Anyone sailing from Galveston??

Just FYI. I have noticed people posting of their disappointment that the only car rental service here in Galveston, Enterprise, is not open on Sundays. That was also my understanding. Today, I learned they have different hours than what I knew of. Weekdays 7:30 am-6pm, weekends 8am-1pm. When I told the guy that I was talking to at Enterprise, about this, he said, it wasn't just a problem of people not knowing their hours, it is a BIG problem that people don't book in advance. If they have X amount of cars that they have reserved, fine, but, said some cruisers seem to wait until the last minute and then, of course, they don't have enough extra cars to fill the requests.

I promise that I don't work for the local Chamber of Commerce or anything like that. I just know that I have read posts from people that say they would like to come here earlier than the cruise and have a day or two here in Galveston, but the car rental was a problem. Also, people that of course come from the airport down Harborside Drive, where they only see industrial things claim, Nothing to do here.. If you were standing, looking towards your ship and look to your right there are several restaurants there, and several things to do in the Bay.. One block, behind you, is Strand Street. Many shops, places to eat and gift shops. Runs for about 5 blocks, both sides of the street. If history or old homes, with history is a thing, we have that. And of course, the beach. Galveston is very diversified. I have traveled most of my life and never saw a place like this. One block is awesome historical mansions, the next slums.

Anyway, if anyone would like info of things to do, I would be happy to help. I can direct you from things that are kid friendly, to happy hours, or just local lunch specials. Have a great cruise, wherever you leave from!!!:)

Galveston is a great town to spend a day or 2 in before a cruise .. The Strand , Moody Gardens , one of our favorite things to do is ride the free ferry across Galveston Bay and back , lots of dolphins follow the boat's , Great places to eat on the beach side of the island ..

Galveston is a great town to spend a day or 2 in before a cruise .. The Strand , Moody Gardens , one of our favorite things to do is ride the free ferry across Galveston Bay and back , lots of dolphins follow the boat's , Great places to eat on the beach side of the island ..

Exactly! Glad that you reminded me of the ferry. Living here, it is just transportation to us, that need to go from Galveston to Bolivar Pennisula, or to Louisiana (to casinos:eek:) Hate to take money away from local business but you are correct about seeing dolphins on the ferry. It is free and instead of paying to take a boat trip to see dolphins, as you said, take the free ferry. Just, please only feed the seagulls off the back of the boat. They tell you this, but most people don't hear or choose to hear the announcements. Very annoying to locals, for the mess they cause on our cars. Repeat times of this will actually strip the paint off your car!! Thanks for responding!!:)

Just FYI. I have noticed people posting of their disappointment that the only car rental service here in Galveston, Enterprise, is not open on Sundays. That was also my understanding. Today, I learned they have different hours than what I knew of. Weekdays 7:30 am-6pm, weekends 8am-1pm. When I told the guy that I was talking to at Enterprise, about this, he said, it wasn't just a problem of people not knowing their hours, it is a BIG problem that people don't book in advance. If they have X amount of cars that they have reserved, fine, but, said some cruisers seem to wait until the last minute and then, of course, they don't have enough extra cars to fill the requests.

 

I promise that I don't work for the local Chamber of Commerce or anything like that. I just know that I have read posts from people that say they would like to come here earlier than the cruise and have a day or two here in Galveston, but the car rental was a problem. Also, people that of course come from the airport down Harborside Drive, where they only see industrial things claim, Nothing to do here.. If you were standing, looking towards your ship and look to your right there are several restaurants there, and several things to do in the Bay.. One block, behind you, is Strand Street. Many shops, places to eat and gift shops. Runs for about 5 blocks, both sides of the street. If history or old homes, with history is a thing, we have that. And of course, the beach. Galveston is very diversified. I have traveled most of my life and never saw a place like this. One block is awesome historical mansions, the next slums.

 

Anyway, if anyone would like info of things to do, I would be happy to help. I can direct you from things that are kid friendly, to happy hours, or just local lunch specials. Have a great cruise, wherever you leave from!!!:)

Excellent post, thank you. Wife and I live in North Texas, and usually she, grandson and me just come in to town on Saturday afternoon or evening for our Sunday embarkations. This time, we are coming a few days early, because we have never really explored Galveston. I think we would be interested in boardwalk type stuff, if there is one, and also some nice seafood. Maybe NASA. Kemah?

