Foodie Favorite Restaurants

Cajun Greek Seafood is my number one recommendation, 2226 61st St. I always get the Crab Claws, they typically come fried, but I order off menu and have them sauteed in garlic butter.

Nate’s West End Steaks - Seafood is near Mermaid Cove, just west in Jamaica Beach, their flounder (in photo) is the best I have ever had. Their official address is 17575 San Luis Pass Rd.

Mario’s Pizza, just north at 3004 and 12 Mile Road, close and yummy.

Sunflower Bakery & Cafe, in town at 512 14th Street. They have a fabulous breakfast including crab omelet.

Willie G's, at Pier 21, east of the cruise ships, there are many wonderful restaurants, but my very favorite, 2100 Harborside Dr.

Jimmy's on the Pier, 9001 Seawall, great view, excellent crab burger.

Miller's Seawall Grill does a great breakfast as well as other meals. They are at 1824 Seawall.

Sapori (7611 Stewart Road) has Italian comfort food, and the best cheesy pasta ever. Think out of this world Mac & Cheese.

Sand Bar & Grill is great for a relaxed, flip flop, outdoor meal. It is in Sea Isle at the West End Marina, under the West End Restaurant. I have heard the restaurant is quite nice, but I have only gone to the Sandbar.

My personal opinion about Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is, don't waste your time.

Fish Stores

Katie’s Seafood Market, 1902 Wharf Rd near the cruise ships, is the best for the atmosphere. One side of the store is a dock where the boats pull up to unload their catch, the other side is where customers make purchases. It doesn’t get any fresher than that. I like to bring an ice chest when I come to the island so that I can bring fresh seafood home when I "must" return.

Alex’s Seafood Market West at 3004 and 12 Mile Road is much closer to the house and a good option for a quick meal.

Galveston Shrimp Company, 8011 Harborside Dr, has great prices for large purchases of seafood

Fishing

Get Hooked Fishing Charter is an appropriate name for this great charter. My Niece definitely got hooked! She said "it was honestly the best thing about the vacation. Especially being able to catch dinner and know where my fish came from, they cleaned it for us and everything."

Check out the many fishing charters in Galveston.

Grocery Stores

Hummell’s General Store and Deli is at the intersection of 12 Mile Drive and 3004, they bake up take out Hunt Brothers pizza which is pretty great.

Seven Seas Grocery in Jamaica Beach has the best steaks on the island. Well, you can’t eat seafood every day.

There are several large chain grocery stores on Seawall: Kroger and Wal-Mart. Randalls is on 61st, very near Seawall, and in that same shopping center is Spec's.

Dog Parks in Galveston

There are two very nice dog parks in Galveston:

Menard Park at 2222 28th Street, is just off the seawall behind the McGuire Dent recreation center. It is not exceptionally large, but it has all the necessary ameneties such as double gate, water station, bag dispensers and shade shelter.

Lindale Dog Park, Fourth Street and Marine Drive, is quite large and has lots of shade trees, double gate, bag dispensers and water station.

Galveston Parks & Recreation has links and information.

Vetrinarian: I hope you don't ever have a need, but the staff at Galveston Veterinary Clinic is wonderful. 2108 61st St.

Shopping

The Strand is lined with shops with everything from clothes, decor and nautical antiques. Don't just stay on the Strand, wander over to Post Office Street and Mechanic's Street. Allow plenty of time to enjoy. Have lunch at the wharf as there are dozens of restaurants to choose from.

Murdochs on Seawall Blvd. is great for sea shells, beachy gifts and decor, 2215 Seawall Blvd.

Island Silver has some beautiful jewelry at 2428 Mechanic Street.

Events

There is always something going on in Galveston. I like Mardi Gras, Food & Wine Festival, Feather Fest, Sandcastle Competition, Shrimp Festival, Octoberfest, ARToberFEST, and Dickens on the Strand. Visit Galveston.com for the their event calendar.

Sunrise Yoga on the Beach is something I have always wanted to do. Next time! Sponsored by SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) Gulf Coast. Every Saturday, 7 - 8 am at 29th Street & Seawall. $15 person, + $10 to rent a paddleboard afterward. Bring a mat and towel.

Sandcastle Competition: This year's annual AIA Sandcastle Competition will be Saturday August 25, 2018 on Galveston's East Beach. Here is drone footage from the official site 2017 event.

Galveston Island has a constant stream of events from Beachcombing classes to world renown entertainers. Visit Galveston.com for the latest info on art events, birding classes, tours and museums.