When we visited Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston Island (see my 5 tips on how to get the most out of your trip to Schlitterbahn), we decided to spend the weekend in Galveston. We ended up visiting Moody Garden Aquarium and spending a lot of time at the beach. The prefect summer trip!
Hotel
We stayed at the Holiday Inn Vacation Club on Galveston Island. Can you believe it was cheaper to stay in a vacation club on the beach than a regular hotel that was located across the beach? I used Hotwire to book our room at a discount. It took some guesswork with lots of waiting and checking back to booked this hotel. But it was worth it!
I had never stayed at a Vacation Club prior to this trip, so I do not know if this is the norm. However, off the main hallway we had a keyed door that led to a small hallway that included a washer and dryer and then off that hallway was two rooms, ours and another guests. The room included a living room, dining room and kitchen. The kitchen had everything that you would need for your trip including pots, pans, blender, toaster oven, and plates/bowls/cups for 4.
Having a kitchen was fabulous for us! We got to have breakfast before heading out for the day and the when we stayed at the hotel/beach we came back to the room for lunch. Which saved us money! As with vacation clubs, there is no daily maid service. Which I am perfectly happy with!
We did notice some noise at night/early morning, like chairs scraping across the floor.
Moody Gardens Aquarium
S loves animals, so of course we had to visit the Moody Gardens Aquarium. We caught the seal/sea lion show, which is always fun to see the trainers interacting with the animals.
This aquarium has a nice size collection of fish, jellyfish, sharks, turtles, penguins, and stingrays. The aquarium has a glass tunnel to walk though. During our trip the divers were in the water and they were waving as they cleaned.
I found navigating the aquarium to be a little confusing because there were so many legs that in the end we weren’t sure if we saw everything or not. But overall we had a fun afternoon at the aquarium.
The Beach
We spent a whole day at the beach behind the hotel. I can’t say that the beach was the prettiest since there was A LOT of seaweed. It seems that Galveston has been experiencing more seaweed than normal washing up on the beaches this year. But S had so much fun picking the seaweed out of the water and piling it on the beach. Between the seaweed and picking up seashells, she had a blast!
While the beach was fun during the day, my favorite time to visit the beach was after dinner, when most people had vacated the beach. The water was at low tide, lots of shells to pick up and the pictures that I took of S are my favorites.
We had a great weekend trip to Galveston, and I hope we visit again soon.
Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post.
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What lovely photos! Glad you had a fun getaway. A kitchen is a must when we go away–saves so much money!
Thank you Holly! I totally loved having the kitchen…I am thinking it’s a new must.
Awww… this brings back memories of when I was little and we used to go to Galveston. Thanks for posting. 😉
Thank you Lysha! I bet you had some great family trips
I love the beach in the evening. It’s quieter and allows for me to just enjoy the sounds and smells of the ocean. Looks like ya’ll had a great time!
Thank you Stephanie! I agree!
Seaweed kind of grosses me out, but I’d be willing to deal with it for a fun trip like you had! When we went to Clearwater, FL earlier this summer, we stayed in a vacation club-style place, and I loved not having daily maid service. Plus, you’ve got all the extra room and the flexibility to eat there when you want.
The seaweed was interesting 🙂 I loved having the kitchen and no maid service too!
I’ve stopped through Galveston but haven’t had an opportunity to stay.
Hotel Apartments, as they are sometime referred, are a great option especially when staying a long period time. The washer/dryer option is priceless.
The beach looked like big fun and it’s differently picturesque.
You’ll have to stop and stay the next time you are in Galveston!
When I go on vacation I always use Priceline Express Deals and have been never disappointed with the hotels they have put me in. You don’t know beforehand what hotel you’re getting but you know the amenities, what it’s close by, and how many stars it has. You gotten a great deal with Hotwire, I like using them as well.
Looks like you and S had a great time, despite the nasty seaweed on the beach! I love Texas and can’t wait to go back! #ProductReviewParty
Thank you Louida! I am always so nervous taking a chance on priceline/hotwire. But the two times I’ve used them I’ve had good results.
Glad you found the better deal on the hotel and that you were happy with your stay there!
Thank you Lisa
What an awesome weekend trip! The hotel looks great and so roomy!
It was nice and I loved that we had a living/dining/kitchen separate from the bedroom.
Looks lovely. I love the photo you used for your header image, gorgeous.
Those colorful houses were picture perfect!
What an excellent review! My first trip with my fiance was to Galveston! We had THE BEST time!! 🙂
http://neatly-packaged.com/
Fun Nancy! I love the beach so much!
Looks like y’all had fun. I love love the beach! I’d live there if I could.
Me too Mary!
Beautiful pictures! My best friend and her family go to Galveston every summer, and have been going since we were in middle school. Hopefully one day I’ll make it there too!
I hope you do Ashley!
Looks like fun! We ended up going to Rockport and Port Aransas for our beach vacation this year, but we almost went to Galveston and Moody Gardens, too!
I’ll have to look into Rockport and Port Aransas for another trip 🙂
What a fun vacation! I’m with S, I love a good aquarium
Thanks Chelsea!
What a fun weekend! I love taking my kids to the aquarium, Their little faces light up no matter how many times we visit! Looks like you guys had a great time!
Yes, S loves the aquarium and she usually can name more of the fish/animals than me.
This looks like you had a great trip. I have never been to Texas before but your photos show me that I am definitely missing out. #ProductReviewParty
We did have a great trip! You’ll have to visit Texas some time 🙂
Hi Paris! I absolutely love Galveston. Looks like your family had a great trip.
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Thank you so much Kim!
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Thank you Misty!
looks like a great vacation at a really good hotel! Wonder what the deal is with the seaweed? Glad you all had a great time!!
We had a great time!
Beautiful pictures and such a nice room! It looks like you guys had a fun time. We have had success with booking through Orbitz. It’s nice to know a good deal can be found on Hotwire also! Thanks for sharing with us at The Home Matters Linky Party. Please come back again on Wednesday!
Thank you Shirley!