The perfect vacation involves just the right amount of relaxation mixed with time spent doing touristy activities. Lazy beach days recharging spent batteries under the Galveston sun are always welcome, but days spent shopping, exploring, and playing at the local amusement park can make for some of the best vacation memories. When you’re interested in the latter, Galveston’s Historic Pleasure Pier is the perfect spot to visit! Offering roller coasters, water rides, a carousel, and fun kiddy rides, as well as the standard midway games where you can win your love that giant teddy bear she has always dreamed of having, Pleasure Pier is also filled with charming boutiques, quaint souvenir shops and restaurants that allow you to get a true taste of Galveston! Put on your walking shoes and sunscreen; today’s itinerary will keep you moving from morning till night!
The History
Originally built to be a playground for the military during the second world war, it didn’t take long before Pleasure Pier became an entertainment facility for everyone living in or visiting Galveston Island. Offering big band performances, movie nights under the stars, and “death defying rides” that swooped low over the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Pleasure Pier was one of Galveston Island’s original and most popular tourist destinations until Hurricane Carla wreaked havoc on the pier in 1961. It wasn’t until 2009 that plans were announced that Pleasure Pier Amusement Park was going to be rebuilt. Three years later, Pleasure Pier reopened to the delight of locals and tourists from all over the world!
The Theme Park
Featuring rides, games, and carnival food, there’s a little something for everyone in this family friendly park. The Iron Shark Roller Coaster, Cyclone, and the Revolution rides offer excitement for the brave older members of your family (riders must be at least 48 inches tall to ride). The Carousel, Texas Teacups, and Pier Pile-Up offer fun for the little ones, while the games on the midway are perfect for all members of your group! Whack-A-Mole, Lucky Duck, and more are found here.
The Shops and Restaurants
For those who think a vacation means shopping ‘til you drop in stores that are different from the ones in their hometown, Pleasure Pier has something for you, too! Souvenirs, candy, and even an Old West Saloon Photo Shop are here to help you bring back a unique souvenir of your unforgettable trip to Galveston and the Pleasure Pier! Carnival food, a Brew Station, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Company are just a few examples of the restaurants that are on or near the pier for your dining pleasure.
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Good times, great meals, and exciting adventures await you on Galveston Island!
Photo By Allen Sheffield – Flickr: Galveston – Pleasure Pier, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=23309998
