Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
3.5
Monday
11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday
4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
1,753 reviews
Excellent
560
Very good
544
Average
365
Poor
149
Terrible
135
Derrick Pritchard
Cibolo, TX15 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Don’t get me wrong, the rides and attractions here are very good but it is hard to enjoy it on a summer day. Prob better to go to during autumn or spring time. Also there is no water fountains or filling stations so be prepared to caught up $4-6 for bottled water to stay hydrated. You would think they would include water with your $30 tickets
Written August 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brian
Jackson, MO14 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
This is very over priced, especially if you don't get there when it first opens. We went after dinner about 6, but like the entire town the pier closes at 10pm. If you have kids they will inform you a bracelet all day pass is cheaper if you ride more than 3 rides. However you are coughing up alot of money for 4 hours maybe. Much of that time will be spent in lines and the staff seem disenchanted making it feel like they are being forced to work.
One lady had a young child under 2 like us, the booth tells you that a child that young does not need tickets to ride, they would not allow her girls on a toddler ride saying she had to have a ticket. She explained to them she had gone up to the booth waited in line 3 times and was told no tickets were needed. The staff instead of sorting it out told her no ticket no ride, so that poor pregnant lady who had to be hot and tired now had two extremely sad toddlers on her hands. Overall my kids had fun but in a four hour window rode 5 rides and closed down the pier.
One lady had a young child under 2 like us, the booth tells you that a child that young does not need tickets to ride, they would not allow her girls on a toddler ride saying she had to have a ticket. She explained to them she had gone up to the booth waited in line 3 times and was told no tickets were needed. The staff instead of sorting it out told her no ticket no ride, so that poor pregnant lady who had to be hot and tired now had two extremely sad toddlers on her hands. Overall my kids had fun but in a four hour window rode 5 rides and closed down the pier.
Written July 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AD Young
Bedias, TX620 contributions
Aug 2021
We actually ended up getting a late start so we did not make it to the Pier until after Noon. Everyone but me got an all ride pass; I got a walk on pass with one kiddie ride because all I wanted to ride was the tea cups. With a group of 7 over 48, me, and one under 48, it cost us $250. Was it worth it? Not really.
Large crowds, loud noises, and long wait times should be expected. I waited over 30 minutes for my daughter to ride the Pirate's Plunge. She only got to ride one other ride (Texas Flyer) before we had to leave and she said it was boring.
I took one dot away simply because I never got to ride the Texas Tea Cups. There was a sign up that said the operator was rotating between rides but it was open. We stood in the sun for 15-20 minutes before she looked over and asked if we wanted to ride the ride....which we were in line for. I nodded and she held up a hand to say what I assume was 5 minutes. 10 more minutes, still nothing. At this point 25-30 minutes in direct sunlight with no drink had me feeling like crap so I gave up and gave my ticket away.
Bring a ton of money because you will be paying out of your butt for drinks. it cost about $8-9 for two 20 oz Sprites and $7 for 2 bottles of water.
Would I recommend coming? Maybe if you get early enough, have enough money, and ride everything. Maybe also at night since I hear it's a better site.
Large crowds, loud noises, and long wait times should be expected. I waited over 30 minutes for my daughter to ride the Pirate's Plunge. She only got to ride one other ride (Texas Flyer) before we had to leave and she said it was boring.
I took one dot away simply because I never got to ride the Texas Tea Cups. There was a sign up that said the operator was rotating between rides but it was open. We stood in the sun for 15-20 minutes before she looked over and asked if we wanted to ride the ride....which we were in line for. I nodded and she held up a hand to say what I assume was 5 minutes. 10 more minutes, still nothing. At this point 25-30 minutes in direct sunlight with no drink had me feeling like crap so I gave up and gave my ticket away.
Bring a ton of money because you will be paying out of your butt for drinks. it cost about $8-9 for two 20 oz Sprites and $7 for 2 bottles of water.
Would I recommend coming? Maybe if you get early enough, have enough money, and ride everything. Maybe also at night since I hear it's a better site.
Written August 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Abigail B
3 contributions
Mar 2022
My friends and I went and bought an all-day pass and within the hour the rides were closed due to the wind. By the time everything re-opened we had to leave so, we asked for a refund but that was refused. It was really expensive for the three of us and we didn't even get to ride a single ride. The lines were long, one drink was incredibly expensive, and it was over-crowded. I would not recommend it if you value your money.
Written March 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
James L
Bangor, WI164 contributions
Jul 2021
Disappointed. Coming with 5 teenagers who were ready to buy the all day pass. My wife an d I were sitting on the beach right next to it. They told my 14 year old that he could not go because there was not an adult with (nothing on the their website or signs state this). Then they find out that 4 of the rides were shut down for the day (3 of which were bigger "teen" rides that they were looking forward to). When asked if they would be up and running the next day, they could not assure us of that. My teens were smart and saved their money for something else. Plus... my wife and I did not go to watch because you need to pay $10 per person just to walk on the pier without going on anything! If this is the reason for drawing you to Galveston.....look elsewhere.
Written July 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The Pidge
Wayne, NJ522 contributions
Jun 2021
There's something about a pier that makes average rides a lot more fun and Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is no exception. While the Iron Shark roller coaster is fun, the highlight for me was Texas Star Flyer- a "swings on a tower" ride that's even more thrilling because it spins riders two hundred feet into the air above the water and even the Ferris wheel. There's also a decent assortment of other rides from a log flume to more gentle spinning rides. Since admission to the pier is $10, the additional $16 for rides seems like a bargain to me.
