Galveston, Texas

Spread across two barrier islands on Texas’ eastern Gulf Coast, Galveston is a funky, slightly faded town with a history as a Mexican port and a gaming resort.

The city has a friendly reputation, and residents have plenty to do. The Strand is the historic downtown area, and it has a wide variety of galleries, restaurants, and shops. It also is close to two major maritime museums and the city’s wharves, which service both container and cruise ships. The 10 mile seawall is an excellent place to jog, walk, bird watch and fish. Seawolf Park is a memorial to the USS Seawolf, a WWII submarine.

City celebrations include Mardi Gras and the Wild Texas Shrimp Festival. Galveston also supports an art center, a professional acting company and a symphony orchestra. The Offatts Bayou neighborhood is the home of Moody Gardens, which has plant and wildlife exhibits, as well as the city’s public golf course.

The beaches are long and narrow with plenty of access points. The water sometimes has a brownish tint. The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier and neighboring boardwalk are full of amusement rides, touristy eateries and kitschy souvenir shops.

Housing comes in all shapes and sizes, from waterfront stilt houses and condos to inland bungalows, ranch ramblers and cottages.