I used to like spending a couple of nights here, but really dislike that the better hotels have doubled the rates over last couple of years and many of the better places require a 2 night stay. So now I will spend a day in Houston before the cruise

We will be staying in Galveston 2 days before our cruise. My husband and I like to walk around, eat good food, and just basically enjoy whatever is local, including local beer. Any suggestions for good local food? We will be at the Harbor house.

Thanks for the suggestions!

!st, I want to apologize to all, as I initially posted this on the main page and they moved it. Saw the questions in my email inbox and thought were from my roll call, so thought no hurry as that is not until 9/16.

Now, I will go back and address each question. Sorry:o

Excellent post, thank you. Wife and I live in North Texas, and usually she, grandson and me just come in to town on Saturday afternoon or evening for our Sunday embarkations. This time, we are coming a few days early, because we have never really explored Galveston. I think we would be interested in boardwalk type stuff, if there is one, and also some nice seafood. Maybe NASA. Kemah?

Wish that you had said how old your grandson is. Galveston has the Pleasure Pier. Not cheap. The rides, though they have some for smaller kids, are pretty hairy. Also has boardwalk activities. Kema Boardwalk doesn't have a fee to just walk around but, instead of a one price for all rides, they are mostly ala carte. NASA, is what is is. Again, age of grandson would be a difference. Please update me on that.

Galvestondotcom is a very good resource to find a lot of things. And if you do, I would be glad to tell you what my opinion is about things. Also, Moody Gardens is a great place for kids, many attractions, The Colonel Paddleboat, private beach with Florida sand, a rainforest, IMax, aquarium with the usual, etc.. Very pricey to stay there but you don't have to, to experience the place. moodygardensdotcom Have no idea what month you are sailing. GeorgeC- expressed wanting better hotels and are too expensive here. That depends on when you visit. Always more expensive spring break, holidays, peak summer. That's why my husband takes September off as most any place is less expensive then. Cruises, also. A nice place that may cost $150.. peak time would be about $50. in low time. Just a thought for all.

Food- I lived in Miami and know for a fact that a lot of the so called "just caught" seafood, was shipped in from Mexico, and other places. You have a better chance here if you see on a menu that the item is "gulf" shrimp, whatever. The Landrys chains are pretty consistent, As to price Willie G's, highest, but ask for the daily specials, unique, regular Landrys still pricey but good. 39th and O, Shrimp and Stuff, local, counter service, mostly fried, but good. Gaido's has been here over 100 years and frankly I have never cared for it. I shall continue on on some other post. I read that a person is not supposed to advertise, so hope they don't shut this down. I haven't any reason to do so, just would like to steer people in the right direction if I can. And, I certainly will be honest with you. I personally would not stick my big toe in the Gulf here. So, that should show I am not trying to advertise.

Just FYI. I have noticed people posting of their disappointment that the only car rental service here in Galveston, Enterprise, is not open on Sundays. That was also my understanding. Today, I learned they have different hours than what I knew of. Weekdays 7:30 am-6pm, weekends 8am-1pm. When I told the guy that I was talking to at Enterprise, about this, he said, it wasn't just a problem of people not knowing their hours, it is a BIG problem that people don't book in advance. If they have X amount of cars that they have reserved, fine, but, said some cruisers seem to wait until the last minute and then, of course, they don't have enough extra cars to fill the requests.

 

I promise that I don't work for the local Chamber of Commerce or anything like that. I just know that I have read posts from people that say they would like to come here earlier than the cruise and have a day or two here in Galveston, but the car rental was a problem. Also, people that of course come from the airport down Harborside Drive, where they only see industrial things claim, Nothing to do here.. If you were standing, looking towards your ship and look to your right there are several restaurants there, and several things to do in the Bay.. One block, behind you, is Strand Street. Many shops, places to eat and gift shops. Runs for about 5 blocks, both sides of the street. If history or old homes, with history is a thing, we have that. And of course, the beach. Galveston is very diversified. I have traveled most of my life and never saw a place like this. One block is awesome historical mansions, the next slums.

 

Anyway, if anyone would like info of things to do, I would be happy to help. I can direct you from things that are kid friendly, to happy hours, or just local lunch specials. Have a great cruise, wherever you leave from!!!:)

I was just able to book a car from Enterprise for our cruise in August and it was no problem at all. I pick it up at the airport and drop it off in Galveston on the Sunday just before going to the port. There is a $100 drop fee, but that seems like a pretty minor fee. We are going to be staying in Galveston a few nights and we are looking forward to it. It's our second time sailing from Galveston and we enjoyed it so much that we decided to go back again!

