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For starters, this summer marks the return of the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, a world-class amusement park for all ages. Landry's vision recaptures the site's original purpose as a pleasure pier, a preeminent destination venue for family fun. The magnificent multi-million dollar renovation of the Pier is fully underway and is projected to open May 2012.
Moody Gardens Rainforest Pyramid features a tree-top canopy walkway that will take guests on a “bird’s eye” exploration of more than 1,000 species of exotic plants and animals. Along the walkway, you’ll see new exhibits, such as a habitat for endangered giant river otter, and even some free roaming monkeys and tropical birds. For more about Moody Gardens, click here.
Speaking of waves, Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark features more than 32 state-of-the-art attractions including the Shipwreck Harbor wave lagoon, which includes a 100,000-gallon pool of three-foot waves and slides.
Meanwhile, the Lone Star Flight Museum’s newest historic aircraft is the North American P-51 Mustang – regarded by many as the most effective fighter aircraft produced during World War II. The plane arrived to the museum last year after a lengthy restoration process. Now, visitors have the chance to see this rare “warbird” up close and even enjoy a flight in it as part of the museum’s Warbird Flight Experience Program.
With so many new happenings Galveston Island hasn’t forgotten its annual summer favorites. The Houston Chapter of the American Institute of Architects will host its 26th Annual Sandcastle Competition the first Saturday in June. More than 60 teams of Houston area architects, designers, engineers, and contractors will compete for the Golden Bucket award using only their sand sculpting tools. The event is free and open to the public.
Architects won’t be the only ones having fun in the sand this summer. Moody Gardens will bring back its popular “Bands on the Sand” concert series Friday & Saturday nights at its Palm Beach attraction. Concerts will be held June 8 through August 11 featuring popular local groups and always ending in a spectacular fireworks display. Each concert begins at 6 p.m. Admission is $12 for all ages.
Keeping visitors’ wallets in mind, Galveston Island will offer plenty of free events for summer entertainment. Both “Movie Nite on the Strand” and “ Music Night on the Strand” will be held each first and second Saturday of the month, respectively.
For those making summer holiday plans, The Galveston Island Juneteenth Coalition will host its annual Juneteenth celebration. Activities include a Jubilee parade, a picnic, prayer services, musicals, banquets and educational exhibits and demonstrations. If you’re planning to spend Independence Day on Galveston Island, make your reservations early. This year’s celebration on July 4 is expected to draw thousands to the island for a parade and spectacular fireworks show.
Galveston Island has lodging options that will fit every budget and vacation style from casual condo rentals to the island’s three four-diamond hotels – Hotel Galvez, Moody Gardens Hotel and The San Luis Resort. Lodging information and more can be found online at www.galveston.com.
For more information on Galveston Island, please contact the Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, toll-free at 1-888-GAL-ISLE (425-4753); stop by the Galveston Visitors Center located 2328 Broadway, inside Ashton Villa.
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features a tree-top canopy walkway that will take guests on a “bird’s eye” exploration of more than 1,000 species of exotic plants and animals. Along the walkway, you’ll see new exhibits, such as a habitat for endangered giant river otter, and even some free roaming monkeys and tropical birds. For more about Moody Gardens, 
features more than 32 state-of-the-art attractions including the Shipwreck Harbor wave lagoon, which includes a 100,000-gallon pool of three-foot waves and slides. 
many as the most effective fighter aircraft produced during World War II.
forgotten its annual summer favorites. The Houston Chapter of the American Institute of Architects will host its 
