Galveston Island

Galveston Island is a barrier island off the Texas Gulf Coast that stretches across dozens of kilometers and separates two different water bodies. The flat, sandy landscape defines the entire area and makes it a crucial shield protecting the mainland from storms.

The island served as a pirate stronghold in the early 1800s before becoming the world's leading cotton export port. A destructive hurricane in 1900 caused massive loss of life and drove major changes in how the city was rebuilt and protected.

The island served as a major port and immigration gateway, and this legacy shapes how people here connect to maritime heritage and global trade. You can sense this history in the working waterfront and the mix of backgrounds among residents.

You can reach the island by car via Interstate 45, the San Luis Pass bridge, or a free ferry operated by the Texas Department of Transportation. The best time to visit is during cooler months when the weather is more stable and hurricane risk is lower.

The island formed through a natural process that began thousands of years ago when rising sea levels slowed and sand gradually accumulated. This ongoing building process through waves and ocean currents means the island continues to shift and change shape over time.

Location: Texas

Capital city: Galveston

Elevation above the sea: 6 m

GPS coordinates: 29.22222,-94.90889

Latest update: December 14, 2025 19:38