With 32 miles of sandy beaches, blocks of Victorian-era homes and quaint boutiques and galleries, Galveston Island exudes romance and charm. This narrow barrier island just off the Texas coast in the Gulf of Mexico is a premiere getaway for Texans and other visitors to the Gulf Coast. For those planning a getaway with a special someone, Galveston Island has a variety of romantic accommodations and other locations to make the trip extra special.
Romantic Lodging
- It doesn't get more romantic than a cozy bed and breakfast inn on Galveston Island. The Coastal Dreams Bed & Breakfast, set in the heart of the island is one standout. Housed in a well-kept home built in the late 1800s, this four-bedroom B&B is popular for its central location, candlelit breakfasts and several romantic packages that can be customized to your needs. Another B&B to consider is the Mermaid & Dolphin Resort, which is also a wedding chapel. This B&B includes eight whirlpool tub suites, each with a different decorative theme and a tub for two. You and your partner can stroll through the lush gardens surrounding the inn, and enjoy couples' massages at the inn's Isle Spa. You can also choose from a wide variety of romantic getaway packages that include carriage rides, chocolate and champagne in your room and picnic baskets for the beach.
Romance in the Arts
- The romance of Galveston Island is evident in its artistic side. You and your sweetie can stroll the Postoffice Street Arts District to check out the many art galleries during Art Walk, held every six weeks to eight weeks on Saturday nights. Enjoy wine and cheese at each gallery you stop at. Get all dolled up and take your partner out to see the Galveston Symphony Orchestra at the famous Grand 1894 Opera House. You can also check out an original theater production by the East End Theater Co. Afterward, cozy up next to your love while enjoying late-night jazz at Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe or enjoy live piano in the upscale San Luis Bar.
Romantic Nature Spots
- If you and your partner love nature, enjoy a quiet, leisurely hike through Galveston Island State Park on the west end of the island, spotting birds and other wildlife. Take advantage of the beaches in the state park, which are much less crowded than the public Galveston beaches, allowing you and your special someone to enjoy a quiet moment on the beach as the sun sets. Another idea for nature and animal lovers is to head to the main ferry landing and take the Bolivar Ferry to Port Bolivar and back. Find a quiet corner of the boat where the two of you can look for bottle-nosed dolphins and other aquatic life in and around the water along the way. Baywatch Dolphin Tours, which departs from Pier 21 near downtown, is another option for dolphin watching.
Only in Galveston Island
- Spend quality time with your love at one of Galveston's one-of-a-kind establishments and attractions. Challenge each other to classic board games at Board Game Island, a quirky cafe and game night venue. It organizes different game competitions every night of the week, including trivia games and bingo. Aside from game night favorites, the cafe has a host of board games popular in other parts of the world. You and your partner can also step back in time by spending the evening on the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, a replica of a paddlewheel boat from the 1800s. The boat hosts dinner cruises one Saturday each month when servers dress in costumes and live bands play music that was popular in that time.