We will be staying in Galveston 2 days before our cruise. My husband and I like to walk around, eat good food, and just basically enjoy whatever is local, including local beer. Any suggestions for good local food? We will be at the Harbor house.

 

Thanks for the suggestions!

As to food look at my post, #8 I think. If you really like to walk you are in the perfect place for it. Plus, Harbor House is right on top of Tony Nommos, I'm not sure if I recommend this, one lunch was okay. A greek place that is good if that is what you like. And you are just across the street from Willie G's. And Fisherman's Wharf is just to the left of that if you are facing North, (bay). I don't recommend the Wharf for anything but Happy Hour. 11-7, bar food is on special and good. Only my opinion. Also, to your right facing the bay, north is Joe's Crabshack. Pretty good. Facing south from where you are is the Strand, from about 20th Street to 25th, restaurants, bars, shops. And not just tourist shops.

If you really like to walk google Galveston Island Tree Sculptures. After Hurricane Ike in '08, this island was devastated. So many trees were lost. Someone came up with the idea to take some of the remaining trunks and make sculptures out of them. Lots are walkable from where you are, well at least to us as we walk a lot. On Broadway there is Bishop's Palace. Very nice. Tour fee, but if you do the Moody Mansion also, there is a discount. I did not care for the Moody, but loved Bishop's Palace.

Also, can tell anyone local specials, as to food and drink. Again, just a matter of what you are in to. To Be Continued

I was just able to book a car from Enterprise for our cruise in August and it was no problem at all. I pick it up at the airport and drop it off in Galveston on the Sunday just before going to the port. There is a $100 drop fee, but that seems like a pretty minor fee. We are going to be staying in Galveston a few nights and we are looking forward to it. It's our second time sailing from Galveston and we enjoyed it so much that we decided to go back again!

Yikes! $100. drop off fee. He certainly did not tell me about that!

As I continue this if it gets booted as they may think I am trying to advertise, I just set up an email account, that if I regret it ,as people can make things ugly I can delete it. So, if so, just email me. lor5jc5@yahoodotcom Advertising, are you kidding me? My husband works for one of the places I steer people "away" from.

Yikes! $100. drop off fee. He certainly did not tell me about that!

Considering all the other options, $100 to drop it off is nothing. We have to get to Galveston anyway, that is not cheap no matter how you get there. At the very least, it takes very little of my time which is also appreciated. Once you spread the cost across a few days it's much more acceptable.

Considering all the other options, $100 to drop it off is nothing. We have to get to Galveston anyway, that is not cheap no matter how you get there. At the very least, it takes very little of my time which is also appreciated. Once you spread the cost across a few days it's much more acceptable.

I agree with you, just annoys me that Enterprise didn't tell me that little tidbit. Not everyone is coming here from as far away as you are. Some just from Texas, but would like to rent a car for a day or so. But, factoring in the drop off fee, might just drive their own car. :)

Okay, though I am originally from Texas, due to my dad's work and then my own job, I was fortunate enough to have been or lived in all US states and 5 foreign countries. I lived at the end of my career in Florida, and no, you are not going to see that kind of beach here. Moved back here '02, as though loved Florida, reality set in as to real estate costs. My husband still works, I am retired.(he is originally from Atlantic City area, believe me, Texas was quite a culture shock for him!!!) Yes, we are old as dirt! But, still have my finger on the pulse of what is going on. We bought an albeit, small, oceanfront condo in '02 for 20K, could not do that in Florida. Have since then moved to "town", close to the yearly happenings. Mardi Gras, Dickens on the Strand, Bike week, etc... to a townhouse. We drink, but do not drink and drive. We can easily walk to all these things. We love Happy Hours, but don't do the night scene.

I have nephews and now great nephews and nieces, that I have taken to every kid friendly place around. I don't think I mentioned the Duckboat that takes you all over town with a guide that tells about all that you will pass by and you actually go into the water in it at Offats Bayou. Fun. Many things I took them to, so can help with things kids might like, IF I know their age. Next up will be SAFETY! I have taken so long to type this as my "blinking" phone keeps ringing I need to post it. TBC...

There are too many great, locally owned restaurants to spend time/ money at the chains.

The choice is from white tablecloth to fast food.

