A nature-lover's guide to Galveston Island

State parks are always a great place to begin a trip! Not only is this park a great place to enjoy the beach and observe wildlife from one of two observation towers, but it’s also an excellent spot to RV or tent camp (for less than $25 a day), hike, saltwater and freshwater fish, kayak, and even surf. Plus, it’s dog friendly! A $5 fee lets you hang out in the park all day or leave and come back. Keep in mind that alcohol is not allowed in the park, so you’ll have to go to one of the pocket beaches nearby if you want to enjoy a cold beer. Oh, and don’t forget the bug spray! Mosquitos tend to be especially hungry on the bay side of the park, which is also a great spot to kayak.

Be sure to make a stop at family-friendly Stewart Beach. This beach offers all sorts of amenities—such as volleyball nets and a pirate-themed playground for the little ones—that make it extra fun. Plus, the beach looks just as pretty from above, as you can see if you take one of their brand-new helicopter rides! It’s a great way to explore the outdoors in many different ways.

Catching a sunrise at East Beach—appropriately named because it’s the eastern-most beach on the island—is a must-do for early risers. As is the case with Stewart Beach, you’ll pay $8 to park and $35 if you want to rent an umbrella and chairs, though you’re welcome to bring your own to both beaches. You’re allowed to bring alcohol to East Beach, which means it can get a little busier on the weekends. But, there’s some really amazing fishing near the south jetties, an activity that pairs perfectly with an ice-cold brew. You can expect pretty solid wave action here, too.

You easily can spend more than a couple hours at Seawolf Park, between touring the USS Cavalla SS-244 submarine and learning about the other three WWII vessels on-site. The park also features one of the island’s most popular piers and offers great fishing opportunities. If you have any luck fishing, stick around to use the community grill to fire up your fresh catch of the day!

Novice fisherman, or those who just want to experience a true Galveston tradition, will enjoy the 61st street fishing pier. It’s open 24/7 from March until December (although hours vary depending on weather conditions), and offers fully rigged rental rods at the rate of $8 per day, including bait. If rods, reels, and bait aren't your thing, you can grab a hot dog and a beer as you watch the fishing action or marvel at the beautiful sunset, but note that there’s a $10 entry fee to get on the two-level pier. And, be forewarned: This is strictly a cash-only zone.

If angling isn’t your angle, perhaps frolicking with the dolphins is more your speed. Baywatch Dolphin Tours head out to sea a handful of times a day, but you’ll have your best luck spotting the playful creatures during the last tour of the day while sitting on the left side of the boat, as the dolphins like to follow the boat’s wake. Tours are $10 a person and leave from Pier 21, where you can grab a fresh seafood meal and sneak in a little bit of people-watching before you call it a day.

For the art-loving naturalist, Galveston provides the Artist Boat, a truly unique collaborative conservation project between artists and scientists who are dedicated to protecting the Coastal Heritage Preserve. You can choose from a range of eco-tour destinations, such as the East End Lagoon, and learn about wetlands up close and personal. During the tour, you get to stop and create a small watercolor painting and enjoy lunch on one of the nearby tiny islands. Pre-registration is required, though, and kids have to be at least seven years old to join in the fun.

All these adventures are certain to make you hungry, so don’t forget to take some time to savor the delicious restaurants in the area. BLVD. Seafood is a kind of delicious sanctuary. Their cocktails are expertly crafted, and whether you’re having the wedge salad (which is outstanding), the shrimp and grits, or the perfectly seared scallop starter, you’re bound to leave happy. Leave room for the Crème Brûlée Trio—it’s perfect for sharing.