Vacation Rentals

When my partner and I needed a break from the daily grind, we packed our bags and set off for Galveston. I’ll be honest: I didn’t expect this charming Gulf Coast town to sweep us off our feet — but boy, did it deliver. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, planning a proposal, or just craving some quality one-on-one time, Galveston is like a love letter written in seashells and sunsets. From moonlit walks along the beach to candlelit dinners and cozy stays that make you want to hit “pause” on real life, Galveston has all the right ingredients for romance. Here’s everything we loved (and think you will too). Where to Stay: Romantic Retreats with Heart We stayed at a gorgeous beachside vacation rental — just the two of us, the sound of waves outside our window, and coffee on the balcony at sunrise. If you’re looking for privacy and peace, skip the hotel scene and go for a vacation home rental. You’ll find dreamy cottages, luxury condos, and even restored historic homes right in the East End or near the Seawall. If you’d rather splurge on classic luxury, The Tremont House in the heart of downtown delivers that old-world charm with modern elegance. The rooftop bar alone is worth it for a nightcap under the stars. Another gem? Hotel Galvez & Spa, with its grand architecture and couples’ spa packages that are sure to melt your stress away. What to Do: Romantic Activities for Two Sunset Walks Along the Seawall There’s something magical about watching the sun sink into the Gulf. We took evening strolls along the Galveston Seawall, hand in hand, feeling like the world had slowed down just for us. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch one of those cotton-candy sunsets that turn the sky into a painting. Want to make it extra special? Pack a little picnic, lay out a blanket on the beach, and watch the sky change while the waves lap in the background. Couples’ Spa Day I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first — but after a 90-minute massage and a soak in a whirlpool tub, I was a convert. Galveston has several day spas offering couples’ packages. The Spa San Luis is our top pick. The aroma therapy alone had us floating. Trust me, nothing says “I love you” like letting go of stress together and coming out feeling like a million bucks. Romantic Dinner by the Water One evening we dined at Gaido’s, a legendary seafood spot with a view to die for. The ambiance? Dim lighting, ocean breeze, and seafood so fresh it practically swam to your plate. If Italian food sets the mood, Riondo’s Ristorante downtown is intimate and elegant — the kind of place where you can talk for hours over wine and pasta. Pro tip: Reserve a table just before sunset for a truly golden experience. Horseback Riding on the Beach This one caught me by surprise. I wasn’t expecting to channel my inner cowboy (or in my case, “romance novel heroine”), but riding horses on the beach with the wind in our hair was a memory we’ll never forget. Galveston Island Horse & Pony Rides offers laid-back rides that are perfect for couples looking for something a little different. It’s the kind of experience that makes you feel like you’re in your own romantic movie. Moody Gardens Now, I know what you’re thinking — isn’t Moody Gardens more of a family spot? Yes, but hear me out. The Rainforest Pyramid is quiet, lush, and filled with tropical plants and birds. We wandered hand-in-hand like explorers in a dream. Afterwards, we caught a 3D movie and finished with a ride on the paddlewheel boat. Sometimes romance isn’t all roses — it’s about adventure and discovery, too. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier This one brought out our inner kids — and honestly, that’s half the fun of a romantic getaway. The Pleasure Pier is lit up like a carnival at night, and walking through hand in hand felt like stepping into a storybook. We rode the Ferris wheel at sunset, and from the top, it was just us, the sea breeze, and the city glowing behind us. We shared cotton candy, laughed ourselves silly on the rollercoaster, and played the ring toss like teenagers on a first date. It was pure magic, and a reminder that romance doesn’t always have to be quiet — sometimes it’s about letting loose and making memories. Visit the Bryan Museum If you and your partner are the “history buff” type or just love beautiful architecture, The Bryan Museum is a must. Tucked inside an elegant old orphanage building, the museum holds one of the largest collections of historical artifacts from the American West. But what really sold us was the peaceful garden and sun-filled halls — it’s surprisingly romantic. We spent hours wandering through the exhibits, stopping to read interesting stories, and imagining what life was like in the 1800s. Then we took a quiet moment on a bench in the museum gardens — just the two of us under the shade of palm trees. It was the kind of moment you want to bottle up and keep forever. Wine Tasting at Galveston’s Hidden Gems I’ll say it plain and simple: we love a good glass of wine. Galveston’s wine bars and tasting rooms are small, cozy, and full of character. Our favorite? The Wine Next Door, tucked away downtown — with its exposed brick walls, fairy lights, and intimate atmosphere, it’s like a love song in bar form. We did a flight of local Texas wines (who knew they were that good?), nibbled on cheese and olives, and let the night roll on slow and easy. It’s the kind of place where conversations flow, and time melts like butter on warm bread. Take a Dolphin Watching Cruise Nothing says “romance with a splash of adventure” like a dolphin cruise. We booked with BayWatch Dolphin Tours, and I’ll be honest — I