Spring Break this year I'm taking my 16 year-old daughter to Galveston and Progresso, Mexico. Any great ideas on what to do or see in either of these places? Thanks.

Just to avoid any confusion, let's clarify which Progreso you are talking about. There's a Progreso on the Yucatan penninsula and another Progreso on the border. Which one will you be visiting?

We travel to Galveston every winter. Fun shops in the historic downtown Strand area. Have a coffee and a beignet at the Phoenix coffeeshop downtown. The Yaga shops (there are 2) are great for teens. The beach may be chilly but we find sand dollars and lots of shells. There are good historic home tours; we like the Moody Mansion or the Bishop's Palace. We often see dolphins, esp. if there are shrimp boats out. Great restaurants; our favs are LeCroy's and Luigi's on the Strand. The Mosquito Cafe, the Authentic Mexican Restaurant and Benno's are other good options(elsewhere on the island). In the wharf area there is a tall-ship Elissa to tour,often naval vessels or cruise ships in port to see,The Great Storm- a movie about the 1900 Galveston hurricane (still the deadliest natural disaster in American History) and Willie G's, Fisherman's Wharf and Landry's are good options to eat seafood. It is a very friendly city and easy to find your way around. There are carriage rides and a trolley to get another view of the city. They do a big Mardi Gras in Galveston ( I think only 2nd to New Orleans) so that is a busy crazy time to be there. I could go on and on...Have Fun!!

Thank you so much for your response.
We will also be going to Progreso on the border.

I can't help you with Progreso on the border, but I've heard it's not a very big place and there's not much to do besides shopping for trinkets. It's quite a long drive from Galveston to Progreso, and not a scenic one. May I ask what it is about Progreso that interests you?

AuntAnnie has made so many great suggestions for Galveston, but I would like to add just a couple more. I enjoyed riding the "ducks" which is a vehicle that drives on the land and is also a boat. You can tour the city and the harbor in the same vehicle.

Another suggestion is a visit to NASA if your daughter has any interest in space. NASA is not in Galveston, but it's not a very long drive. If space isn't her thing, that's OK there's plenty to keep you busy in Galveston.

If you have access to a car, I prefer Kemah for dining rather than Galveston. There is a boardwalk with many fantastic restaurants. The Aquarium is my favorite but I also enjoy Landry's (seafood) and Cadillac Bar (Mexican). They all have outdoor dining if the weather is nice.


If you do go shopping on the strand, be sure to check out the candles at Maggie's. They are divine! Maggie's Blend has become my signature candle.

P_M is right!! NASA is a good idea!! The visitors center (main building for tourists) was designed by Disney, so it is very well done. My teenaged daughters found the tram tour (addl. $$) kind of boring. The sencond time we went we just did the Visitor Center.

I agree with P_M that the LONG drive from Galveston to Progresso really isn't worth it.

Thank you all so very much! What a help you have been. We're counting down the days...

If you are driving, pack lawn chairs and boogie boards. At the seawall, you can park on the street next to the beach and then go back and forth to your vehicle.

Galveston's Moody Gardens Hotel is adjacent to the new Schlitterbahn waterpark. One phase of the waterpark should be open by then. There are also good IMAX movies at Moody Gardens.