As somebody that has lived within the southeastern United States for many of my life, every time I consider seashore locations, I instantly consider Florida. My thoughts begins dreaming of visiting locations like Panama Metropolis Seashore, Clearwater, or Miami to call just a few. However what if I instructed you that among the best wheelchair accessible seashore locations within the nation is definitely in Texas?! Belief me, I by no means considered Texas as being a seashore vacation spot till my current go to to Galveston, however it’s really a particular place. 

Not too long ago, I had the possibility to spend just a few days in Galveston, Texas and I used to be amazed at how spectacular of a vacation spot it’s. Whether or not I used to be rolling on an accessible seashore, using a paddle wheel boat, studying concerning the historical past of Galveston, or one thing else, I used to be having a lot enjoyable. This journey made me notice that Texas is greater than cowboy hats, rodeos, and nice meals (though Galveston undoubtedly has a few of the finest meals I’ve ever eaten!), and I’ll now consider Galveston anytime somebody mentions a seashore journey (I promise I nonetheless love you although, Florida!).

On this wheelchair accessible Galveston journey information, I’ll begin by telling you all about a few of the finest sights and issues to do. Then, I’ll offer you a few of my suggestions of locations to eat and allow you to find out about the place I stayed. By the point you end studying this information, try to be absolutely ready to begin planning your personal journey to this slice of Texan paradise! 

Wheelchair Accessible Galveston Texas Sights & Issues to Do 

Discover the pyramids at Moody Gardens

Moody Gardens is a must-visit for any traveler to Galveston. This 242-acre park options three pyramids and every one has a distinct theme. There may be the Rainforest Pyramid, the Aquarium Pyramid, and the Discovery Pyramid. I spent my total first day in Galveston exploring Moody Gardens, and it was properly price it! 

The Rainforest Pyramid permits guests to discover the plush rainforests of South America and Southeast Asia on accessible paved paths. The path winds by way of the pyramid, showcasing a wide range of plant and animal life. Whereas some areas could have slight inclines, the trail is generally flat and simple to navigate with a wheelchair. All through the path, there are benches and different locations to relaxation if wanted. Docents are stationed alongside the path to reply questions and share fascinating info concerning the rainforest ecosystem.

The Aquarium Pyramid showcases aquatic life from the world’s oceans, with accessible displays and contact tanks. Quite a lot of fish, sharks, sea turtles, and different sea creatures may be considered by way of massive home windows. Most of the displays are additionally accessible by contact, permitting guests to really feel the feel of various sea creatures. There are even shallow contact tanks the place guests can gently contact a few of the animals, like stingrays and starfish.

For individuals who take pleasure in studying about science and discovery, the Discovery Pyramid options interactive displays on a wide range of subjects. These displays are all wheelchair accessible and may be loved by guests of all ages. You’ll be able to be taught concerning the human physique, house exploration, climate patterns, and extra by way of hands-on shows. After I visited, I loved an interactive 4D present/film referred to as “20,000 Leagues: An Interactive Journey” contained in the Discovery Pyramid as properly.

For film lovers, the Moody Gardens 3D and 4D theaters provide a wide range of movies all through the day and designated wheelchair accessible seating is obtainable. You should definitely test with the theater workers prematurely to substantiate seating choices for upcoming exhibits. 

You’ll be able to simply spend a full day exploring the pyramids at Moody Gardens. Since every one is vastly totally different from the subsequent, you’re positive to be entertained all through your complete time of your go to.  

Experience the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat

One other attraction that I actually loved at Moody Gardens was the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat. That is situated only a quick distance from the pyramids (a couple of 5 minute stroll/roll) and it’s undoubtedly price doing when you’re at Moody Gardens! I at all times love being on the water and I used to be impressed with the accessibility of the boat. 

The Colonel Paddlewheel Boat is an genuine reproduction of an 1800’s model paddlewheeler. It may well seat as much as 500 passengers and your complete decrease stage is wheelchair accessible. There was a ramp for me to simply board the boat and whereas I spent most of my time on the outer deck, the indoor space was accessible as properly. Inside, there have been tables and a snack bar with meals and drinks to buy. 

