I couldn't wait to explore parts of this historic Island and dine at some recommended restaurants.
My first stop, The Aquarium at Moody Gardens.
Moody Gardens features three main pyramid attractions: the aquarium pyramid, which is one of the largest in the region and holds many species of fish and other marine animals; the rainforest pyramid, which contains tropical plants, animals, birds, butterflies, reptiles, and a variety of other rainforest animals including free-roaming monkeys and two-toed sloths; and the Discovery Pyramid, which focuses on science-oriented exhibits and activities.
Next Stop Pleasure Pier
The pier was originally built as a recreational facility for the United States military during World War II. In the 1940's it was transformed into the Galveston Pleasure Pier and quickly became king as the largest of its kind in the country.
The Pleasure Pier operated as an iconic family destination until 1961, when Hurricane Carla hit Texas. In 1965, the Flagship Hotel, then the only hotel in the nation built entirely over the water, opened on the site, but was severely damaged by Hurricane Ike in 2008. In 2012, the Pleasure Pier reopened as a nostalgically-themed amusement park — representing a return to glory for the Pier.
The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier rivals similar parks like Chicago's Navy Pier, the Santa Monica Pier and Coney Island's Luna Park. The pier extends over the Gulf of Mexico, and is the home to Texas' first Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurant, a number of shops, entertaining midway games and 16 rides.
We also visited the 4D shark and mining thriller, but we could not take any photos.
The shark thriller is about 5 minutes and the mining is about 7.5 minutes
In my opinion, the 4D mining is more exciting.
We also visited the 4D shark and mining thriller, but we could not take any photos.
The shark thriller is about 5 minutes and the mining is about 7.5 minutes
In my opinion, the 4D mining is more exciting.
After enjoying the pier, we had to stop at the 1st Bubba Gump in Texas.
Now, this was not my first time visiting a Bubba Gump.
I visited the restaurant for the first time back when I visited Hawaii.
As you know Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., was inspired by the movie Forrest Gump.
The restaurant was established two years after the movie.
Although the restaurant features a lot of shrimp entrees, there are a number of other seafood varieties on the menu that you will love. The restaurant also has a gift shop that features different parts of the movie on t-shirts, mugs, key chains...etc.
For my meal I had the tilapia with sautéed spinach over broccoli
and lobster sauce.
Now, this was not my first time visiting a Bubba Gump.
I visited the restaurant for the first time back when I visited Hawaii.
As you know Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., was inspired by the movie Forrest Gump.
The restaurant was established two years after the movie.
Although the restaurant features a lot of shrimp entrees, there are a number of other seafood varieties on the menu that you will love. The restaurant also has a gift shop that features different parts of the movie on t-shirts, mugs, key chains...etc.
For my meal I had the tilapia with sautéed spinach over broccoli
and lobster sauce.
Followed by this tasty drink
At the hotel....
The water in this cave was so warm. It felt almost like being in a hot tub, but just not as hot.
Yes, that's a bag on my head. I forgot to bring my swim cap, so I had to improvise.
After sliding and swimming I chilled out in the Cabana.
The Cabana had two fans, a television, drinks and fruit...(yum!)
Let's talk about the beach....
Here, I am getting ready to take a ride on this jet ski
I had an awesome time on the jet ski. Due to the rough seas, I requested to go with a professional. The instructor went full speed on the ski, and many times I felt like I was going to fall/slip off.
We caught "air" so many times as he flew over the rough waves. I got a chance to drive the ski around and back to home port after about 10 mins of having the instructor show me the ropes of things.
Back to more Island Eats....
So we visited Landry's Seafood.....a great place for Gulf Coast dining.
Landry's Seafood remains the flagship restaurant for a company with more than 500 properties around the world.
A little back story on Landry's.... Landry's Inc. owns and operates more than 500 properties, including more than 40 unique brands such as Landry's Seafood, Chart House, Saltgrass Steak House, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Claim Jumper, Morton's The Steakhouse, McCormick & Schmick's, Mastro's Restaurants, Rainforest Café and tout a combination of good, fresh food, unparalleled service and marvelous locations.
Now, the Rain Forest Café looked so pretty on the outside that I couldn't help but to go inside.
This location of the Rain Forest Café is the only location that features an actual ride.
At night the restaurant's volcano would lights up and erupts while water would falls down the rocks; however, those features were not working at the time due to the damage from the hurricane.
The inside was quite interesting.... resembling a rain forest to a "T"
There is a mini waterfall, and a great number of robotic animals that moved and made sounds.
Every 30 mins the restaurant will go through a thunderstorm.
No water would fall from the ceiling of the restaurant, but the lights will dim and you will see cracks of thunder from flashing lights.
I would have to say that this is the perfect restaurant for kids.
It's so much going on.... they will definitely stay entertained.
This location also has a gift shop, and a build a bear.
I got the surf and turf entrée.
For those who would like to have an adult beverage,
there is a section outside of the rain forest where adults can chill and order drinks.
Well, this concludes most of my adventures.
I hope this gave you some ideas that you can use for your next get-a-way.
Until Next Time
Take Care!
Take Care!
For more information and historic references click on the links: Landry's Seafood, Pleasure Pier, San Luis Resort, Bubba Gump, Landry's Inc., Rainforest Cafe, Moody Gardens
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