Things to do in Galveston:

Treats and Eats:

  • Freckleberry Teahouse: Serves coffee, tea, boba, and other drinks. It has a great outdoor seating area and is a local small business we love. 2724 Market St, Galveston, TX 77550


  • Shrimp and Stuff: This is a great place for large groups. With loads of shrimp and other casual fare, this is a good seafood spot with parking. 3901 Avenue O, Galveston, TX 77550 (409) 763-2805


  • The Spot: Located on the Seawall, this place offers everything from burgers to shrimp tacos. Everyone in your group should be able to find something they like on this menu. The beach is right across the street, so this is a great place for lunch a long day at the beach. 3204 Seawall Boulevard Galveston, Texas 77550 (409) 621-5237


  • La King’s: On the strand, this old-fashion candy store makes its own saltwater taffy and serves up delicious Bluebell milkshakes. A popular tourist spot, it can get busy, but it is definitely popular for a reason! 2323 Strand Street, Galveston, TX 77550 (409) 762-6100


  • Galveston Bagel Company: This is the place for the best bagels in town! with bagels made from scratch and a large outdoor seating area, this bagel shop is great for large groups to grab a bite. 1110 Tremont Ave, Galveston, TX 77550

Fun in the Sun:

  • Best Beaches: If you want to avoid crowded beaches, go to East Beach. Not only is this beach cleaner and less crowded, it is also a favorite of locals (including the GUM staff!).


  • Ride the Ferry: Free to the public, riding the ferry between Bolivar Peninsula and Galveston is a fun way to relax and look out over the ocean. You might even spot some dolphins!


  • Visit the Juneteenth Historical Marker & Mural: Not many people know that Galveston is considered “the birthplace of Juneteenth.” After the end of the Civil War, enslaved people in the southern states were declared free when the Emancipation Proclamation was read out in Galveston on June 19th, 1865. While it is not a place to hang out for long, this historic site is worth stopping by.


  • Schlitterbahn: This waterpark allows you to bring in your own coolers and takes group reservations. It is a great place to cool off!

Where to Stay

GUM does not currently provide housing for mission teams. Here are a few recommendations of places to stay on the island. We recommend reserving your housing as early as possible.