A journey on the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat lasts simply 45 minutes, nevertheless it was a enjoyable method to see the sweetness alongside Offatts Bayou on Galveston Island. The boat cruises every single day of the week at 1pm and on Saturday and Sunday, it goes once more at 3pm as properly. Relying on while you go to, particular dinner cruises are sometimes an choice. You’ll be able to view the schedule on-line right here.

By the point the boat docked again at Moody Gardens, I felt relaxed and rejuvenated. The wheelchair-friendly design of the boat allowed me to totally take part on this scenic journey. I’d extremely advocate a journey on the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat to anybody visiting Moody Gardens!

Watch my quick video about my experiences at Moody Gardens beneath –

Study concerning the Black historical past of Galveston

Do you know that Galveston is the birthplace of Juneteenth? To be sincere, I didn’t know that till I began researching Galveston earlier than my journey, however as soon as I came upon how a lot necessary Black historical past is in Galveston, I actually needed to be taught extra. So, I scheduled a tour with the corporate Juneteenth and Past. 

Juneteenth and Past is Galveston’s first African American guided historical past tour franchise and it was based by Dr. Araminta Coleman Sorrell. Dr. Sorrell is dedicated to showcasing Galveston’s Black historical past and after spending a pair hours along with her, I can say that her ardour definitely shines by way of. She is extremely educated and taught me a lot concerning the space’s historical past. 

Our tour was predominantly a driving tour and Dr. Sorrell bought in our accessible rental van (within the backseat) and instructed us the place to drive. At every location, she would inform us concerning the historical past of that place. She made it an interesting tour and she or he was lots of enjoyable to speak to. I appreciated that she was prepared to get in our rental van to make the tour accessible. 

A number of the locations that we visited included Central Center Faculty (this was the primary highschool for African People in Texas again in 1885), Avenue L Baptist Church (one of many oldest Black church buildings in Texas), and Jack Johnson Park (named after the primary African American heavyweight boxing champion, who was from Galveston). We visited many different locations as properly and the final cease on our 2.5 hour tour was the Juneteenth mural in downtown Galveston.

This tour with Dr. Sorrell of Juneteenth and Past was undoubtedly a spotlight of my time in Galveston. When you’re excited about studying about Galveston’s Black historical past (and all of us ought to be as a result of it’s necessary), try the Juneteenth and Past web site to be taught extra and schedule a tour. When you want a wheelchair accessible tour although, I’d advocate calling them to rearrange it. 

Stroll The Strand and store until you drop 

When you’re on the lookout for one of the best place to buy, dine, or be entertained in Galveston, head to The Strand. The Historic Strand District is the center of Galveston Island and alongside this road in downtown, you will see many retailers and eateries. 

The Strand is a Nationwide Historic Landmark and lots of the buildings listed here are over 100 years previous, however regardless of that, I discovered accessibility to be fairly good. There have been ramped curb cuts accessible at every road crossing and most retailers had been wheelchair accessible. I did discover that some had solely steps to get inside, however I spent a pair hours at some point procuring in most of the companies that I may get into. 

A few of my favourite accessible retailers had been Tola Mo’ Bettah Market, which had some good Galveston souvenirs, and you may’t go away The Strand with out visiting La King’s Confectionery. La King’s has fudge, sweet, ice cream, espresso, and a wide range of different candy treats. Whereas there are steps to enter La King’s, in addition they had a raise that I used to be in a position to make use of, which I used to be completely happy to see. 

The Strand is such a enjoyable space to discover in Galveston! And whether or not you’re within the temper for procuring, espresso, meals, or one thing else, you’ll undoubtedly discover it right here. Plan to spend a minimum of a pair hours (or extra!) rolling alongside The Strand, to be able to absolutely take pleasure in its choices. 

Hunt for ghosts on a ghost tour

I additionally loved rolling alongside The Strand at evening, nevertheless it was a bit extra scary than my go to throughout the day. Why? As a result of I did a Ghosts of Galveston Strand Tour with Kathleen Maca. She is the creator of “Ghosts of Galveston” and is featured within the TV present “Ghost Brothers”, so belief me after I say that she is aware of her ghosts! 

