26007 Galveston's Grand Getaway

Day 1

Leave the frost behind as you board your deluxe Windstar motorcoach from one of several convenient pickup points and head south toward the warmth of the Texas Gulf! Our journey begins with scenic views of the Midwest rolling by.

We’ll continue through Missouri before arriving in Joplin for an overnight stay at the Drury Inn & Suites—a guest favorite for comfort and hospitality. You can enjoy the hotel’s signature Kickback Reception—a light dinner and drinks included with your stay—or venture out to one of the nearby restaurants for a meal of your choice.

Day 2

After breakfast, we continue our drive south through Arkansas and into the Lone Star State, where warmer weather and palm-lined highways begin to appear. Along the way, we’ll make rest and lunch stops before checking in for the night at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Houston – The Woodlands, offering spacious suites and Southern hospitality. Relax this evening and enjoy dinner on your own at one of the nearby restaurants.

Day 3

This morning, we make our way to Galveston Island, where sand, surf, and Southern charm await. Our local step-on guide joins us to reveal the fascinating story of this barrier island city—once known as the “Wall Street of the South.”
Our first stop is the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum, located on Galveston’s waterfront. This retired jack-up drilling rig offers a fascinating look into the world of offshore oil and gas exploration. Step aboard to discover interactive exhibits, scale models, and real drilling equipment that showcase the technology and teamwork behind energy production in the Gulf of Mexico.
Next, visit The Bryan Museum, home to one of the finest collections of art and artifacts from the American West and Spanish Colonial era. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, the museum’s exhibits illuminate the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Texas and the frontier.
We’ll then check into our Galveston beachfront hotel (final property to be confirmed), ideally located on Seawall Boulevard. Dinner tonight is included at Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant, a Galveston institution since 1911. Family-owned for over a century, Gaido’s is renowned for its Gulf-caught shrimp, oysters, and fresh fish—prepared by hand and served with warm coastal hospitality.

Day 4

After breakfast, our guide leads us on another day filled with discovery, wildlife, and architectural beauty.
We begin at Moody Gardens, a one-of-a-kind attraction that combines entertainment, education, and conservation. Wander through the Aquarium Pyramid, where penguins, sharks, and stingrays glide through massive tanks, then step into the Rainforest Pyramid, a lush indoor jungle alive with tropical birds and flora.
After lunch on your own at one of the beachfront cafés, we visit The Bishop’s Palace, one of the most magnificent Victorian homes in the nation, built in 1892 from carved limestone and granite. Its stained glass, hand-carved woodwork, and opulent details make it a true architectural gem.
Tonight, enjoy a delicious included dinner at Fisherman’s Wharf, a waterfront favorite located near the historic Pier 21 district.

Day 5

This morning’s highlight is a visit to the Moody Mansion, completed in 1895. This 31-room Romanesque masterpiece once housed the influential Moody family—whose legacy shaped Galveston’s economy through cotton, banking, and hospitality.
Afterward, enjoy free time exploring The Strand Historic District, filled with charming boutiques, cafés, and coastal charm. Later, visit the Texas Seaport Museum and Tall Ship ELISSA, a lovingly preserved 1877 sailing vessel and floating landmark. Step aboard to imagine life at sea, then enjoy a short film at Pier 21 Theatre highlighting Galveston’s storied history—from the great storm of 1900 to tales of pirates and prosperity.
Dinner this evening is on your own—perhaps at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., or one of the nearby seaside restaurants along Seawall Boulevard.

Day 6

Today we set sail—literally!
We begin with a Galveston Dolphin Watch Harbor Cruise, a narrated voyage aboard a twin-engine vessel offering panoramic harbor views. As you glide across Galveston Bay, keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins surfacing nearby.
Next, explore the Galveston Naval Museum at Seawolf Park, home to two authentic WWII vessels—the USS Cavalla, a submarine famous for sinking a Japanese aircraft carrier involved in Pearl Harbor, and the USS Stewart, one of only two preserved destroyer escorts left in the U.S.
The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at leisure. Lounge by the beach, take a stroll or explore more of The Strand’s shops and restaurants.

Day 7

Your final day on Galveston Island is completely free to enjoy however you wish! Relax on the sand, browse the boutiques, or visit Pleasure Pier, a classic amusement pier filled with rides, games, and nostalgic seaside fun. Soak up the sunshine and make the most of your final Gulf Coast day before heading north.

Day 8

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Galveston and begin our journey home. Enjoy scenic stops and a lunch break along the way before settling in for the evening at the Hampton Inn in Muskogee, Oklahoma—a cozy midpoint before the final leg of our return trip.

Day 9

After breakfast, we continue north toward home, carrying memories of sea breezes, Southern flavors, and sun-drenched adventures on the Texas Gulf.