It's the dream of every traveler - going to paradise and find you have the whole place to yourself. Well, there's a place and time like this and I'll tell let you in on it, but you must keep it to yourself.
With the advantage of a nearly year-round temperate climate, off-season travel on the island of Galveston, Texas is the super-secret paradise of the Gulf Coast.
From early fall through early spring, the Island is an exceptionally casual place, absent of congestion, and filled with beaches to comb, sites to see, and shopping galore. Even better, the many lodging and local attraction discounts give you the benefit of extending your stay for a truly relaxing get-away.
Certainly, it's an understatement to say Galveston is certainly a warm, if not hot place in the summer. August is, on average, the warmest month of the year. However, just after Labor Day, when kids are well ensconced in school and the beach tourists are gone, a miracle happens in Galveston. The temperature cools to its most comfortable of the year with an average of mid-60's to 70's during the day from October through April, and the place comes alive as Galveston locals come out of hibernation to play. A colorful and entertaining bunch, the locals are wonderful people to get to know while out and about day or night, or perhaps while watching the dolphins during a ride on the ferry (it's free!).
The local's mantra? It's Island time.
If you're a beach-comber, there is no better place to be in the fall and winter than on Galveston Island. There are shells and birds aplenty on long stretches of mostly deserted pristine beaches. Indeed, for shell-seekers and birdwatchers, it's easy to lose yourself in all day excursions, only to later find yourself watching the horizon over the Gulf of Mexico turn a salmon-peach hue beneath a deep indigo blue sky at sunset. In fact, USA Today has included Galveston amongst its "Top 10 Beach Towns for Fall".
For history buffs, Galveston is famous for its 19th century Greek Revival and Victorian homes and buildings, such as Moody Mansion and the Bishop's Palace. And, while touring these sites in the summer heat might be a bit arduous, the pleasant climes of fall and winter in Galveston make the experience that much more enjoyable. Oh, and did I mention that not only do you often have the beaches to yourself off-season, but with the right bit of luck and the thinning of tourists about the Island your homes tours might end up being just as private.
Another great secret of the well-traveled Galveston visitor is that an off-season stay in one the several bed-and-breakfasts in the area is a reward in and of itself. From stately manors to quaint inns, the B&B experience in Galveston is really a must-do for the fall or winter traveler. The hosts at each are well-versed in things to do around the Island, and the opportunity to stay in a uniquely historic accommodation makes great conversation upon returning your home.
As interesting off-season destinations go, for climate, attractions, and history, Galveston Island is the best kept super secret of discerning travelers. Give it try this year. But, remember, once you do, try to keep the secret to yourself.
http://galvestonbedandbreakfast.com
The Galveston Bed and Breakfast Association is a group of innkeepers with unique 19th and 20th century B&B properties across the Island.
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