This was a rolling/strolling tour alongside The Strand. Kathleen met us for our wheelchair accessible strolling/rolling tour and instantly, I may inform she was so educated concerning the historical past of Galveston’s ghosts. As we wandered alongside and handed The Strand’s many buildings, she defined the eerie historical past of every one. She shared tales of probably the most well-known ghosts which were haunting Galveston for years and she or he did it in such a enjoyable manner.

Some spirits date again to the Civil Warfare and others are victims from the massive storm of 1900. Kathleen even allowed us to cease, peek by way of the shop fronts and home windows of the buildings, and take images to see if we may catch any pictures of ghosts with our cameras. Though I wasn’t fortunate sufficient to truly see any ghosts on my tour, I did really feel the hairs on my arms arise just a few occasions and a chill run up my backbone. 

This was one of the thrilling ghost excursions that I’ve taken, and I’ve taken fairly just a few of them in several cities like Savannah and Wilmington. It was actually nice that Kathleen made positive to hunt out the accessible crosswalks and ramps alongside the highway, in order that accessibility was by no means a query. I used to be in a position to completely concentrate on the ghosts as a substitute of worrying about accessibility! 
When you’re ever within the Galveston space, I extremely recommend taking a ghost tour with Kathleen! You’ll be able to be taught extra on Kathleen Maca’s web site by clicking right here.

Chill out on an accessible seashore

I at all times love going to the seashore, however it may be difficult to discover a wheelchair accessible seashore. Nonetheless, Galveston has actually put lots of effort into accessibility for all friends, so I used to be in a position to take pleasure in some seashore time throughout my journey! 

Stewart Seashore is likely one of the most accessible seashores in Galveston. Right here, you will see loads of accessible parking spots and wheelchair accessible companion care restrooms. These restrooms have seize bars round the bathroom, a pull-under sink, and loads of house to maneuver round for somebody in a wheelchair. 

Probably the greatest issues about Stewart Seashore is the truth that seashore entry mats can be found! These mats lead towards the water and allowed my powered wheelchair to simply maneuver alongside the sand. I actually loved sitting on the finish of the entry mat for some time and watching the waves lapping in opposition to the shore. 

Stewart Seashore additionally has seashore wheelchairs accessible to be used, together with amphibious seashore wheelchairs. These amphibious seashore wheelchairs can roll on the sand or take you down into the water. These are one of the best as a result of they let you not solely benefit from the sunshine, but additionally roll into the water and funky down while you get too scorching. 

This seashore is household pleasant and staffed with extremely educated lifeguards to make your expertise secure, in addition to enjoyable. When you’re on the lookout for a unbelievable wheelchair accessible seashore expertise, try Stewart Seashore when you’re in wheelchair accessible Galveston! I’m positive you’ll love this seashore simply as a lot as I did.

Benefit from the open air on the East Finish Lagoon Nature Protect ADA Path 

Positioned on Galveston Island is the East Finish Lagoon ADA Path. This path is a half mile loop and its flat terrain makes it comparatively straightforward to roll on. Because the path will not be paved, and is roofed with grime and some small gravels, it’s a bit bumpy, however it’s completely well worth the journey. 

Whereas rolling alongside the East Finish Lagoon ADA Path, I noticed so many species of birds. The birds had been having fun with their day on the lagoon and so was I! It was such a peaceable place to absorb nature and luxuriate in a while within the nice open air. 

Relying on the time and day of your go to, you must be capable of expertise the sights and sounds of the birds and wildlife alongside your hike. The Nature Protect that surrounds the ADA Path contains nearly 700 acres with loads of alternatives for birding, fishing, and climbing. 

Wheelchair accessible parking is situated on the trailhead and the ADA Path is open 7 days per week and 24 hours a day, so no time is a nasty time to go to. Simply have your sense of journey and be able to take pleasure in this outside path! 

Have Enjoyable on Pleasure Pier

Pleasure Pier is strictly because the title states. It’s a pier that stretches away from Seawall Blvd over the Gulf of Mexico and it introduced me a lot pleasure throughout my go to. 

Pleasure Pier will not be your common pier although. It’s residence to an amusement park, together with a curler coaster! The park contains 15 rides, a lot of scrumptious meals (together with carnival meals like funnel cake!), thrilling carnival video games, and memento retailers. You may be totally entertained at Pleasure Pier for hours! 

