Hotel at a Glance: Four Points by Sheraton Galveston

A sandy beach on Galveston Island’s gulf side awaits right across the street from this hotel. There’s plenty more to see on foot, including seafood restaurants and the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, where visitors take in ocean views from a Ferris wheel and other amusement-park rides.

• In-room amenities include mini fridges ideal for chilling drinks from the hotel’s convenience store.
• Sunny spot: the outdoor pool deck, which faces the beach
• Where to eat: Oasis restaurant serves breakfast and dinner.
• Ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows in the 24-hour fitness center

Galveston, Texas: Exotic Animals, Water Parks, and Victorian Mansions on the Gulf of Mexico

Galveston occupies a barrier island roughly a half-hour drive from Houston. Its gulf beaches are bathed in sunlight more than 200 days of the year. Though Galveston’s climate is almost tropical, penguins waddle into chilly waters at the city’s most famous attraction, Moody Gardens. Nearby, saki monkeys roam a rainforest habitat, stingrays glide through a 1.5-million-gallon aquarium, and snow falls on moviegoers’ noses in a 4D theater.

Step back in time with a visit to downtown Galveston’s Strand Historic District. Here, classic cars and horse-drawn carriages roll down streets lined with old-fashioned street lamps and elaborate Victorian mansions. These brick behemoths now house art galleries, antique stores, and shops selling homemade ice cream and handcrafted jewelry.