Galveston, but make it boujee.
I always laugh when I see people say how gross Galveston is, but that's because they have no idea where to eat or stay! I'm going to share all the best non-tourist places to go in Galveston and you will feel like you're on a nice Florida vacation.
What you need to know: I vacation based on food HAHA
Salmon Club - Mosquito Cafe
Two places to stay
Hotel Galvez - My parent's actually went on their honeymoon here 30+ years ago.
It's gorgeous and they have amazing food!
We stayed here in 2019 and got a Cabana at the pool for a couple of days, and the service and pool food were top notch!
They have the absolute best buffet on Sundays you will EVER have! Fresh seafood, breakfast, breads, pasta bar, dessert, etc! Sadly, they are not doing this due to Covid; but their regular breakfast at their restaurant is very good.
We did breakfast at The Galvez while we were in Galveston last week. I got the crab cake benedict and a vanilla latte and it was SO yummy! You do not have to be a guest at the hotel to eat at their restaurant. Do valet, and they will validate it at the front desk.
Pointe West Beach Club
Pointe West is about 30 minutes outside of Galveston on a private beach. No, the sands aren't white; but they are very clean and not overcrowded. Not what many are used to when visiting Galveston.
I would 100% recommend finding a house in Pointe West. You can look up "Pointe West Beach Vacation" on their website or Airbnb. There are several very nice homes in the community, plus a beach club that gives you the resort vibe with pool service! They had really good drinks and food. You can walk from the pool to the beach. There is also access to a workout center and game room. The house we stayed in provided beach chairs, but they do have an umbrella and chair service you could have set up every day for the beach.
Places to eat in Galveston
My favorites and why
Hotel Galvez (Breakfast, pool food, dinner appetizers) must be a guest to use the pool.
Porch Cafe (Voted top 100 breakfasts in the US, dinner menu looks fantastic)
Mosquito Cafe (Amazing breakfast and lunch - all the locals go here. All you can drink coffee and it's good!)
Miller's Seawall Grill (Super casual diner, not touristy - the lump crab benedict is to die for)
Fisherman's Warf - Yes, this is a chain but WOW it's so good! I didn't even take a pic of my food I just went right in! This is a fun one for kids right on the port.
Nick's Kitchen and Beachbar - casual American and seafood. We've all heard of the famous Gaidos, right? It's their sister restaurant right next door and way better and less expensive.
Seriously y'all, skip the Rainforest Cafe and try some of these restaurants. We think Galveston has some of the best food in Texas.
Places to Shop
Kimmy's Boutique is one street over from the popular Strand Street shopping and dining area. We got to meet Kimmy while we were there and she was the nicest! She also suggested Galveston Dry Good's for a "tourist" shop with t-shirts, but it was all very cute, and not your typical tacky souvenir store.
There were several other nice shops on Post Office where Kimmy's was located.
Other things to do in Galveston
Aquarium at Moody Gardens
Galveston State Park
Hotel Galvez Spa - They have been doing 30% off on Tuesdays
Ok, bye.
The Bailee Ann - Texas Blogger