessor, which was destroyed by Hurricane Carla in September 1961.

For decades, the bridge has provided the only alternate land route to and from Galveston Island, aside from the Interstate 45 causeway - formally named the George and Cynthia Mitchell Memorial Causeway.

However, its reliance on cash payments often led to long backups, particularly on the Galveston Island side, where drivers had to stop to pay the toll or wait for change from attendants.

The removal of the toll is expected to ease traffic congestion and improve travel times, making it more convenient for residents and visitors alike. Now, those heading across the bridge can more easily access restaurants in Surfside or explore attractions such as Fort Velasco and the Surfside Historical Museum.

Additionally, the change is likely to boost recreational activity at San Luis Pass County Park, located at the eastern edge of Follet’s Island just west of the bridge. The 15-acre bayfront park, a popular destination for RV camping, fishing, and birdwatching, is now more accessible than ever.

Located on the far west end of Galveston Island, the San Luis Pass Bridge remains a vital link between communities, now free of tolls and full of new possibilities.

Model of USS Galveston on Display

Placeholder image A detailed model of the USS Galveston has recently been donated to the Galveston County Museum by the USS Galveston Shipmates Association, becoming a centerpiece in a new exhibit dedicated to the ship’s legacy. In addition to the model, the Association also contributed archival materials and memorabilia, further preserving the history of the vessel and the brave crew who served aboard.

The unveiling of the model was a highlight of the museum’s ongoing efforts to recognize Galveston's maritime heritage, particularly as part of the Port of Galveston’s 200th anniversary celebration. The USS Galveston holds a significant place in naval history, originally commissioned as a Cleveland-class light cruiser (CL-93/CLG-3) before being converted into a Galveston-class guided missile cruiser.

Launched by William Cramp & Sons Shipbuilding Company in April 1945, the USS Galveston made history as the first ship to deploy Talos missiles. She served with the Pacific Fleet, providing gunfire and air defense support during the Vietnam War, before being decommissioned in 1970. She was later placed in the Pacific Reserve Fleet in San Diego and ultimately sold for scrap in 1975.

The Galveston County Museum, where the USS Galveston exhibit is now housed, is located inside the former Galveston County Courthouse at 722 Moody (21st Street) in downtown Galveston. Visitors can enjoy free admission on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10am to 4pm. The museum offers free parking and has a handicap entrance at the rear of the building.

For more details on this exhibit and other historical collections, visit www.galvestoncountyhistory.org.

Galveston Island Brewing 11th Anniversary Party June 21

Placeholder image Galveston Island Brewing is set to celebrate its 11th Anniversary on Saturday, June 21 from 11am-9pm with a special event that promises to be a highlight of the year. The anniversary party will feature vintage beach rides, live jams, and a full tap wall line-up of 18 beers.

Guests can enjoy specialty beer releases, food trucks, and live music throughout the day. The event is family-friendly and dog-friendly, making it a great choice for all ages. Activities for kids will be inside the brewhouse from 12-3pm.

Galveston Island Brewing is located at 8423 Stewart Road. For more details visit www.galvestonislandbrewing.com.

Make Music Day Comes to Galveston June 21

Placeholder image The first annual Make Music Galveston, a wonderful mix of free, public musical events, will make its debut on Saturday, June 21. Make Music Galveston is part of Make Music Day, a global music celebration that takes place on the summer solstice each year and brings people of all ages and skill levels together to make music.

This year, over 150 U.S. cities will host thousands of Make Music performances across the country as part of the world’s largest annual music event.

Several months ago, various Galveston entities and individuals formed the Make Music Alliance to discuss ways to highlight the island’s live performances. As a result of this initiative, the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce, Arts Downtown Galveston and Visit Galveston have partnered to launch the first Make Music Galveston as part of this global event.

Make Music Day began in France in 1982 as the Fête de la Musique and has spread to over 2,000 cities across the globe. Completely different from a typical musical festival, Make Music concerts are performed by anyone who wants to take part and enjoyed by everyone who wants to attend.

From classical to folk, hip hop to opera, Latin jazz to punk rock, live music of all kinds resounds on streets, sidewalks, porches, parks, gardens, store fronts and other public spaces on the longest day of the year. Any musician, amateur or professional, young or old, is invited to take part.

Likewise, businesses, buildings, schools, churches, and other institutions can visit the Make Music Day website to offer their outdoor spaces as concert locations. To be listed, performances must be free of charge and open to the public.

To sign up and for a full schedule of events visit www.makemusicday.org/galveston.

Fort San Jacinto Historic Point Beach Cleanup - June 21

Placeholder image Join your fellow community members and our island visitors in preserving Galveston’s coastal beauty at the Fort San Jacinto Historic Point Beach Cleanup on Saturday, June 21 from 9am to noon. Located at the far east end of the Seawall, this important cleanup effort helps restore and protect one of the island’s historic and scenic waterfront areas.

Volunteers of all ages are welcome to participate in clearing litter and debris from the beach and surrounding areas. Grabbers, bags, and gloves will be provided to make the cleanup process smooth and efficient.

Please wear comfortable footwear and clothing appropriate for sandy or wet conditions, as some areas may require walking through soft sand or shallow water. Weather can be unpredictable, so plan accordingly - this event will take place rain or shine.

The event is proudly sponsored by the Galveston Park Board and Galveston Bagel Co., bringing the community together for a great cause. After the cleanup wraps up at noon, volunteers are urged to stick around to enjoy fresh bagels, courtesy of Galveston Bagel Co. Be sure to bring a reusable container for water to stay hydrated during the cleanup.

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.