Written June 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RWA
2 contributions
Aug 2021
Took young grandkids. The rides for them were limited but staff was terrible. One out of maybe 20 seemed happy to be there. Treated us almost like we were a bother. Looked totally unhappy to be there and moved as slow as molasses. Some rides had to share operators which made it worse and even slower. While kids and parents waiting in line, they would stop and talk with other employees and what appeared to be supervisors, with total disregard for their paying customers. Customer contact skills were non-existent, as were any covid related cleaning procedures. Not a good experience.
Written August 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
3Tcubed
Sedona, AZ286 contributions
Aug 2022
There in August, was raining and I asked were all the rides running. Told no, I asked which ones were/were not. Got uncertain answer saying that could change while I was there. HA. Never saw the ferris wheel or coaster move; so we left, NOT TO RETURN, so foolish to pay to walk the pier when so many "attractions" not available... Vote with your feet
Written September 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Laura T
6 contributions
Jul 2022
We thought walking around the pier and getting some cotton candy. We paid $20 to park, walked to the pier to find out you can only go if you pay to ride rides. Information at the front or online...needs to be clear about this. Expensive Waste of Time For Us!
Written July 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mandy R
Park Rapids, MN60 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
We were here the first full week and March. This attraction was closed during the week, so for us, our only option is as to go the afternoon/evening of arrival. My husband and I just bought walk-on passes and the kids did the rides. There were quite a few attractions closed for repair/maintenance, but they enjoyed the rides that weee open. I was disappointed, as I wanted to ride the galaxy wheel for the view, but it was one of the attractions closed. Quite expensive as most attractions like this are, but overall a fun experience.
Written March 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
How close can you set up your umbrella and chair next to pleasure pier? We are getting a rental walking distance to the pier and beach, but want to make sure the beach we can walk to is also one we can set up at and spend the day.
Martaelizabeth18
8 contributions
Are there any specials \discoumts for April 2020?
_lagailbridges
Vidor, TX44 contributions
You usually have to call or wait to get there to ask this question. They are not usually advertised.
sarjobran
33 contributions
The website says $4/ticket but how many tickets (average-ish) are required for the rides? The big rollercoaster for example, how many tickets are needed for that?
Michelle Joseph
Croissy-sur-Seine, France1,634 contributions
It’s best to buy the all day wrist band.
Angelicalisima
San Antonio, TX34 contributions
Which hotels are closer to the pier?
Elias W
Sugar Land, TX224 contributions
Hotel Galvez and the four points are close by... there are many others but I can’t recall ..
Do you have to purchase a "walk on" and rides individually or is there a package that includes both?
Jamie K
Harker Heights, TX60 contributions
Walk on is for somebody who won't ride, arm bands for $30 for who will ride..
mws813
West Chester, OH767 contributions
How far is this attraction from Moody Gardens Hotel? Thanks
Tinksln69xy
Lincoln, UK25 contributions
Hello, it would be a long walk but only a ten min drive along the sea front
MustangSusie66
Milwaukee, WI34 contributions
What are the parking options?
Tinksln69xy
Lincoln, UK25 contributions
There is paid for parking all along the sea front and a car park opposite the pier, if you are only going for a couple of hours there are lots of side streets. We don’t mind walking and found unrestricted street parking about 10 mins walk away.
ginaross65
Sulphur, OK
Do the kids have to be a certain height to ride the big rides?
Summer C
Allen, TX119 contributions
Yes, go their website, click on rides, and it will tell you the height restraints ranges from 36-48 inches, some allow with accompany of an adult
tinajeroyaneli
Houston, TX
How much do you have to pay for the pass day
TexieTucson-Az
Tucson, AZ158 contributions
To receive the most accurate information, it's always best to contact the management at the Pleasure Pier itself or the Galveston Island Visitor's Bureau. The Visitor's Bureau can provide you with the most up-to-date information on places you may wish to visit during your stay. Happy visiting and be sure to have fun and above all else relax, dress comfortably and ENJOY!! BTW: The locals we've had the pleasure of speaking with have always been very helpful and friendly so if you have questions while there, don't hesitate to ask them.
Can you just walk around the pier or do you have to pay even if not riding anything?
Kmcmakin
Tulsa, OK99 contributions
No it costs just to get on pier plus each ride or you can get a day pass and do everything.
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
- Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is open:
- Sun - Sun 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Mon - Mon 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Fri - Fri 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Sat - Sat 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- We recommend booking Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 5 Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier:
- Private Tour of Galveston (From $121.74)
- Segway Galveston Magical History Tour (From $77.13)
- Segway Galveston Sunset Tour (From $66.67)
- Galveston History E-Bike Private Tour (From $80.00)
- Private Galveston Island Experience with Luxury Transport from Houston (From $525.00)
- Hotels near Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier:
- (0.13 mi) Just a short walk to the beach!!
- (0.59 mi) Avenue O Bed and Breakfast
- (0.26 mi) The Surf Shack - 1 Block to Beach/Pleasure Pier!
- (0.28 mi) A Bit of Galveston Sunset 300ft. from Beach
- (1.17 mi) The Lasker Inn
- Restaurants near Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier:
- (0.23 mi) Fish Tales
- (0.29 mi) Blvd. Seafood
- (0.21 mi) Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
- (0.24 mi) Fishtails
- (0.25 mi) Chick-Fil-A Express
- Attractions near Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier:
- (0.23 mi) Galveston Island Duck Tours
- (0.35 mi) Murdochs
- (0.31 mi) SUP Gulf Coast
- (0.85 mi) The Bryan Museum
- (0.46 mi) Galveston Island Trolley