Though I wasn’t in a position to journey a lot of the rides in my wheelchair (the carousel was wheelchair accessible although!), I totally loved rolling round, seeing the grins on the thrill-seekers faces, and consuming some snacks just like the delicious funnel cake that I devoured. 

I additionally discovered an accessible restroom right here and even a wheelchair accessible picnic desk close to one of many eating places on the entrance. Pleasure Pier has nice wheelchair accessible parking on Seawall Blvd close to the doorway and throughout the road from the doorway with a easy crosswalk.

Roll by way of Galveston’s cemeteries

I do know, I do know… visiting cemeteries sounds a bit morbid, huh? However if you wish to see one thing that’s completely stunning, go to the Broadway Historic Cemetery between mid-March and early June. I visited right here in late April and the historic cemetery was coated with canary-yellow coreopsis. Seeing all of the wildflowers and the previous towering burial markers was so picturesque. 

Yearly, for a number of weeks within the spring, the mowing schedule is suspended for 5 of the seven cemeteries which are linked on this district. Though the flowers cowl the grounds between the headstones and markers, there are nonetheless loads of easy, flat paved sidewalks all through the cemetery to view and {photograph} this epic sight.

I seen the cemetery’s magnificence simply driving by and completely needed to pull-in to see it and roll by way of it in-person. I’m telling you, the photographs that I took right here didn’t even match the great thing about truly seeing it in-person.

The place to Eat in Galveston

I don’t know that I’ve ever seen a vacation spot with as many scrumptious eating places as Galveston. I didn’t have a nasty meal throughout my total keep right here and actually, I continually appeared ahead to seeing what my subsequent meal can be as a result of it was all so delicious. Listed here are 5 of my favourite wheelchair accessible Galveston eating places:

Katie’s Seafood Home

At Katie’s Seafood Home, you will see the freshest seafood. This seafood comes proper off the boats and straight to your plate. You’ll be able to’t discover this caliber of freshness and deliciousness elsewhere! I simply discovered wheelchair accessible parking and shortly rolled over to the waterfront alongside the doorway simply to see the view. Their fleet of fishing boats dock right here and produce of their contemporary catches every day. I selected the outside seating space and simply rolled out onto the deck. Instantly, I needed to strive the Smoked Fish Dip. Inside minutes, it arrived to my desk and it was so good. After devouring that, I then was prepared for the Persian Snapper. This dish makes my mouth water simply fascinated with it. It was a lemon herb peppered American Purple Snapper and the freshness of this made the flavour even higher. I used to be so full after ending this plate, however completely needed to strive their home made banana pudding. And it was even higher than I imagined! I’ll undoubtedly be returning right here each time I go to Galveston.

Gaido’s

I began my journey in Galveston by consuming at Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant and what a begin to the journey it was! Gaido’s has been round since 1911 and it’s a staple in Galveston. After consuming right here, I  may undoubtedly see why so many individuals have been having fun with this restaurant for years. I eagerly selected the shrimp cocktail as my starter and it was so tasty. I then moved on to the pecan-crusted snapper with grilled greens. The portion dimension was beneficiant, however one way or the other I managed to scrub my plate. Even in spite of everything this scrumptious meals, I nonetheless couldn’t resist the temptation of their well-known pecan pie. This pie has gained the award for one of the best pecan pie in Texas twice! Undoubtedly, it was one of the best pecan pie that I’ve ever eaten… and I’ve eaten many! If you would like a scrumptious meal with exemplary customer support, Gaido’s is your house! 

Rudy & Paco

Rudy & Paco is an award-winning eating expertise in downtown Galveston, serving grilled seafood and steaks with a Central American flare. This restaurant has an upscale ambiance and each the meals and the service are glorious. It’s the proper place for a date evening, or only a evening out for a particular dinner with your loved ones or mates. Rudy & Paco enforces a strict gown code for dinner, not permitting shorts, t-shirts, hats, or beachwear, however since it’s such a pleasant place, it’s price placing on a pleasant outfit. When you want dressing down, lunch is extra informal and so they do enable shorts. Both manner, the meals here’s a ten out of ten! Throughout my dinner, I selected the Empanadas Mixtas as a starter. This was beef, hen, and shrimp empanadas served golden crisp with a cilantro cream sauce. Though shrimp is at all times my favourite, all three had been distinctive. For my predominant course, I devoured the Camarones Ajillo. This dish consisted of sautéed gulf shrimp in a white wine and lemon garlic butter sauce. I nearly drooled simply typing that sentence it was so good. Actually, I used to be so full that I had no room left for dessert, however I can assure it might have all been scrumptious primarily based on the standard of my different dishes. 

