Summer Fun

Especially for adults

Sunset cruise: Take a two-hour, adults-only cruise and BYOB. Board at Pier 21, and cap it off with dinner at Olympia Grill on Pier 21. Sit outside at the bar or at a table – both overlook the harbor.

Cocktails on the roof: Visit the Rooftop Bar at the historic Strand-area Tremont House hotel for views of downtown Galveston and the harbor amidst twinkle lights and comfy seating.

Dinner over Offat’s Bayou: Visit Shearn’s Seafood & Prime Steaks at Moody Gardens – it’s one of OpenTable’s 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America for 2016 and has floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the water. Shearn’s Lounge has views of the Moody Gardens Pyramids – go for sunsets or after-dinner drinks.

Catch a show: The 1894 Grand Opera House was named by the Texas Legislature “The Official Opera House of Texas.” The theater, which survived the 1900 Storm, is one of very few of its era in the state. Any show here feels intimate and personal.

Relive the West: The Bryan Museum opened two summers ago in the carefully restored Galveston Orphans Home on 21st Street. It’s home to one of the world’s largest collections of Western art, artifacts and documents, displayed in chronological order, from Native American artifacts to antique firearms to modern ranching objects.

Take a walk: Take an early-morning walk along the Seawall and walk out onto one of the jetties to watch the sun rise over the Gulf of Mexico.

For the whole crew

Galveston’s Own Farmers Market – Sunday mornings: Every Sunday morning, 9 a.m.-noon, local farm and food products are for sale at 2508 Postoffice. Admission: Free; bring cash for purchases.

Fireworks over the Gulf – Sunday evenings: Every Sunday at 9 p.m. through Sept. 3, there will be a fireworks show over the Gulf, at the intersection of 37th and Seawall Boulevard. Admission: Free.

Bands on the Sand – Friday and Saturday nights: This summer-concert series with regional bands takes place every Friday and Saturday night at Moody Gardens, One Hope Blvd., 6-10 p.m., through Aug. 12. Admission: $15 (or included with a Palm Beach ticket).

Independence Day Parade and Fireworks – Tues., July 4: The 178th City of Galveston Celebration parade, with floats and performers, will start at 7:30 p.m. on 59th Street and end at 22nd Street. After the parade, there will be a fireworks show at 9:15 p.m. near 37th Street and Seawall Boulevard. Admission: Free.

Sandcastle Days – July 8, July 22, July 29 and Aug. 5.: Galveston will host a family-friendly event series on how to create exceptional sandcastles. Watch serious sandcastle builders, and get tips from the pros. The event starts at 8 a.m. on Stewart Beach. Instructors will build sandcastles through 11 a.m. and then give lessons at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Admission: Free

GCVA “Red, White N Volleyball” – Sat., July 8: Love volleyball? This tournament at East Beach includes various divisions and levels. Check in is before 8:30 a.m. and games start 9 a.m. Entry fee: $25 per person and $50 per team. Admission: Free to watch.

Music Nite on the Strand: A free summer concert that takes place on the second Saturday of each month March through October, the show starts at 6 p.m. and goes till 9 p.m. at Saengerfest Park (2300 The Strand). July 8: Jason James (country music). Aug. 12: Campfire Soul with Zach Person (blues/R&B). Admission: Free.

Texas Country Music Series – Thursday nights: Get ready to two-step on the Pleasure Pier every Thursday night, July 8- Aug. 10. Concerts will take place at Stage 25 from 5 to 9 p.m. Admission: Ticket prices vary by concert.

Galveston Family Beach Challenge – Sundays, July 23, Aug. 20, Sept. 3: Families will enjoy this friendly competition of games, such as Jenga and sack races. The challenge takes place on Stewart Beach, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: Free.