Texas

Things to Do in Galveston, Texas

• Port Bolivar Ferry –
  This is a great little trip for the kids!  Hop on the ferry and if you’re lucky, you might see some dolphins swimming or you’ll be able to watch seagulls soar. This free trip is a nice 30 minute trip to explore the Bolivar Peninsula and feel the ocean breeze.
• Tours –
  If you have an eye for architecture, you’ll love Bishop’s Palace.  It is ranked among the top 100 homes in the United States for its architectural significance. With beautiful glass and wood designs, this 1893 building takes you on a tour back in time. You’re even allowed to take pictures. If you love old buildings, you might want to check out Moody Mansion nearby. Take a tour of the town on a bus with Cool Tours or around the bay on a kayak via Beach Town Tours.
• Fishing –
  There are handfuls of fishing charters to reel in your big catch! From experienced fishers to new comers, many of the places will work with what level you’re at. Catch some delicious trout, sting rays or small sandbar sharks! Check out Fishin Addiction Charters, Angler Charters, Get Hooked Fishing Charter and Get Bent Galveston Fishing Charters.
• Museums –
  Galveston, Texas is a great places for history buffs. The Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum is an intriguing place to learn about the offshore oil and gas industry. The museum features interactive displays and models of equipment that is used. Our travelers tell Sundance Vacations there’s a ton to look at and it is a very cheap to get in, $10 last we heard. There is also the Lone Star Flight Museum, which is housed in a large aircraft hanger. Vacationers can see old WWII aircraft and take an educational tour. There’s also some interesting railroad museums in the area.
• The Historic Downtown Strand District –
  Known by locals as “The Strand,” this lively strip is located at the heart of Galveston and features many shops to explore. There are restaurants for any craving, more museums as well as a  theater!
• Watersports –
  Located on Pier 21, Sun Time Watersports offers their own custom built jetboat for use. It can withstand accelerated speeds and perform a “Hamilton Spin, which is a maneuver that rotates the whole boat 360 degrees around! They have a sunset cruise where you can see historical sites and even dolphins! Or, rent your own Pontoon boat! Not quite a sport, but there’s also Schlitterbahn Island Waterpark; a fun place to take the youngsters!

Things to Do in Bandera, Texas

• Go Horseback Riding –
  Ride through the countryside on horseback in Bandera with Juniper Hill Stables, which provides tours into the breathtaking Hill Country State Natural Area.
• Frontier Times Museum –
  Frontier Times Museum is a museum of the American West located in Bandera in the Texas Hill Country. The facility was opened to the public in 1933 by the author, historian, and printer John Marvin Hunter.
• Immerse Yourself in Cowboy Culture –
  See some of the best bull riders, barrel racers, and mutton busters in the Lone Star State vie for the top prize at one of the many rodeos in Bandera. What’s more “cowboy” than a rodeo? How about a shootout worthy of a classic Western flick? That’s what you’ll get during “Cowboys on Main,” a weekly event with gripping gunfights by historical reenactors from the Bandera Cattle Company. To see one of these gunfights, head to the Bandera County Visitors Center at either noon or 2 p.m. on Saturday. Along with all the gun slinging, you’ll see chuck wagons and folks young and old in period costumes, making the town feel like it did when it was a major stop along the Western Trail.
• Bandera Pro Rodeo- 
  Take in all that the cowboy capital has to offer and experience a real rodeo. Featuring champions in the industry, this family-run rodeo is fun for the whole family. See some of the best bull riders, barrel racers, and mutton busters in the Lone Star State vie for the top prize at one of the many rodeos in Bandera. These include the National Professional Bull Riders-sanctioned Celebrate Bandera rodeo during Labor Day weekend, and the Houston Lightning Ranch Rodeo held every Saturday throughout the summer.
• Bandera Natural History Museum –
  The Bandera Natural History Museum is renowned for its large array of historical artifacts and nature-related exhibits. Replicas of Dinosaurs, Ice Age animals, and educational play stations, and over 100 animals are showcased in several large dioramas depicting the habitats in which they live.
• Play, fish, or tube the Medina River –
  The Medina River is recognized as one of the most scenic and exciting rivers in Texas, with its small rapids interspersed throughout stretches of serene, crystal clear water. In addition to Tubing on the Medina River, Bandera is a great place for horseback trail riding. Bandera visitors enjoy fine year-round fishing, hunting in seasons for wild turkey and white-tailed deer, camping, hiking, rodeos, horse races, and two 18-hole golf courses. Rent tubes from the Bandera Beach Club!

Restaurants

1. The Pelican Club– Galveston
2. Rudy & Paco Restaurant & Bar– Galveston
3. The Steakhouse– Galveston
4. Grotto Ristorante– Galveston
5. Shearn’s Seafood and Prime Steaks– Galveston
6. Tj’s at The Old Forge– Bandera
7. Twig’s Grille– Bandera
8. Cowboy Capital Pizza Company– Bandera
9. Brick’s River Cafe– Bandera
10. Mulberry St Pub & Kitchen– Bandera

What To Pack

A must wear for the summer in Texas is sunglasses, with the way the light reflects off of the water and sand, travelers will definitely need some shades.  It’s also a safe bet to pack a wide-rimmed hat. Mornings and evenings can be cooler, so don’t forget to pack a long sleeved shirt or two. The weather can be unpredictable here so a rain coat is a good idea as well. Be sure to check what the weather is predicted to be your upcoming season, because some winters are mild while others harsh. Don’t forget the bug spray and sunscreen too! Check out our Sundance Vacations Packing Tips video for some more tips on what to pack for any vacation.

Galveston Special Events

• January- Galveston Restaurant Week
• February- Mardi Gras! Galveston
• March- Galveston Home and Garden Show
• April- Galveston Food & Wine Festival, Galveston Featherfest and Nature Photofest
• May- Galveston Island Beach Revue, Historic Homes Tour
• June- AIA Houston Sandcastle Competition, Juneteenth Celebration
• July- Kayak Adventure: East End Lagoon, Independence Day Parade and Fireworks Show
• August- Bands on the Sand
• September- Brewmasters Craft Beer Festival, Galveston Island Wild Texas Shrimp Festival
• October- ARToberFEST, The Island Oktoberfest
• November- Lone Star Rally, Winter Wonder Island
• December- Dickens on The Strand

Bandera Special Events 

• January- Annual Bandera County Junior Livestock Show
• February- 11th Street Cowboy Mardi Gras
• April- Mayhem on the Medina
• May- Bandera ProRodeo & Funtier Days Arts & Crafts Show
• June and July- Cross P Rodeo Saddle/Buckle Series
• September- Celebrate Bandera & UTOPIAfest
• October- Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch & Pipe Creek Pumpkin Patch & Oktoberfest
• December- Cowboy Capital Christmas and Shoppers Jubilee & Cowboy Capital Christmas NIGHT Parade & Cowboy Capital Campfire Christmas

Notable Navigation from Galveston

Notable Navigation from Bandera

Properties

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Texas Destinations

Check out our destinations in Texas!

Fun Facts!

1. Texas has more farm land than any other state.
2. In Galveston, Texas, it is illegal to have a camel run loose on the beach.
3. Texas has the second highest population, next to California.
4. The most popular snack food in Texas is the Frito pie (a bag of Fritos mixed with chili, onions and cheese eaten straight from the bag) as well as the other popular favorites: peanuts in Dr Pepper (where the drink was invented), beef jerky, jalapenos and corn dogs.
5. The Dallas Cowboys haven’t played football in Dallas since 1971.