My family & I (5 people) are going to Galveston, TX in Feb for a long weekend. Where should we stay & names of good restuarants esp. seafood?

I don't see Galveston much on this board. If you don't get any replies, top again. And be sure to check out chowhound.com for food recommendations.

Check out these links:
http://www.galveston.com
http://galveston.citysearch.com
http://www.galvestonfunmap.com/map.html
Sorry I can't recommend any hotels, I haven't had the opportunity to stay on Galveston island since I live in Houston. But I have eaten at a couple seafood places on the island -- Casey's Seaside Cafe, Gaidos -- both good.

I know there are a few time share places on the seawall where you can rent one, two and three bedroom apartments. That might be a good idea with the number of people you have.

Unfortunately, since I don't live in Houston anymore, I can't recall any specific names of time share units that I stayed at in the past.

Galveston is a long thin strip of Island. The east end is more developed, on the bay side houses the U of TX Medical Branch (oldest medical school west of he Mississippi, founded by nurses who have regretted it ever since and some historic neighborhoods are located, as well as the renovated - maybe a little Disneyfied but not horrendous - piers. The Tremont House is a beautiful historic hotel in the Strand historic district, geared more for adults than kids. There is also a more family oriented hotel inthe pier area. On the Gulf side is the Seawall and beaches; you find hotels along this stretch, including the historic Galvez, the more modern San Luis, mid price properties and some condos. You can search and book hotels online at www.galveston.org The West End is more recently developed and has lots of beach houses, some condos, too. If you want a beach getaway with the primary objective of sun, sea and sand, head to the West end. If you want to have more of a hotel experience and be around historic and commercial things look to the east, generally below 59th street.
Gaido's is popular with tourists and the food is OK but never wowed me. Clary's, away from the tourist area, is a favorit of locals. The Landry's chain operates a few places that are passable, including Fish Tales is at 25th and Seawall. You can find all sorts of listings by type of food at www.galveston.com/cuisine/

I like Willie G's or Landry's for seafood. If there is a Pappadeaux's there (unsure), I would recommend it for its zippy flair.

Don't forget to go for a stroll along the Strand to walk off dessert!

For lodging, I recommend the San Luis: excellent heated pool and nice facility complete with spa. Other options would include the Hotel Galvez, or Tremont House if you wanted to stay downtown near the strand. I agree with Seamus that Gaidos is overrated but popular with tourists. I personally tend to avoid the numerous Landry chain restaurants that are ubiquitous in Galveston, opting for the locally owned nonchain alternatives. Personal favorites include Bennos for casual cajun fresh seafood, D'amicos for Italian (ask for directions and bring cash), Marios for pizza, Shrimp-n-stuff for a shrimp or oyster po-boy. For fancier fare, try Clary's or Saltwater Grill. Don't miss a malt or ice cream dip at La King's confectionary on the Strand. Breakfast at Phoenix Cafe is pleasant even if it is owned by the Landry's group. I also recommend you take the free ferry to Bolivar peninsula for a meal. There you may enjoy Stingaree or Steve's Landing, both seafood restaurants located on the intercoastal waterway.

San Luis and the Galveston Hilton have reciprocity. Our Hilton rooms were less expensive, and we walked next door to San Luis to use all the facilities. We could even charge San Luis items to our Hilton room.

I live near Galveston; I've never stayed in one of the hotels I so really can't recommend a place. I do like the look of the Galvez. It's a historic hotel on the Gulf side. The San Luis is beautiful and has a wonderful Spa. I believe all rooms have Gulf views.

Mosquito Cafe is a favorite place for us to lunch. It's casual California cuisine. People rave about their breakfast. They have a really good portobello mushroom sandwich and fresh baked cookies that are so good.

Another place we like to go is The Saltwater Grill. It's a bit pricey. It's always full at dinner, check to see if they take reservations.

Then there's the Pelican Club which is a private members only restaurant that is very good. It's attached to Gaido's and while I've never been to Gaido's only the Pelican club, I hear they share the kitchen.

I have not lived in the area very long so the above are places that I've actually been to. The following are places people have recommended and are on my list.

Original Mexican Cafe
Woody's (on the seawall)-great burgers
Phoenix Cafe-breakfast, lunch, or desserts
Sonny's Place-burger's and sandwiches
Sky Bar-sushi

Jeanne - I am taking my two boys to Galveston in three weeks. Where did you end up eating that you would recommend?