Galveston is a coastal city and port, located on Galveston Island on the Gulf of Mexico. The area draws some 6 million visitors annually, owing to its extensive coastline and proximity to Houston. The working port is concentrated on the western and northern sides of Galveston, while the Gulf-facing beachfront is on the south and eastern sides of the island. The city was developed in the late 1800s, and maintains a significant collection of historic buildings. Coastal storms and hurricanes have also been a huge factor in Galveston’s history.
Running in Galveston centers on city’s coastal location. There are miles of beach that are great for running, owing to the relatively firm, compact sand. Best bets are Stewart Beach, East Beach, and the 20+ miles of beach on the Bolivar Peninsula, only a short ferry ride away. The signature run in Galveston is the festive Seawall Urban Park, featuring a 10-mile-long sidewalk along the water. It’s also fun to explore Galveston’s six historic districts on foot. For some very pretty off-road running, enjoy the trails at Galveston Island State Park west of the city.
Galveston is long, but narrow — it’s only 1.5 miles between the bay and the ocean. There is an island trolley, but not much else in the way of public transportation on the island. Runners should also be aware of the heat. May through October are hot and very humid, with abundant rainfall in the form of thunderstorms.
