Summer at Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas

Memorial Day Weekend kicked off the summer vacation season, and Moody Gardens in Galveston is gearing up to provide some unforgettable experiences for a daytrip or extended getaway at one of the most popular tourist destinations in Texas.

Crystal Rain Forest Pyramid

Guests can explore the Rainforests of Asia, Africa and the Americas inside the Rainforest Pyramid, or visit the Aquarium Pyramid, where they travel from the Caribbean to the South and North Pacific. The Aquarium features seals, penguins and thousands of fish from oceans of the world and more.

See exotic birds.

As vaccinations rise, so do vacation plans, and Moody Gardens has unique, fun-filled attractions for all ages. In compliance with the Governor Abbott’s Executive Order, Moody Gardens strongly encourages guests to wear face masks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to continue social distancing when possible. All employees will continue to wear face masks for the protection of staff and guests.

Inside the MG 3D Theater, individuals will have the opportunity to discover the majesty and magnificence of the largest animal ever to walk the earth with the new film, TITANOSAUR 3D. This film journeys to the southern hemisphere during the Late Cretaceous period to explore the life history and environment of these long-necked sauropods – from egg to towering titan. Guests can also experience Sharks 4D and Aquaman 4D inside the 4D Special FX Theater or go on a deep sea adventure with Deep the Pufferfish inside the Audience Recognition Theater that features 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Interactive Adventure.

Watch fish swim at the aquarium.

This summer guests can squish their toes in white sand, recline beneath palm trees, and splash among a variety of beach attractions including a 650-foot lazy river, wave pool and two 18-foot tower slides at Palm Beach. 

Other attractions at this venue include the Aquarium Adventure play area and Splashpad, an automated aquatic water feature with interactive dump buckets, spray arches and more. Visitors also have the option to rent Canopy Loungers and Beach Cabanas for provided comfort and additional seating. Palm Beach will be open starting May 29 and will have a select schedule listed on the website.

Crystal Lagoon is a good place to cool off.

Don’t miss Dinner Cruises aboard the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat. Enjoy beautiful views of Offats Bayou plus a dinner buffet and cash bar with special themed dinner menus. Instead of one Dinner Cruise every month there will be one every other Saturday.

If you’re looking for summer savings, take advantage of the One Day Value Pass that includes admission to the Aquarium and Rainforest Pyramids, Discovery Museum, Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, one show in each theater (MG3D, 4D Special FX, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Audience Recognition Theater).

Moody Gardens Hotel and Spa

The spectacular Moody Gardens Hotel is adjacent to the attractions. Ask about special package deals. Guests receive discounted attractions admissions, so consider turning a day trip into an entire week of fun spent checking out the attractions, lounging by the hotel pool, relaxing at the spa or playing a few rounds of golf. Guests also have the option to apply their admission purchase towards an Annual Membership, which will pay for itself in only two visits and includes a ton of membership benefits.

Play golf, too.

Moody Gardens has a first-class public golf course with rich landscaping and gorgeous Galveston Bay views. It is a top-ranked public course in Texas and was recently rated number 6 in the Lone Star State, according to Golf Advisor.

For more information visit www.moodygardens.org.

Photos from Burmeiers and free sources.