IAH – Houston Intercontinental Airport – 68 miles, 1 ½ to 2 hours 

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HOU – Houston Hobby – 42 miles, 45-75 minutes 

AVERAGE TEMPS

Temperate year round, lows in upper 50s and highs in 90s 

PARKING INFO

The Port of Galveston operates multiple parking facilities. Reservations are recommended and can be made on their website. 

Getting to Galveston

Galveston Island sits about 50 miles south of Houston, making it a very drivable destination for the enormous Texas population. From Houston's city center, the drive typically takes about an hour — longer during Houston rush hour, so plan accordingly. 

Houston has two major airports: William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is the closer of the two at about 45 miles from the port, while George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is about 75 miles away. Shuttle services and taxis connect both airports to the island regularly. 

Many Texan cruisers choose to drive their own vehicle and park at the port. Galveston offers both on-site garage and surface parking — reserving in advance is highly recommended, especially during spring break season and summer. If you're flying in, staying overnight in Galveston rather than Houston is the way to go — the island's hotels are excellent and you'll wake up steps from the terminal. 

Shuttle Services & Car Services

Because of the distance from either airport to Galveston, cruise line or private transfers are essential. Taxis and car sharing services are also available but will be expensive and limited in availability. 

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Staying Overnight

We always recommend arriving at least the day before your cruise. Doing so ensures you don't risk missing embarkation for your long-awaited vacation, and also gives you time to explore the world in a bit more depth. You have many options for accommodations.

Guest Recommendations
A selection of our guest's favorite hotels:

• Galveston Island:

  • Harbor House Hotel & Marina at Pier 21 

  • The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center 

  • Grand Galvez Resort, Autograph Collection 

  • Tremont House, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel 

  • Hilton Galveston Island Resort 

  • Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa & Convention Center 

• Near IAH (George Bush Intercontinental Airport):

  • Houston Airport Marriott at George Bush Intercontinental 

  • Sheraton North Houston at George Bush Intercontinental 

• Near HOU (Houston Hobby Airport):

  • DoubleTree by Hilton Houston Hobby Airport 

  • Hilton Garden Inn Houston Hobby Airport 

Things to do near Galveston

Whether you are exploring Galveston as a jumping off point, or planning more time to explore, there is plenty to fill your days. 

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The Strand Historic District

The Strand is Galveston's crown jewel — a beautifully preserved Victorian commercial district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Cast-iron facades, brick streets, boutique shops, excellent restaurants, and art galleries line this remarkable street. It's a wonderful place to spend an afternoon before your cruise, and it tells the story of Galveston's 19th-century heyday as one of the most prosperous cities in the American South. 

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Galveston's Gulf Beaches

Galveston has 32 miles of Gulf Coast shoreline. The water is warmer than Atlantic beaches and the vibe is relaxed and very Texas — think beach bonfires, fresh seafood shacks, and families in lawn chairs. Stewart Beach and East Beach are the most popular, with full amenities. If you're looking for a quieter stretch, head further east along the seawall. 

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Moody Gardens

A Galveston institution, Moody Gardens is a sprawling recreational and educational complex featuring three distinctive glass pyramids housing an aquarium, rainforest, and discovery museum. There's also a water park, a beach, IMAX theaters, and a hotel. It's a fantastic option for families with children looking for a full pre-cruise day of activities. 

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NASA's Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center

A short drive from downtown Houston, NASA's Johnson Space Center is the iconic hub of American human spaceflight, where real astronauts train and mission control has guided historic journeys from Apollo 11 to the International Space Station. Visitors can explore Space Center Houston, the official visitor center, featuring awe-inspiring exhibits like authentic moon rocks, towering Saturn V rockets, and behind-the-scenes tram tours of working NASA facilities. Whether you're a lifelong space fanatic or bringing the family for an unforgettable day out, Johnson Space Center offers a profound connection to humanity's greatest adventures beyond Earth. 

Danny's Insider Tips

Foodie Experience: Galveston Seafood 

"Galveston is one of the great Gulf seafood towns in America, and I love eating here. The Gulf shrimp, blue crab, and red snapper coming off the boats are extraordinary. My recommendation: walk The Strand neighborhood and find a table at one of the waterfront seafood spots. Katie’s Seafood Market near the Strand is a local institution and the freshness of what they’re serving is on another level. This is the Texas Gulf Coast at its best — get there hungry."

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History & Culture: The Strand Historic District 

"Galveston has one of the most remarkable and underappreciated histories of any American city. In the late 1800s it was one of the wealthiest cities in the country — a major port and financial capital of Texas. The 1900 Storm, still the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history, changed everything. Walking The Strand, with its stunning cast-iron Victorian commercial architecture, you feel that history in every building. The Bryan Museum on Rosenberg Avenue has one of the finest collections of Texas and Southwestern historical artifacts anywhere — if you love history, don’t miss it." 

Browse all Galveston tours & experiences through our partner Project Expedition: Explore Galveston Tours & Experiences 

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Danny’s Pick: Harbor House Hotel & Marina at Pier 21 

"If you’re staying on the island the night before your cruise, this is my pick. Harbor House sits right at Pier 21, steps from the cruise terminal, with views of the working harbor and the Galveston skyline. It’s a boutique property with real character — you can watch the shrimp boats come in, walk to The Strand in minutes, and roll your bags to the ship the next morning without touching a car. There is no more genuinely Galveston experience for a pre-cruise night."

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Danny’s Pick: Moody Gardens 

"If you’re arriving a day early with family or just want to make an afternoon of it, Moody Gardens is Galveston’s great all-ages attraction. Three glass pyramids house a rainforest, an aquarium, and an IMAX theatre — and the adjacent water park and paddle wheeler make it a full day if you want it. The Moody Gardens Hotel is a beautiful property on the grounds, too, so it’s a great option if you want resort amenities with easy island access before your cruise." 

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ACCESSIBILITY