Spring Break 2020 for my family was pre-COVID19. We were able to enjoy the beautiful sights of Galveston, TX before we knew about social distancing and the extended cancellation of school. This trip was not marked by this virus, but I know so many other families have had to cancel their Spring Break plans and postpone awaited trips and vacations.

I’ve decided to blog about our trip anyway. This too shall pass, and when it does, you’ll have my experience to read about and perhaps book you and your family a trip to the beaches of South Texas! Who knows? Maybe it could be this summer!

There is so much to do and see around Galveston, TX. It’s only about a 40 minute drive south of Houston. The old port town dates back to European settlement in the early 1800s, and you can see the heavy influence of international trade in the gorgeous architecture adorning the city. I’m sure we didn’t experience all that Galveston has to offer, but I will share with you my top recommendations when visiting.

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Lodging:

If you ask my kids, all they wanted to do was stay in the hotel room and order room service! They thought our 2 bedroom suite at the Tremont House was the coolest “house” they’ve ever slept in. It really was, though. The staff went above and beyond to make our stay special. They sent up complimentary milk and cookies for the kids and brought us all of our odd requests when we asked for them. We took a free shuttle to their sister property, the Hotel Galvez and left our beach bag on the bus which they returned to us. The kids wanted to sleep on the sleeper sofa, even though we had plenty of beds, and the staff came and set it up for us. The room was spotless each time we returned which was often because the location of the Tremont House is walking distance to the following must-do attractions:

• LA King’s Confectionery
• Pirates! Legends of the Gulf Coast Museum
• Katie’s Seafood House
• Fisherman’s Wharf on Pier 21
• Hey Mickey’s Ice Cream

The Tremont House boasts a gorgeous roof-top bar that unfortunately was closed due to rain, but the views were beautiful. I would highly recommend this hotel for your trip to Galveston.

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I mentioned that you have complimentary access to the Hotel Galvez when you stay at the Tremont. We definitely took advantage of that and soaked up some sun by the pool and swim-up bar. We truly, truly enjoyed this property.

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Beach:

The Hotel Galvez is positioned on the water. We walked right outside and lived our best life making sandcastles, swimming in the ocean, and dancing on the beach. The kids loved it!

When we got hungry we hit up the beachside ChickfilA and then walked to Pleasure Pier. Pleasure Pier boasts roller coasters, rides, carnival games, and souvenir shops. I would NOT recommend the ferris wheel but that’s because I’m afraid of heights, especially when the ride towers above the ocean and the wind is blowing and there are NO SEAT BELTS!

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Area Attractions:

There were two things on my bucket list for this trip and they were NASA at Johnson Space Center and Moody Gardens. To visit NASA we had to drive back into Houston a bit, but it was easy. I’m still in awe of man’s ability to visit space. Seeing the Saturn V replica up close and personal gave me chills. The Space Center was incredible, but if you have children under the age of 6, I would say pass on the educational tour. They really enjoyed all the virtual reality rides and the kids center activities. Oh also be prepared to spend some serious money in the gift shop. I was suckered into buying a “Space Unicorn,” which is really just another overpriced unicorn.

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On the way back into Galveston we stopped by Moody Gardens. Moody Gardens contains lots of attractions. There’s a hotel, golf course, water park, rainforest, and aquarium. We chose the rainforest and I am so glad we did. It was breathtaking. You feel like you’re in the Louvre in Paris. The glass pyramid is the greenhouse for all the featured plants and wildlife. It truly was spectacular. Then we stepped onto the water’s edge for gorgeous photo ops! If you have the time, I would spend a whole day at the Aquarium and the Rainforest.

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Where to eat:

If you’re gonna be by the water then in my opinion, you MUST enjoy all the seafood. Here is a list of our favorite restaurants we enjoyed, but I want to give special attention to Katie’s Seafood House and Sunflower Bakery & Cafe. We celebrated my dad’s birthday at Katie’s Seafood House which is a scratch kitchen. They are the only restaurant in Galveston that catch their own fish, on their own boats in the gulf. You can even book a fishing trip with them. The freshness was exceptional and I must tell you to try the Shrimp Alfredo!

Sunflower Bakery & Cafe was recommended to us by a friend and I would 100% recommend it to you. The cafe was busy and there was a small antique shop connected so you could shop while you wait. I had the Salmon Eggs Benedict, which you must try and the grilled Cinnamon Rolls are to die for!

• Fisherman’s Wharf on Pier 21
• Katie’s Seafood House
• Tremont House
• Pleasure Pier
• Sunflower Bakery & Cafe

This really was such a special trip for me and my family. We celebrated my dad’s birthday and I had some much needed time (UNPLUGGED) with my kids. I hope this gives you something to look forward to when we are all able to socialize and travel again. Until then, xo!