Well, here's a last minute opportunity for the optomists - save our weekend! I've got a conference in Houston next week so we are flying in for a 3 day R&R weekend. Our itinerary currently is:

Friday night: fly in to IAH, drive to Kemah. Dinner at the Aquarium, stay at the Boardwalk Inn.

Saturday-Monday: drive to Galveston, stay at the Galvez.

This sounded okay to me, but there has been a LOT of negative comments about wild spring break kids, nasty beaches, etc. Can anyone either speak to Galveston's high points, such as restaurants or walking tours? Anything fun and/or out of the way?

We don't want to drive as far as Austin, Corpus, SPI, etc. But alternative suggestions are also welcome!

Thanks!

There is a lot of history in Galveston.Deending on what beaches you are used to(I'm an Angelino) you might be disappointed in the beach.There will be familes.The college spring breakers tend to pounce upon SPI.On my last visit I was really looking forward to dinner at Gaido's Restaurant, a true Galveston tradition so I had been told.But it was Friday night and the wait was 2 hours--they do not take reservations.Right behind Gaido's, is Casey's, also owned by Gaido's, but more casual.Same food basically, and not as expensive.Also on that night there was no wait.So our seafood dinner was at Casey's and one thoroughly enjoyed by all in our party.Next time we'll do Gaido's.I hope this helps.And enjoy your trip!

Moody Gardens is a good place in Galveston. It has a butterfly pavilion that our family always enjoyed.

Space Center Houston is in Clear Lake, very near Kemah. Armand Bayou Nature Center is also in Clear Lake. You can often see alligators there.

I don't know what weekend the Azalea Trail happens in Houston, but if it takes place while you're there, it's worth making a few stops (I like the Garden Club and Bayou Bend best) to see beautiful gardens.

The beach on the east side of Galveston Island beach is a pretty good beach, sorry I don't remember the name. It has been improved over the past few years. I've never been there at spring break time so I have no idea what it will be like.

Don't miss Galveston based on negative comments. It's got a seaside great atmosphere, something you won't really find in any other Texas city. All the previous suggestions as far as activities are good ones. It's one of Texas' most historic cities with some beautiful old homes, including the Bishop's Palace, which I assume is still open for tours. Take a stoll along the seawall and wander in some of the souvenior shops, walk out on the fishing piers, or explore the Strand, which is a historic area near the docks. If I were you, I would definitely take advantage of the three days in Galveston. It sounds like a treat to me.

Galveston cracked down on rowdy Spring Breakers a couple years ago so it is not as crazy. Galveston is by no means a tropical paradise, but it is a cool place to spend a few days. The Strand and other historci areas are fun. Stewart Beach on the East end is popular and around the part of the Sewall with several hotels. The West End has more beach houses and condos, beaches are usually less crowded.

When my Mom lived in Houston, she used to drive down to Kemah just to buy fresh shrimp. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm talk about one of those instant memories simply from hearing a place name! It's been many years since I've been to Galveston, but I think you'll enjoy it. It's been so cold and dreary here that it sure sounds like a good idea to me!

Restaurants that are my favorites : DiBella's (no credit cards)- an Italian restaurant I regularly drive from Houston for-shrimp pepperoncini is my favorite; Benno's on the seawall for crabs, oysters, stuffed shrimp, stone crab; Mosquito Cafe; Clary's (seafood); Shrimp 'n Stuff for a poboy on the palm shaded patio; Phoenix Cafe for breakfast. Now, as for things to do, I would say Moody Gardens could keep you busy for a full day easily--wonderful aquarium, tropical displays, IMAX; stroll the strand and go to La King's confectionary for an old fashioned soda, malt, float or candy; oil rig museum and 1900 hurricane movie; historic home tours; take the free ferry to Bolivar Island watching for dolphins on the way. Drive to Stingaree restaurant or Steve's Landing for excellent seafood fronting the intercoastal waterway. Galveston's charms are sometimes subtle--get directions to many of the restaurants I have mentioned or you may never find them as they are hidden in residential neighborhoods or are otherwise out of view. Just my opinion but while Gaido's and/or Casey's are tourist favorites I think they are a bit overrated as are tourist favorites in many other cities.

I live in Houston, south of the city limits. I'd also suggest Surfside beach, down Hwy 288 (take 59 from IAH instead of 45) towards Freeport (straight south of Houston instead of southeast, where Galveston is). It's clean and not as touristy as Galveston.

When we were in Houston last June, we spent a day in Galveston. We went to Galveston Island State Park, which is about 10 miles west of Galveston on Seawall Boulevard. It didn't seem crowded at all. The kids had a great time and the beach was clean. There are picnic tables up away from the beach and buildings with showers and toilets. There is an entrance fee, but I don't remember what it was.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/galvesto/

the bolivar ferry is a free short ride where you can smell the sea air and see porpoises

So, have you taken your trip yet? How was it?

Thanks all! Your comments were very helpful and we had a lovely time in both Kemah and Galveston.

Here's a couple of pros and cons for the next folks who read this:

Kemah is quite cute and the Boardwalk Inn had lovely rooms. The Aquarium restaurant was touristy, but the 3-flipper turtle and his friends make up for the overall mall feeling of the place. The Boardwalk Inn was a great place to sit on the verandah and watch the kids playing in the fountain, but early in the morning there was a lot of hospitality noise as the pier gets ready for the day.

Galveston: we stayed at the Hotel Galvez. It's an old hotel, which has its plusses and minuses. We asked for and received a room upgrade -- they moved us from a tiny city view room to a still tiny ocean view one. This hotel would be a lot nicer with balconies, but at $139 right on the seawall, it does okay.

Restaurants we loved in Galveston include Benno's (crabcakes!) and Willie G's. Restaurants we are not recommending include Fish Tales, which had awful service.

Other plusses: very cute trolley service for $1 between the Strand and the Beach. Very interesting local architectural/housing and well marked walking areas. Crawfish, redfish and crab -- fun local seafood everywhere!

Mixed bag: the tidal pool trails near the East beach were very trash filled, though good bird watching. The Strand was interesting, but didn't impress us in terms of restaurants or shopping. There were not many Spring Break kids, but overall the whole place seemed a little deserted. Everything was quite closed up early on Sunday!

Things we missed, regretfully: some kind of a turtle restoration program behind the San Luis resort. The film about the Great Storm that plays along Pier 21. Gaido's.

We may not be back soon, since we were only in town for a conference. But, definitely a fun time for the weekend!