Where is Galveston Island,Galveston, Texas?

Written by | Updated On: December 03, 2025, 14:30 ET

Galveston Island is located in Texas, USA. It lies between the Gulf of Mexico and Galveston Bay, situated in the coastal region of Texas, and is famous for its beaches, historic sites, and tourist attractions.

Galveston Island Location Map,Galveston, Texas

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Top Attractions Inside Galveston Island

  • Galveston Beach & Seawall – Wide sandy beaches perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and oceanfront walks.
  • Moody Gardens – Interactive rainforest, aquarium, and 3D theater experiences for families.
  • Historic Pleasure Pier – Amusement park on the water with rides, games, and dining.
  • Galveston Island Historic Strand District – Victorian-era buildings with shopping, restaurants, and museums.
  • Bishop’s Palace – Ornate historic mansion showcasing 19th-century architecture and interior design.
  • Schlitterbahn Waterpark – Popular water attractions including slides, lazy rivers, and family fun areas.
  • Galveston Railroad Museum – Exhibits and vintage trains highlighting the city’s railroad history.

Galveston Island Facts

Official NameGalveston Island
LocationGalveston County, Texas, USA (Gulf of Mexico coast)
Latitude & Longitude (approx.)29.30° N, 94.80° W
Total Area~66 sq mi (≈171 km²)
Length × Width≈ 27 miles (43 km) long, up to ~3 miles (≈ 5 km) wide
Island TypeSandy barrier island off the Texas Gulf Coast
Main Access / ConnectivityConnected to mainland via Interstate 45 causeway; Ferry access to nearby peninsulas for some parts
RegionGulf Coast of Texas, approx. 50 miles (≈80 km) southeast of Houston
Governed / WithinCity of Galveston, Texas (majority), plus some smaller communities
Historic / Cultural SignificanceImportant 19th‑century port & immigration hub; once one of the busiest cotton ports in the U.S.; early landing of explorer Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca (1528) — among first Europeans in the region
Notable ForGulf beaches, historic architecture districts, museums & historic homes, tourism, maritime heritage, “Oleander City” nickname due to abundant oleander plants
Economy & UsageTourism, port/harbor activities, education (universities), historic preservation, shipping, recreation
Key Attractions / FeaturesHistoric districts, beachfront & gulf‑coast beaches, museums & galleries, Wetlands / coastal ecology, Maritime heritage, Galveston seafront & downtown districts
Typical ActivitiesBeach visits, sightseeing, historic & cultural tours, boating / port access, coastal ecology & bird‑watching, recreation & tourism
Time ZoneCentral Time (CT) — UTC−6 Standard / UTC−5 Daylight Saving
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)

Distances from Galveston Island to Nearby Landmarks

  • Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier – 1.9 km (1.2 mi)
  • Galveston Seawall – 0.8 km (0.5 mi)
  • The Strand Historic District – 2.0 km (1.2 mi)
  • Moody Gardens – 10.0 km (6.2 mi)
  • Galveston Island State Park – 18.0 km (11.2 mi)
  • Texas Cruise Ship Terminal (Port of Galveston) – 1.6 km (1.0 mi)
  • Galveston Railroad Museum – 2.5 km (1.6 mi)
  • Grand 1894 Opera House – 2.8 km (1.7 mi)