Galveston: A Photographer’s Dream on the Texas Gulf CoastGalveston

They don’t wear big cowboy hats and belt buckles in Galveston, Texas. In fact, if you ask locals, they’ll tell you that Galveston isn’t really Texas, as it’s two miles off the coast. Galveston is its own territory, the “Republic of Galveston,” more than one local suggested.

Galveston, at one time the largest city in the state, home of the first public library and opera house and the financial center of the state, before the historic 1900 hurricane destroyed much of the town, today is a rebuilt city that’s been made into an island vibe, with amazing Victorian history as its backdrop.

A City of History and Culture

Located about an hour south of Houston, Galveston is famous for its amazingly preserved Victorian homes, a seafront that has withstood the test of time, the inspiration for the classic song Galveston, made famous by Glen Campbell. It is also the birthplace of Juneteenth, a national holiday marking the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the U.S. Galveston also is known for hosting the third-largest Mardi Gras festival in the United States, following New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama. Locals embrace the festive spirit year-round, celebrating with food, music, and revelry.

Despite the occasional hurricane—most notably Hurricane Ike in 2008—Galveston residents remain resilient, building homes elevated high above ground to weather future storms.

Sunrise at the Historic Pleasure Pier

One of the best ways to experience Galveston is by watching the sunrise along the Seawall Boulevard District, a favorite among visitors for its miles of beaches, boardwalk and amusement park by the sea, the Galveston Pleasure Pier. I used the Blackmagic camera app on my iPhone to capture a mesmerizing time-lapse of the early morning hues before the sun made its grand entrance.

Just a short walk away, the Pier offers amusement rides and a nostalgic boardwalk experience, reminiscent of its early 20th-century glory days when it was dubbed “the Coney Island of the South.” The pier is chock full of thrill rides (that big coaster and log flume special) along with games, hot dogs, ice cream and all the other nostalgic foods we associate with turn of the century pier parks. This one dates back to post 1900 hurricane, and ran strong until it was wiped out by a 1961 storm. It laid dormant for many years, but came back to life in 2012.

Seawall Boulevard and the Mardi Gras Spirit

The first stop on our tour is the Seawall Boulevard District, a favorite among visitors for its beaches, boardwalk, and amusement park by the sea, the Galveston Pleasure Pier.

A Walk Through The Strand: The Wall Street of the Southwest

On the PhotowalksTV episode, our local guide, J.R. Shaw, host of Galveston Unscripted, takes us through the historic Strand District, once known as “The Wall Street of the Southwest.” This vibrant area is home to banks, historic landmarks, and some of the city’s best photo spots, including:

• The corner of 22nd and Strand: A perfect location for capturing the beautiful Moody Building and the Juneteenth mural.
• Pier 21: A waterfront area where cruise ships dock and fresh seafood is served daily. Even the local pelicans enjoy the bustling harbor treats on the ground at Katie’s Seafood Market, a local restaurant that also has a fresh fish market where Gulf Coast seafood is sold straight from the boats.

Victorian Homes and Unexpected Hollywood Connections

Next, we venture into the East End Historic District, home to grand Victorian houses built by 19th-century merchants. One notable home belonged to King Vidor, a legendary Hollywood filmmaker who directed The Wizard of Oz’s famous storm scene. Many homes in this area feature intricate tree sculptures carved from old oak trees, adding artistic flair to the neighborhood.

Indulging in Galveston’s Culinary Scene

Food lovers will enjoy a visit to La King’s Confectionery, a family-owned business that has been making saltwater taffy and chocolates for nearly 100 years. And for those who love bold flavors, Concetta Maceo, the Spice Queen, offers an incredible array of locally blended spices, some dating back generations in her family, at her Maceo Spices shop.

Galveston’s Resilience and Enduring Beauty

Despite its history of hurricanes, Galveston remains one of the most well-preserved historic cities in the U.S., boasting over 60 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The city’s seawall, built after the 1900 hurricane, and the remarkable feat of elevating the town by nearly 20 feet with mud remain testaments to the resilience and ingenuity of its people.

Why Galveston Should Be Your Next Photography Destination

Galveston’s unique blend of history, stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and scenic coastline makes it a dream destination for photographers. Whether you’re capturing the intricate details of a Victorian mansion, the dynamic street life of the Strand, or the serene beauty of a Gulf Coast sunrise, this Texas treasure has something for everyone.

So grab your smartphone or camera and get ready to explore Galveston, where every street corner holds a story and every sunset paints a masterpiece.