Rudy & Paco's

Saltwater Grill

Number 13

Shearn's

Olympia at Pier 21

Sky Bar

Gumbo Bar

Porch Café

Farley Girls

Sunflower Bakery

Mosquito Café

The list goes on; check Galveston.com for restaurants and their menus.

FYI: About Enterprise drop off fee - each office is a franchise and it costs to return cars to their original office. The fee has been in place for years. This is not an unusual fee anywhere. We have paid a fee all over the world when dropping off a vehicle from its original location.

Galveston Cruiser- So glad you dropped in. Weren't we on another thread together that we were talking about areas on Broadway, around CVS and Family Dollar? Good to have another view other than mine. I did mention Galveston.com. I like that you can pull up menus for the places on their site. I do though, disagree with some of the places they list under the "where the locals go". I, personally do not like Sonny's at all. Also, I like to pull up the webcam on their site and watch the ships. strand area, especially during events, etc..

I think I got carried away with this as have not gotten many responses back.

A few of the places on your list, if you did not know, are also part of a chain. Smecca or something like that. And some that I told them about are definitely part of King Ferrtitta's realm, and I don't like to pad his already substantial wallet, but people do like them. We even go to Fuddruckers, Is it F. again? not sure as name has changed so much, not matter what the restaurant flavor of the day, on Sundays, for 99 cent beer and sit outside on top floor and wave at the people on their balconies on the ships. Simple pleasures!

As to your list, I doubt I could even tell anyone how to get to Number 13, one of those, "I know where it is but can't tell you how to get there" things. Plus major pricey. Shearns is WONDERFUL, but also, pricey, both places are fine dining. I didn't get the vibe that anyone was asking for that. But, good to have it out there. The last 3 on your list are great choices I wouldn't have thought of. Guess my head was just in the Strand area or Seawall. Not east of Strand anyway. Personally wasn't impressed with Sky Bar or Gumbo(they have a 2nd Gumbo place on the seawall) Last time I was at Sky Bar was before they switched places with Gumbo. Liked the sushi at Sky but have developed an allergy to raw shrimp, so no longer go. Love Gumbo, but not Gumbo's gumbo. Have not been to Porch Cafe, husband disagrees, but if I can't remember it.....Rudy and Paco, we personally know Paco, and if he read this he would know it is me, as I just can't stand the table layout in that place and can't get past it. Saltwater Grill, eh..Would rather go get Chicken Laredo at Saltgrass.

Glad you brought up the drop off fee. I, too, have traveled, but, always dropped off where I picked up. So, didn't have a clue.

Hope you stay tuned. And hope all this is helping SOMEONE out.

Hi Cruiselover55;

Restaurants are subjective to ones tastes and pocketbook.

We happen to prefer fine dining and both of us love sushi.

DH loves Gumbo Bar's gumbo - I have never liked gumbo so have no opinion.

We know a number of visitors/cruisers who desire to have a nice dinner prior to a cruise. I always mention the better restaurants as suggestions. This gives a true taste of local food.

Lower end/fast food can be found anywhere.

Galveston Restaurant Group has Mario's on Seawall, Saltwater, Sky Bar, both Gumbo bars (probably missing one or two) and they are local. I don't consider them a chain as they are only on the Island.

Hey GC

You are certainly right about the group being local. I have just gotten past all the caring if a place is in a chain or not. If they have something on a menu I like, I don't care if they have 11000 branches. I just don't feel that some of the high end places are "a true taste of local food". Come on, you live here. It is a venue that probably less than 10% of locals can partake of. If I want a really local reasonable lunch, some of the 5 star dive bars do it for me. I am fortunate that my husband is "in the business" and about 95% of the places you list, we are comped.

Yikes got to go! Later

Just FYI. I have noticed people posting of their disappointment that the only car rental service here in Galveston, Enterprise, is not open on Sundays. That was also my understanding. Today, I learned they have different hours than what I knew of. Weekdays 7:30 am-6pm, weekends 8am-1pm. When I told the guy that I was talking to at Enterprise, about this, he said, it wasn't just a problem of people not knowing their hours, it is a BIG problem that people don't book in advance. If they have X amount of cars that they have reserved, fine, but, said some cruisers seem to wait until the last minute and then, of course, they don't have enough extra cars to fill the requests.

