Flights to Houston

Fronting the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston has been a beloved seaside community since prohibition days, when illegal gambling was the town's biggest draw. Nowadays, this barrier island destination hosts more serene family trips and weekend getaways, aside from a few rowdy weeks during Spring Break.

Boasting more than 10 miles of shoreline and the nation's longest continuous sidewalk, Seawall Urban Park is Galveston's premier tourist district and a hive of activity any time of year.

Any Galveston to-do list should include a stop through the Historic Pleasure Pier, an overwater amusement park featuring multiple dining venues, rides, games, shops and a boardwalk.

About two miles west along Seawall Boulevard is the 61st Street Fishing Pier, open 24/7 during the high season, equipped with gear rentals and bait, plus a concession stand.

When lunchtime rolls around, choose from dozens of options lining Seawall Boulevard, including familiar names like IHOP, Joe's Crab Shack, Pizza Hut and Rainforest Café.

Part of Galveston's appeal is that there's so much more to do and see outside of the beachfront areas. For example, the Strand Historic District is the island's delightful downtown area hosting galleries, antique stores, eateries and sweet shops in Victorian-era buildings. It's also home to the Texas Seaport Museum, where the historic tall ships Elissa is docked.

Both kids and adults will get a kick out of Moody Gardens, an educational attraction featuring three pyramids (Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid and Discovery Pyramid), plus a golf course and a water park with an indoor, zero-entry beach.