sorry, hate to burst your bubble, but Galveston is yuck, yuck, yuck! If you have even stepped close to a gulf beach in Florida, you will be sadly disappointed that the same gulf beach in TX is well, not even remotely in the same class. But, if your expectations are low, really low, then you can still have a decent time. We had a decently nice weekend in Galveston, stayed at a hotel, risked life and limb to cross the street to the beach, and played a little in the water. Ok for a weekend, but honestly, I wouldn't (and probably couldn't) spend a hard earned week's vacation there. Gosh, I feel like Debbie Downer, but again, compared to the beaches in FL, Galvaston was very disappointing!