If you go:

Galveston Island tourism: www.galveston.com

Galveston Island Pass: Choose four or more attractions and save up to 40%. www.galvestonislandpass.com.

Pier 21 Theater and Texas Seaport Museum: www.pier21galveston.com

Galveston Water Adventures: www.galvestonwateradventures.com

The Hotel Galvez & Spa, with rooms that include built-in window seats for Gulf viewing, plush robes and Keurig coffee makers, is a luxurious home away from home (www.hotelgalvez.com). Also check out the rooftop bar at its sister property, the historic Tremont House.

Fly non-stop from Toronto (3 hrs, 15 mins), Montreal, Calgary, Vancouver (4.5 hours) and other cities to Houston; drive 45 minutes to Galveston.