Kai Vaughn

Moody Gardens has a plethora of outstanding events and fun things to do in Galveston, TX. As the most convenient hotel near Moody Gardens, we have intimate knowledge of the area's activities. Here are our picks for the ten best Moody Gardens exhibits and events to experience during your stay with us.

1. SpongeBob SubPants Adventure lets you dive into adventure with SpongeBob SquarePants and his friends at Bikini Bottom. Interact with the hapless captain, Patrick Star, and embark on an unforgettable family adventure.

2. Colonel Paddlewheel Boat gives you an hour-long cruise aboard a replica of an 1800s paddlewheel boat. Private cruises and dinner are also available for bigger groups.

3. See a 3D movie at the MG 3D Theater, with the latest Hollywood films and educational films on history and nature.

4. Or take your movie to another dimension at the 4D Special Effects Theater, with shows every 20 minutes.

5. Zip through the air on a rope or zipline course. Small kids can even take on the Small Tykes Rope Course.

6. In summer, splash in the sun at Palm Beach Waterpark, with its white sand and palm trees. (Closed until summer 2017.)

7. In winter, visit the Moody Gardens Festival of Lights, a mile-long trail with more than one million lights, and a 100 lighted scenes. Skate in the only outdoor skating rink in the area, too.

8. Golf seven days a week at Galveston's premier golf course, the Moody Gardens Golf Course.

9. Learn about the local environment at a free birding class, presented by Moody Gardens and Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council.

10. Relax on the beachfront with music during the Bands on the Sand concert series every summer.

Hendley Market offers antiques, such as books and medical equipment, but the real draw is the store's large selection of nativities and santons. Shoppers will find over 200 nativities from far away places like Bethlehem and Germany. The santons, or small collectible figurines often associated with religious themes, come mostly from Mexico. Located in the 1891 Van Alstyne House, The Gingerbread House features 14 different rooms adorned with eye-catching antiques. Items include china, crystal, furniture, and jewelry, as well as Victorian dolls and hats. Historic cities always seem to have a local artist who dedicates time and energy to capturing the spirit of the city's past. Pam Heidt specializes in Galveston's rich Victorian history, and J. Bangle Gallery specializes in her artwork. Heidt's oils and watercolors are not all that shoppers find, however. The gallery also offers frames and a respectable collection of coins and other antiques.

Wherever you travel, it's always interesting to see what regional artists are producing. Buchanan Gallery is your best bet for a wide range of contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, and a variety of other media. A traditional beach-town souvenir shop, Lafitte's Beat presents over 2,500 square feet of gift items, beachwear, and nautical-inspired merchandise. In the early 1800s, the store remains rooted in its coastal surroundings. Shells and local coral are popular souvenirs, but shoppers can also find ship's wheels and lamps. Of course, as in most stores of its kind, you can also buy shot glasses, children's toys, and salt and pepper shakers. During the 1800s and early 1900s, The Strand Historic District was the most affluent area of town and still features many of the city's upscale establishments. Visitors can choose from one of over 100 shops and restaurants to pass their time, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride to enjoy the romantic charm of the neighborhood.

We offer a carefully vetted selection to let you explore Galveston nightlife on your own. If time is really tight, though, and you don't have the leisure to look through all our offerings, we present our Galveston Best Nightlife list. Here, we distill the best businesses down to a special selection of ten. These places promise a stellar experience and a taste of the city that you just can't miss. Located on Galveston's Seawall just steps from the beach, Captain Jack's is the only outside bar with a view of the ocean. The tiki bar atmosphere and live music on weekend nights make it a relaxing choice for a night out.

One of four bars that make up Galveston's Island Famous, Tiki Bar serves up more than 50 varieties of beers and a cocktail menu featuring Tiki's signature Pina Colada. Come watch a game on the flat screen TVs while you kick back over a cold beverage. For a more upscale nightlife experience in Galveston, Drip is the place to be. With bottle service and a DJ, expect to dance the night away. Drinks are reasonably-priced, especially during happy hour, and the beach views are the cherry on top of this great find. A nicer alternative to its sister bar, The Spot (located next door), Drip enforces a dress code. Don't expect to get through the doors wearing a swimsuit.