Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is an amusement park on a wooden pier extending 1,130 feet (345 meters) into the ocean, featuring rides, arcade games and food stands. Visitors find a looping roller coaster, a Ferris wheel, swing carousels and several smaller attractions for younger guests.

After Hurricane Ike destroyed the original pier in 2008, the structure was rebuilt and opened again in May 2012. Before that storm, another amusement pier had stood at the same spot for decades, drawing locals and visitors alike.

Families walk along the wooden planks during weekends while bells chime from arcade machines and children pose next to carousel figures. The smell of fried food and salt air follows every step across the grounds.

The park typically opens from Friday through Sunday, with longer opening schedules possible during summer months. Visitors with young children should prepare for lines at popular rides and bring comfortable shoes for walking.

Rides over the ocean allow a perspective that cannot be found on land, while wooden planks creak underfoot and waves hit the piers below. Some attractions stand directly above the water, letting riders feel the spray.