Moody Gardens
Three glass pyramids house a rainforest, an aquarium and a science discovery center. It is one of Texas’s most popular family resort complexes.
Moody Gardens is located on the west side of the island, next to the airport. Its landmark is three glass pyramids. The Rainforest Pyramid houses sloths, parrots, monkeys and tropical plants. The Aquarium Pyramid features penguins, sea lions, and a shark tunnel. The Discovery Pyramid holds science exhibits and a special-effects theater. The complex also has 3D and 4D cinemas, a summer man-made white-sand beach called “Palm Beach,” paddle-wheel boat tours and a Festival of Lights in winter. You can buy tickets for individual attractions or a one-day pass (about US$60–80). Allow at least half a day, and buy tickets online in advance, as weekends and summer vacations are crowded. It is about a 15-minute drive from The Strand.
Opening hours
Approx. 10:00–18:00 (extended in peak season)
Nearby sights
- Schlitterbahn Galveston Waterpark
- Moody Mansion
- Galveston Railroad Museum
- Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
- Ashton Villa
- The Grand 1894 Opera House
- The Strand Historic District
- The Bryan Museum