Lasker Park - Galveston, TX

Galveston Island was first settled by none other than the notorious pirate Jean Lafitte, who established a colony in the early 19th century. When discovered and forced to flee, he was followed by other, more conventional settlers who turned Galveston into the one of the biggest port cities in the world. After disaster struck with the Great Storm of 1900, the remaining residents refused to abandon their homes and instead built up the island an additional 8 feet over sea level at the lowest point and 17 feet at the seawall.

With Houston picking up much of the port traffic, Galveston grew into a resort town — particularly during the bootlegging Prohibition era, when it offered drinking and gambling to high rollers and petty sailors alike. In the 1980s Galveston again began evolving into a modern resort, one that embraced its unique history and spirit.

While Lasker Park is on the northeastern end of the island, away from the biggest resorts, it's still walking distance away from the favorite restaurants and bars of the fun-loving locals. Get your day started with cheese enchiladas heaped with homemade salsa, breakfast burritos wrapped in enormous flour tortillas, or just a simple plate of nachos at Mi Abuelitas. This beloved Galveston restaurant serves up generous portions of Tex-Mex for breakfast and lunch daily to locals and to a few lucky tourists who stumble across it. No less popular - and no less Texan in its cuisine - is Shrimp and Stuff which dishes up Southern seafood classics like oyster po' boy sandwiches, hush puppies, fish tacos, and gumbo made from scratch since 1976. Save room for the key lime pie. If you're looking for beach front fun and a lively nightlife, head down to the seawall for some world-class bar hopping. Browse the hand-picked selection of beers at Nick's Kitchen and Bar, or relax on the patio to classic rock tunes at the Poop Deck. Or avoid the seawall altogether by finding a sympathetic ear at Hard Times and Misery Saloon: a laid-back dive bar that has a friendly crowd of regulars.

Thanks to Highway 45, which runs just north of Lasker Park, getting over Galveston Bay and into the city is easy in your private vehicle. Most people who live in Lasker Park work on the island or close on the mainland and the average commute is less than 20 minutes.

For those without a vehicle, Island Transit runs shuttles, trolleys, and buses not only across the island itself but over to the mainland and to Victory Lakes. With a high number of tourists coming into Galveston from the Houston airport, you probably won't have too long a wait for a taxi or for an Uber driver over from the city.

On the island itself, public parking is not so easy to find. So hop on your bike or work out those calf muscles in a stroll down to the seawall.

In addition to the neighborhood play spot from which the neighborhood gets its name, Lasker Park is just minutes away from some of the most beautiful public spaces and beaches along the Gulf Coast.

Lasker Park itself boasts tennis courts, track and field facilities, and a playground popular with the many young families in the area. Stop by for lessons, competitions, and pick up games, or just to relax under the trees.

Further west is the Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Water Park. Attracting islanders, tourists, and Houston residents in from the mainland, this popular spot for water slides, swimming and floating on the lazy river draws crowds year round thanks to its heated pools. If you're staying, buy a season pass for the best deal.

And along the south western part of the island itself is the Galveston Island State Park: miles of beautiful beaches. Take a stroll along the elevated boardwalk or a more rigorous hike or mountain bike ride inland. Camp with your family or friends and get up early for the fishing — the park can even arrange to loan you the rod and the gear you'll need.

For an area near to resorts and the waterfront, Lasker Park is a highly affordable area, populated primarily by young middle class families. A one-bedroom apartment will cost you around $774 a month.

A beer in the local dive bar starts at $3 for a can — though in a tourist joint on the seawall it may be closer to $5 or $6. Gas prices on the island generally go somewhere between 10 and 13 percent lower than the national average, and a bus ride over to the mainland will cost you $3 each way.

Residents get their grocery shopping done at a number of small markets across the island. Within Lasker Park you can pick up the necessities from the corner markets that dot the landscape. A few blocks south west you'll find a Krogers and a Walmart to stock up on your produce, your toilet paper, and other necessities. Or head north east for specialty shops, including organic and gluten free goodies at Oasis Juice Bar and Market, or the catch of the day right off the boat at Katie's Seafood Market.

Once a month, you can shop local goods, crafts, and produce at the Galveston Island Market, popular with both locals and with tourists.

Stop in at Tom's Thumb Nursery for a selection of colorful outdoor decor, patio furniture that's comfy and cozy, and some of Galveston's famous hibiscus plants for your yard. Or pick up everything you need for professional level skating or surfing at Strictly Hardcore Surf Special. Merchandise packs every corner of this small shop, including surfboards handcrafted onsite.