The island of Galveston lies alongside the Gulf of Mexico 50 miles southeast of Houston, Texas. Not only is it a popular location for locals, but its’ beachside community and cruise ship terminal make it a tourist destination for over 6 million visitors per year. When in Galveston one can’t help but notice the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier at 25th Street and Seawall Blvd. Jutting out over the water the pier provides an atmosphere of nostalgia for the modern-day amusement park goer. 

This 120 feet-wide and 1,130 feet-long pier definitely has earned the name Historic Pleasure Pier. Landry’s, Inc., also known for their restaurant, hospitality and casino offerings such as Saltgrass Steak House and the Golden Nugget, chose to build this family fun adventure on the spot of the original Pleasure Pier. From 1944 to 1961 the pier provided a location for families to congregate and create memories. Due to hurricane damage, it was originally closed and replaced with the Flagship Hotel in 1965. 

For Landry’s, Inc.’s CEO and sole owner Tilman Fertitta the pier holds a very special place personally as well. Early in his career, Fertitta was employed at the Flagship Hotel. Coming full circle he eventually purchased the property in 2003 though it was in disrepair at the time. After Hurricane Ike ravaged the island in 2008 the Flagship became inhabitable.

After several years of planning the $60 million project, the Flagship Hotel was demolished. The new Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier celebrated its’ grand opening in May 2012. Boasting Texas-sized proportions the pier is even longer than the famed Atlantic City Steel Pier. Visitation reaches around 50,000 for a three-day weekend typically averaging around 5,000 a day. It is safe to say Landry’s has achieved their goal of recapturing the excitement of the original pier. 

Currently featuring 15 rides and midway games, as well as a 5D theater ride directly across the street, there is something here for everyone. Please allow me to show you around! Warning: the picture overload most likely will have you immediately planning your trip to Galveston! 

The Iron Shark Rollercoaster sends guests on a 52 miles per hour adventure around 1246 feet of track including a loop and four full inversions. If you are craving one of the yummy funnel cakes served on the pier this is probably best done AFTER riding. Better safe than sorry is generally the best bet! 

The Galaxy Wheel looks like a classic 100-foot tall ferris wheel by day. Don’t let it fool you though for it holds a secret! At night it bursts into a medley of colors thanks to LED lights. 

 

Some of the other amusement ride offerings include the Rock N Roll, Gulf Glider and Texas Star Flyer. 

If keeping your feet on the ground is more your speed, (no judgement here), the Pier Pileup bumper cars may be more to your liking.  Texas Tea twirling cups are also fun kept closer to earth! 

While the Texas coast can get humid the proximity of the pier to the water and coastal breeze helps with the heat. However when you need an extra boost of refreshment the Pirate’s Plunge will certainly cool you off with a 22-foot and a 40-foot drop! 

The Midway Games portion of the pier will provide you a chance to show your skill at classic games like Ring Toss, Whac-a-Mole and Balloon Pop. It will also provide you with a chance to see if your wrinkle cream has been working should you play Guess Your Age. 

Lolli & Pop’s Candy Shoppe is an explosion of color as well as sugar! Desiring something a little more substantial before filling up on candy? Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is located at the front of the pier. There are also options along the way for hamburgers, chicken strips, pizza and more. 

Plan your visit: 

I warned you in the beginning that after hearing about all of the fun to be had on Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier you would want to plan a visit! I hate to say I told you so! Instead of that let me just show you the upcoming options they have for your trip! 

Weekend Adventure Pass – Three Parks – One pass for $39.99 / $49.99 enjoy unlimited visits on Friday, Saturday & Sunday to the Pleasure Pier, Kemah Boardwalk and Downtown Aquarium Houston.

Spring Break Celebration – Enjoy unlimited visits during these two weeks to the Pleasure Pier, Kemah Boardwalk and Downtown Aquarium Houston. The Spring Break Pass is only $89.99

Easter Celebration – Join us for Easter Bunny photos and a Golden Egg Hunt!

For more information about other months please see the Calendar of Events for the Pleasure Pier here! 

Have you previously visited the Pleasure Pier? If so what was your favorite memory? 

 

*This post was sponsored by Pleasure Pier though all fun memories created, calories consumed and opinions are my own!