Galveston Island, Texas. Travel and Tourism. Part genteel Southern belle, part sunburned beach bunny: Galveston Island is Houston's favorite playmate. The old gal took a pretty severe beating by hurricane Ike in 2008, but she's battled back to normal since. Sitting on a barrier island near the northern end of a 600-mile-long Texas coastline, Galveston may not have the state's favorite beaches, but there's nowhere else boasting such a beautiful combination of sun-drenched historic charms. Beautifully perched along the scenic Gulf of Mexico, this historic island is filled with spectacular hotels, great restaurants, endless shopping opportunities and exciting things to do. Whether you are on a fun family trip or a weekend romantic getaway, Galveston has everything you need for an unforgettable vacation.