Allow us a little humble brag— but the Texas Gulf Coast is pretty great year ‘round. There’s always something to see and experience, and our mostly mild temps and sunny skies make for endlessly enjoyable vacays in fall, winter, and spring. 

But we must admit— summertime is when Galveston really shines. The miles and miles of sandy beaches along the Texas Gulf Coast were made for soaking up the summer sun, building epic sandcastles, and swimming and snorkeling in the Gulf of Mexico. 

Last year, due to the pandemic, most of our favorite summertime festivities along the shore were cut a bit short. But we’re happy to report that summer 2021 in Galveston is shaping up to be one of the best ever. Take a quick peek at our attractions page for help in planning and packing for your next trip to the coast. 

In the meantime, here are five things we’re psyched for this summer.

4th of July Fireworks & Events

Like most fireworks displays last year, Galveston’s annual event was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. But this year, local leaders recently announced that the 4th of July fireworks celebration is approved and set to go off as usual. Hooray! The patriotic display is launched over the Gulf of Mexico, with prime viewing spots along the Seawall. If you can get in, The Rooftop Bar is a positively sublime location to not only watch the fireworks but also enjoy a delicious craft cocktail and take in the magnificent views of the city below. The fireworks display begins at 9:15 PM on July 4th.

The fireworks are usually preceded by an exciting Independence Day parade that marches down The Strand to end at 25th Street. Although tentatively scheduled for 2021 and unconfirmed as of now, we’re crossing our fingers that this epic annual parade will go off without a hitch this year.

The Grand 1894 Opera House

When the heat of summertime gets to be too much, step inside the doors of this historic, air-conditioned theater and enjoy a delightful live music show. The Grand 1894 Opera House has been closed to the public for over a year, but they are happily re-opening this summer with a full roster of amazing entertainment. 

This summer, artists performing at The Grand include nine-time Grammy winner Ray Benson, comedian Yakov Smirnoff, and The Texas Tenors. Please note: the theater encourages purchasing tickets ahead of time since they will be seating only 200 attendees per show. They also require masks and adherence to social distancing guidelines.

Schlitterbahn Water Park

No doubt about it, the Texas Gulf Coast beaches are the best. But when you want to spend a thrilling day by cooling off at one of the country’s best waterparks— Schlitterbahn is the place to be. Roughly translated to mean “slippery road” in German, Schlitterbahn is home to 31 exciting, watery attractions, including lazy rivers, swirly slides, and heart-stopping chutes.

If you’re traveling with kids this summer, Schlitterbahn is sure to be one of the unforgettable highlights of their trip. Adrenaline junkies will want to ride the thrilling Cliffhanger or Dragon Blaster slides. Those looking for a calmer time can hang out at Kristal Beach. There’s even a Tiki Tikes activity area for the little ones. There are also tons of options for dining, too, including Texas barbeque, cheeseburgers, and ice cream. For safety protocol reasons, the park asks that you reserve your spot and purchase tickets ahead of time.

Galveston Primetime Movie Theater

Another great way to beat the heat this summer is by enjoying a classic, pre-pandemic ritual that was sadly closed for the past year. Just recently, our local movie theater— now called Galveston Primetime— underwent an awesome renovation in preparation for its re-opening this spring. 

New reclining seats with tray tables, enhanced surround sound, and digital projection will take any afternoon matinee or date night to the next level. So grab some Junior Mints, a huge tub of buttery popcorn, and a cold drink and lose yourself in a great time at the movies.

Magic Carpet Golf

Located right on the Gulf of Mexico in Galveston’s West End, Magic Carpet Golf may be one of the most picturesque mini-golf courses in the country. With two 18-hole courses to choose from, this super-popular attraction is filled with tons of twists and turns that will challenge and delight your whole family. Mini-golf is one of those classic vacation activities that simply scream summertime. 

Golfers of all ages praise the quirkiness and creativity of this huge putt-putt course, and all obstacles are appropriately ocean-themed. They’re open from 9 AM to 10 PM, seven days a week. Prices are $7 for kids and $10 for adults, and make sure to bring some cash— they don’t accept credit cards. Fore!

Book Direct with BeachBox

One of the best ways to enjoy a summertime trip to the Texas Gulf Coast is to book direct with BeachBox. Our selection of gorgeous Galveston vacation rental homes ensures there’s something for every size family— from small beachy bungalows to spacious waterfront villas. And by avoiding the huge online travel agencies and booking direct with our boutique agency, you’ll not only receive personalized customer service, but you’ll also avoid a boatload of hidden fees. 

Take a look inside some of our popular Texas Gulf Coast home rentals, or email one of our local Galveston experts. No matter the season, we’re always here to help you find your happy place on the Texas Gulf Coast.