The Airbnb I got in Freeport was in an old bank in downtown, and it became our base for this Galveston family getaway. We ended up staying there because everything in Galveston that was reasonably priced was booked. The building had a loft and three beds. There was a surfboard in the living room I was tempted to borrow and live out some Point Break Keanu Reeves fantasy—but I decided the kids didn’t need to watch their dad paddle for dear life as he drifted out to sea.

Pizza and Sleep

We got pizza at a local pizzeria and hit our beds. All three of them. Ten minutes later, both kids were in mine. I was huddled in the corner while they were sprawled out asleep. Par for the course.

The next morning, we slept in a little, got our swimsuits on, and headed to the beach, which was less than a mile away. If you’ve never been to a Texas beach, here’s a quick preview: don’t expect the clear waters of the Atlantic or Pacific. Texas water is murky, thanks to sediment—specifically silt—carried by rivers and stirred up by wind and waves. It’s not necessarily a sign of pollution, just a natural result of how the Gulf works.

When we got to the beach, the kids didn’t care about any of that. They cared about getting wet and playing in the waves. We spent about two hours there before heading back to the Airbnb for leftover pizza. Cate and Coen both took naps—swimming wore them out.

Moving Buildings

When they woke up, showered, and recharged, I suggested a little adventure into Galveston. They were game, and I had a surprise for Coen. As part of our Galveston family getaway, we drove through the city and onto the Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry without telling him what it was. Once we parked on the ferry deck and stepped out of the car, Coen thought we were just in a parking lot. We looked out over the edge at the bay, then came a horn and an announcement.

As the ferry started moving, Coen stared at the horizon and asked, “Why is the building moving?”

I said, “Do buildings move on water?”

He looked at me. “No…”

“What moves on water?”

He paused. “A boat?”

“Yep. We’re on a ferry.”

He looked over the side again. “Cate—we’re on a boat!!”

It was a perfect moment. Simple, funny, and just surprising enough to become one of his favorite memories. Dolphins even chased the boat across the bay as we crossed to Crystal Beach.

The Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry is a free service that takes about 18 minutes to cross the bay. You can find schedules and more info here.

Crystal Beach Here We Come

Once we arrived at Crystal Beach during our Galveston family getaway, we stopped for burgers at a local place and then drove to the beach. As we were leaving, we found a road that seemed to connect back to the main road. Ten feet in, my truck was axle-deep in sand. Stuck. Wheels spinning. No traction.

I sat there for a moment trying to figure out what to do. Cate got worried and started asking questions. I told her, “We’ll figure it out.” Truthfully, I had no clue.

Luckily, a local happened to be driving out of his house and saw us. He didn’t hesitate—he backed up his 4-wheel drive truck, jumped out, and offered to help without us even having to ask. “We’ve had several vehicles get stuck here the last couple days,” he said. Within minutes, he had us pulled out and on our way.

Note: If you don’t live near a beach or have limited beach driving experience—be very careful. Unless you have a 4WD vehicle, it’s incredibly easy to get stuck in the sand.

We caught the ferry back just as the sun was setting. I got some amazing photos of the kids—one of them is still my phone lock screen three years later.

We got pizza at a local pizzeria and hit our beds, exhausted from a full day of our Galveston family getaway. All three beds were made, but ten minutes later, both kids had migrated to mine. I was huddled in the corner while they were sprawled out like starfish. Par for the course.

Final Thoughts on Our Texas Beach Trip with Kids

The next morning, we slept in a little, got our swimsuits on, and headed to the beach, which was less than a mile away. If you’ve never been to a Texas beach, here’s a quick preview: don’t expect the clear waters of the Atlantic or Pacific. Texas water is murky, thanks to sediment—specifically silt—carried by rivers and stirred up by wind and waves. It’s not necessarily a sign of pollution, just a natural result of how the Gulf works.

When we got to the beach, the kids didn’t care about any of that. They cared about getting wet and playing in the waves. We spent about two hours there before heading back to the Airbnb, closing out our Galveston family getaway with sandy feet and happy hearts for leftover pizza. Cate and Coen both took naps—swimming wore them out. This Texas beach trip with kids reminded me why we do this—why the long drives, packed bags, and ferry rides are always worth it.

Next Stop: Freeport and the fish hatchery Part 3, where we explore the beaches of Freeport and find a few unexpected treasures along the Texas Gulf Coast.