 

I promise that I don't work for the local Chamber of Commerce or anything like that. I just know that I have read posts from people that say they would like to come here earlier than the cruise and have a day or two here in Galveston, but the car rental was a problem. Also, people that of course come from the airport down Harborside Drive, where they only see industrial things claim, Nothing to do here.. If you were standing, looking towards your ship and look to your right there are several restaurants there, and several things to do in the Bay.. One block, behind you, is Strand Street. Many shops, places to eat and gift shops. Runs for about 5 blocks, both sides of the street. If history or old homes, with history is a thing, we have that. And of course, the beach. Galveston is very diversified. I have traveled most of my life and never saw a place like this. One block is awesome historical mansions, the next slums.

 

Anyway, if anyone would like info of things to do, I would be happy to help. I can direct you from things that are kid friendly, to happy hours, or just local lunch specials. Have a great cruise, wherever you leave from!!!:)

Does anything happen on New Years Eve? We are flying in to IAH Dec 31st 2016 in the late afternoon and were hoping that there would be fireworks or something. Any suggestions on where to stay (currently reserved HI on the beach) and where to eat (2 adults and a 14yr old). We cruise out on the Breeze New Years Day.

Hey GC

I just don't feel that some of the high end places are "a true taste of local food". Come on, you live here. It is a venue that probably less than 10% of locals can partake of. If I want a really local reasonable lunch, some of the 5 star dive bars do it for me. I am fortunate that my husband is "in the business" and about 95% of the places you list, we are comped.

Yikes got to go! Later

I will disagree with you on the "high end" places as that is where the locals do go and much of the food is procured locally, at least seafood. There has yet to be a time we have not run into many friends when out for the evening.

One of our favorites was The Pelican Club. Sorely missed:(

I will disagree with you on the "high end" places as that is where the locals do go and much of the food is procured locally, at least seafood. There has yet to be a time we have not run into many friends when out for the evening.

 

One of our favorites was The Pelican Club. Sorely missed:(

Well, you are one lucky lady in the 10% I mentioned. I, however, see all ways of life in Galveston. I live a very eclectic life, One week as I was actively compaigning (sp) beside Mayor Rxxxx, I had to leave to volunteer at a local food fair, 450 people showed up. I only do 2 a week, there are about 5. I walk all over town, for exercise, our homeless is obvious when I do, as I see the same people hanging around the same streets daily. I am known by name to lots of them. I have been kept from being mugged twice by these same people. They stand up for one they see helps their own. I know people from all walks of life. And you probably couldn't name a restaurant that I don't know at least one manager, or server. Walmart workers etc.. these are the 90% that make up our population. And I probably missed a lot of others. THEY don't frequent the $$$$local places, you are talking about. Myself, when I went YIKES! Have to go-earlier, I had forgotten I was to meet some people at a 5 star dive bar, O'Malley's, to help a friend that is running for city council, plot ways to procure votes. And by the way the "Ike's Bite Sandwich, pastrami, corned beef, yumm. But, at night this place, since it is right beside the Opera House, when they have performances, are full of the "upper crust". Funny.

I only started this post to try to help people. I over posted or over shared, obviously. It was fun. But, NOT, anymore. I was thrilled you joined in. Your suggestions were great. But, now, you keep, rubbing in the high dollar so called local places. That are not, for the majority of Galveston, that are lower middle class to poverty level to homeless. I like it here and feel you are looking down your nose at the majority. That annoys me. I'm done.

To anyone else, should there be any as I didn't get many responses, all the dot coms listed above are very good places to research. Have a great cruise!

Sorry you feel this way. However, you know nothing about me.

This thread is to answer questions and assist visitors in Galveston.

I firmly believe in promoting my City and answering questions.

Galveston is a great place to visit and live.

Can anyone help me out? We are renting a car at Hobby driving to the cruise port and keeping it all week so we have it when we disembark the next Sunday. It was actually cheaper to do this since I have a discount on the car rental.

Where is the best place to park? I was looking at Galveston Park N Cruise , they say you can walk across the street to the Terminal 2 (RCCL terminal). Can you really?

If not where is the best place to park?

Thanks,

Steph

wvrdmb,

I can't answer your question about Park N Cruise. We have cruised 9 times out of Galveston. We have always used the Port Authority parking and had no problems. It would be hard to walk to the terminal, but they do have shuttles. We always dropped off our luggage and family at the terminal and one person takes the car to the parking lot and catches the shuttle. It has always been pretty quick. One advantage to parking there is that disabled veterans get to park for free with proof of veteran status (VA service connected ID card, DD-214, or disabled vet license plate). If not a disabled vet, you can get their prices on their website. In fact if you pay online in advance, you get a discount. Good luck with whatever you decide.