About this tour
Galveston has been a beach playground for well over a century, and this driving day threads together its two biggest thrills — a classic amusement pier hanging out over the Gulf, and a sprawling German-flavored water park a few miles inland. You'll start on the Seawall at the Pleasure Pier, riding a Ferris wheel and a coaster with the waves crashing beneath your feet, then drive out to Schlitterbahn to spend the hot part of the day on wave pools and slides. In between there's beach time and a bite on the Seawall, so the day balances sun, salt, and speed. It's a big day for a family, so pace it: pier in the morning, water park after lunch, and a beach walk to wind down. Bring swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, and a change of clothes.