FTWtoday City Editor Kate here. My family loves Galveston Island. Doesn't matter how many other beach towns we haven’t been to, we are always down for a quick weekend jaunt to Oleander City. Whether you’re strolling down the Strand, touring historic homes, or eating Shipley’s donuts on the sand, the port town is always a great time. Use this quick guide for the perfect spring day in Galveston.

Why go:

Explore this coastal city that opens the Gulf of America to all of Texas with activities for all types of travelers.
Like New Orleans in Texas, get wild at Galveston’s Mardi Gras celebration (Friday, Jan. 29-Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2027).
Kick off spring with the Galveston Craft Show (Saturday, Feb. 27-Sunday, Feb. 29) at the Convention Center (5600 Seawall Blvd.) with handmade jewelry, home decor, and live music. Fun fact: When I was nine years old, my grandad bought me a glass pendant at this fair and I still have it in my jewelry box.
Shovel it in at these three foodie spots — the Fancy, The Gypsy Joynt Cafe, and The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe.
Check out this vacation guide for more recommendations.

Don’t get spooked on ghost tours or at historic sites like Fort Travis. | Photo by @FTWtoday

Act like a local:

Food: Nothing beats fresh seafood after a long day in the salty air. Shake off the sand and head to Gaido’s (3828 Seawall Blvd.) for the catch of the day + seasonal sides.
Drink: You might have to elbow some medical students out of the way, but Daiquiri Time Out (2701 Market St.) is worth it.
Outdoors: Take a walk along the seawall — DYK the city was raised 18 feet after the 1900 storm — or check the tides + splash in the Gulf.
Learn: Travel back in time with a guided tour. Climb through pre-storm monuments or get a little spooked with a ghost tour.
Listen: Ready to sit back for a burger and a little local music? Kick back at Coastal Star Brewing Company for a beer with a side of live music.
Explore: Catch the ferry to Bolivar Peninsula and get a little lost at Fort Travis Seashore Park.

There's room for the whole family or a group of friends. | Photo by VRBO

Where to stay:

Vrbo: Coffee on the porch of this two-bedroom, one-bath cottage? Yes, please. Plus, it's steps away from Pleasure Pier.
Airbnb: Keep it funky with this butterfly roof beach rental — known as the Cozy, Chic Beachside Bungalow — with three bedrooms and 2 baths.
Splurge hotel: A vacation fit for a royal — treat yourself to a stay at the Grand Galvez, the queen of the Gulf.
Save hotel: Be nice to your budget without compromising the location at Gaido’s Seaside Inn.

By far, my favorite part of any trip to Galveston is stopping at La King’s Confectionery and Ice Cream Parlour on the Strand for a drink from the 1920s soda fountain and a big bag of candy for the drive home. Pro tip: Shuffle through the crowd on Fridays and Saturdays to watch the confectioners pull saltwater taffy on the original taffy puller.