Central City - Galveston, TX

Galveston was originally occupied by Native Americans. In the early 1800s, European settlers migrated to the area. Galveston served as the republic of Texas for several years. At one point, it was one of the largest ports for cotton trade. After World War II, the city started focusing its efforts on tourism.

Every year, the city hosts its own Mardi Gras, similar to the one in New Orleans. There is a parade and activities throughout the month of February. Other annual events include the Food and Wine Festival, the Shrimp Festival, and the Lone Star Rally. Motorcyclists come from all around to experience fun and food and a chance to meet and greet bike builders.

Find much more than seafood in this city by the sea. Choose from Mandarin, Cajun, and American cuisine. Though mostly casual eateries dominate the area, some fine dining options exist, especially along the coast. Some of the best restaurants reside near the seawall.

Start the morning off with a tasty breakfast from Farley Girls Cafe. Regulars boast about the vast selection of breakfast items such as chicken and waffles and shrimp and grits. This family-owned establishment has served the area for more than 20 years. Get there early to avoid the large crowds.

Take a quick trip to Italy for lunch at Riondo's Ristorante Bar & Grill. Start off with the soup of the day for an appetizer, and try the panini salcicia for your entree. These authentic Italian dishes don't disappoint, so be sure to make a reservation to avoid a long wait.

Finish the day with a nice steak dinner at Shearn's Seafood and Prime Steaks located in Moody Garden's hotel. The tranquil atmosphere makes it a great location for a date or an evening retreat with friends. Regulars rave about the steak and chicken dishes, but the menu boasts much more. Choose from tasty seafood selections, burgers, and sandwiches as well.

Galveston makes a great place to party, so prepare to have a great time. Most locals go to the bars near the beach for lively nightlife options. Enjoy yourself at Squeeze Rita & Tequilas. This bar features a wide selection of fine tequilas and a variety of margarita flavors. The Beerfoot Beach Bar features one of the best beer selections on the island.

Most patrons drive to get around Galveston. If you search the streets, you can surely find parking for no charge, but some areas closer to the beach have parking meters. Depending on how close you are to the beach, parking does come with a fee. Some lots surrounding charge between $5 and $20 depending on whether anything is going on in the area.

If you choose not to drive, Uber and Lyft both service the neighborhood. Arrange a pick up via the mobile application or on any computer. Cab service can be arranged as well. Hailing a cab proves easier near the seawall, but the further you live from the beach, the more difficult it can be. Island Transit provides public transportation routes throughout the city. This transit company also provides trolly service.

Do not be surprised if you see people walking or riding bikes. The city remains adequately equipped with sidewalks, making maneuvering through the streets safe for pedestrians.

Galveston has over 1,000 acres of parks and recreation. Patrons visit as an alternative to the beach and a chance to enjoy some green space. All of the parks cater to families and children, though only a few have pet-reserved space.

Galveston Island State Park covers over 2,000 acres of land and features picnic locations, campgrounds, and hiking trails. Located near the beach, patrons can borrow fishing rods and boats for personal use. Seawold Park, which sits on Pelican Island, has fishing piers and a playground. This park does not have an admission fee.

Kids enjoy trips to Moody Gardens. This tourist destination serves as a point to inform people about wildlife preservation and nature. Moody Gardens has a huge fish tank complete with sharks, whales, and other underwater creatures. The park also has rides, a zip line, and paddleboats. Schlitterbahn, the indoor waterpark, makes the perfect destination for families seeking to enjoy water as an alternative to the beach. This park opens year-round and has free parking.

Residents in Galveston enjoy a 10 percent lower cost of living than Houston residents. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment comes in at $767, which sits $100 less than Houston.

Though the city has public transportation, due to its distance from the city, it does not travel into the city. However, to get around the city costs $1.25, and senior citizens and students pay even less. For around $1.50, patrons can ride the bus all day. Residents who drive benefit greatly from the low gas prices. The average tank of gas in Galveston averages about five percent less than Houston.

Stop in any bar and grab a beer for around $3. Depending on the quality, the price can increase or decrease. During happy hour, you may even pay $2.

Great shopping can be found all over the city. La Palmera Shopping Mall has popular stores, such as Macy's and Victoria's Secret. In Central City, look along 61st Street for a variety of shops, including Ross, Marshalls, Tuesday Morning, and Randalls.

Hendley Market features various knick-knacks and gifts for any occasion. Choose a cute trinket for a friend, or browse through the home decor to enhance your personal space at home. Patrons boast about the great service and affordable prices.

Ladies should not be disappointed after a trip to Modern Vintage Boutique. Browse through the chic and reasonably priced selection of dresses, blouses, accessories, and more. This shop even offers styling assistance.

Before you visit the beach, be sure to stop at Southern Spears Surf Shop and grab everything you need to enjoy your day. From sunglasses to surfboards, this store has everything you need for a fun-filled beach experience. This store also has great souvenirs to take back with you.

Residents grocery shop at popular stores, such as Walmart and Target. Locals can visit Galveston's Own Farmers Market and Market Street Foods. Patrons can choose from vendors selling homemade goods and freshly grown produce on various days of the week.