Leeland Home 

Identified round Galveston as a favourite neighborhood bistro, Leeland Home is the place I selected to have brunch throughout my go to. This restaurant provides their very own personal parking zone, and open seating each inside and on the patio. Please be aware it is a cashless eatery, so be certain to carry your bank card. Upon opening the menu, I used to be fast to see precisely what I needed, the Biscuit and Gravy. This was a bowl with two scrambled eggs, cheddar, andouille sausage, gravy, a buttermilk biscuit, and I even added the crispy hen on high of mine. Let me inform you, this hit the spot! It tasted similar to (or possibly even higher) than grandma used to make. I additionally ordered a latte from the bar and this paired completely with my tasty dish. After scraping up each morsel and devouring all of it, I used to be more than happy to see a companion care restroom as I used to be heading out the door. This made me love Leeland Home much more! 

Shearn’s Seafood & Prime Steaks 

Positioned inside Moody Gardens Lodge, Shearn’s Seafood & Prime Steaks is a premier eating expertise in Galveston. It’s considered one of solely 11 eating places within the Houston/Galveston space to obtain AAA’s 4 Diamond Award of Excellence. Rolling up within the elevator to the rooftop of Moody Gardens, I used to be in awe to see the ground to ceiling window views of the Gulf of Mexico. The environment and the meals right here is beautiful! I selected the Hatch Pepper Crab Cake as my starter and the candy corn sauce that got here with it was like icing on the cake. I then bought the 6 oz Filet served with lobster mashed potatoes and it may’ve actually melted in my mouth. It was so tender and I shortly understood how they obtained the 4 Diamond Award. After our very pleasant and attentive waiter introduced out a complete dessert cart for us to visually determine, I opted for the ever so tasty pecan bread pudding. I actually thought I’ll burst, however I couldn’t cease consuming this till it was gone. Whether or not you keep at this lodge or not, you undoubtedly don’t need to miss this delicious and beautiful eating expertise whereas in Galveston.

The place to Keep in Galveston: Moody Gardens Lodge

All through my time in wheelchair accessible Galveston, I stayed on the fabulous Moody Gardens Lodge. The lodge is situated only a quick stroll/roll from the entire pleasure of Moody Gardens, together with the pyramids and the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, so it was an ideal place to remain for my journey. All the pieces in Galveston is pretty shut although, so that you’re only a quick drive away from nearly something you need to take pleasure in. 

I stayed in a wheelchair accessible room at Moody Gardens Lodge and it labored rather well for my accessibility wants. Within the room, there was one king sized mattress (31 inches tall) and the room had a ton of house to maneuver round. We even had an amazing view of the Moody Gardens pyramids from the window! 

Then within the toilet, there was a pull-under sink, seize bars by the bathroom, and a roll-in bathe. The lodge offered a bathe seat and the bathe was straightforward for me to roll into, because it simply had a rubber strip on the bathe entrance. 

For me, the accessible room labored very properly. I’d completely keep right here once more subsequent time I’m in Galveston. You’ll be able to be taught extra about Moody Gardens Lodge and e-book a keep of your personal on their web site right here. 

Throughout my journey in wheelchair accessible Galveston, I found how superior of a vacation spot it’s. From phenomenal meals to a plethora of wheelchair accessible sights, my time in Galveston was jam-packed with pleasure and I’m already wanting ahead to returning at some point within the not too distant future hopefully. If you wish to go to a Texas vacation spot that has all of it, together with accessible seashores, look no additional than Galveston! 

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*Thanks to Go to Galveston for working with me on this journey and displaying me one of the best of wheelchair accessible Galveston! Whereas my experiences had been complimentary, all opinions expressed are genuine and my very own. 

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