One of My Favorite Places in Galveston - SeaWolf Park

Next time you go to Galveston, Texas for a day trip or vacation you should check out SeaWolf Park on Pelican Island. It's one of the hidden treasures of the Galveston area. The big attractions were two naval vessels from World War II, the Cavalla, a Gato class fleet sub and the USS Stewart that is a destroyer escort that was actually built in nearby Houston. The submarine was damaged by Hurricane Ike and is no longer there, not sure if they plan on refurbishing and bringing her back at this point. But the USS Stewart is fine and still on display.

Besides the famous USS Stewart (only one of three still in existence) there is also a 3-story pavilion for viewing the ship channel, a lighted fishing pier, and a playground. Pelican Island is surrounded by water and provides some great views of passing ships and even porpoises and other wildlife. There are picnic areas and pedestrian access to the shoreline.

This is a great spot for kids for fishing and the playground is a big attraction. You can fish off the shoreline for free or go on the Fishing Pier for $6 for adults and $3 for children. There are a lot of whiting and sand trout (not serious fisherman's choice of catch) that are easy to catch and keep the kids entertained. If you get lucky you can catch some good trout and redfish too. Spanish Mackerel and Stingrays can often be around so be careful handling both since they can sting or bite you. Best time to fish is usually when the tide is moving in or out.

The views from the three-story pavilion are great. You can see many ships coming and going through the ship channel and there are often cruise ships too. Many rarely see these large ships up close and it is a great place to just watch. A good pair of binoculars is good to have if you want to see the different bird species and other items of interest in and around the shorelines and ship channel.

Entry to the park is $1 for adults and $.50 for children. But they do get you for a parking fee too, cars are $6. The entry to the USS Stewart is $7 for adults and $3 for children under 11. These rates are subject to change so you might want to check if concerned. Take cash since the last time I was there (1/10) they did not take credit cards. And bring your own refreshments too if you plan on staying awhile.

The fastest and easiest way to get to Pelican Island and SeaWolf Park is to take Interstate 45 all the way to 51st Street and take a left. Just continue across the bridge to Pelican Island and go to the end of Seawolf Blvd. It ends at the entrance to the park. Take plenty of sunscreen and mosquito repellent. If there is a strong breeze the mosquitoes aren't a problem but if the wind dies down, you will know they are there. And even if it's overcast or cloudy the sunscreen is a very good idea.

Best time to visit is early in the morning or after 6:00 PM when it's cool and there is some boat traffic to watch. Fishing is good anytime the tides move but it's more comfortable early and late. Less crowded too so you can find a good picnic area or watching point.

Galveston Birding Vacation

Galveston, Texas is one of the top Birding locations in the United States. Even if you aren't an expert or die hard birding fan you will enjoy the beauty of the area and it's famous birds. Although the Spring and Fall offer an exceptional opportunity during the migration seasons, anytime of year you can see 1000s of birds all over the Galveston Island area.

Galveston has a great combination of habitats for many year around species and migrating birds making the annual trek between north and south regions. Birds migrate from Central and South America to Northern US and Canadian areas every year. Galveston is a natural stopping point due to it's abundance of food and habitant that is perfect for a short break.

Galveston is also both a wintering area for the far northern species and a permanent home for many wetlands and water loving species. Over 300 different species have been recorded during the year and up to 200 are typical during the migration periods in Spring and autumn.

The recent Hurricane Ike decimated Galveston Bolivar Iceland to remain close, with regard to all places, but it quickly returned to resident and there are plenty of birds. Many of the trips from Galveston to Bolivar and Anahuac visit by boat and offer the opportunity to see many unusual and rare birds.

There are guides that both 4 and 8 hours of trips by boat and on land to offer. Moody Gardens offer bird watching classes and offer a variety of backgroundsinformation on the different species that either live in the Galveston area year around or pass through during the migrations.

The local Tourist Information Center has information on many Birding locations, tours, and maps to let you plan your own bird watching tour. A simple drive to the west side of Galveston Island can offer many opportunities to see unique birds and other local animals. Wander through the back roads along the northeast side of the island in the bay areas and you can Discover a wealth of interesting landscapes and birds.

It is a festival that happens every spring called Galveston FeatherFest that bird watchers from all over the world visit every year. In 2010, this event occurs on April 8 to 11 and provides over 100 different itineraries, activities and events during the three days. Registration is $ 10 and the various visits and events run $ 10 to $ 50 depending on the case.

There are also photography classesand classes specific to the area and photographing birds. Information about special equipment, technical advice on both shooting and editing digital photos, and artistic methods to capture the best images are offered. This Photofest within the Galveston FeatherFest attracts both photography buffs and birding hobbyists.

You can register and find out more information at the Galveston FeatherFest by going to their website. They have an excellent map of the area with points of interest for Spotting birds and various times of the year, which are the best. Although each area is located along the bay on the north side of the island, good for watching all kinds of wild animals.

Even if you do not participate, the Galveston FeatherFest, usually you can have many different areas, abundant wildlife, is to see the fun. Explore some of the many Bay Area offers many opportunities to see beautiful places that most tourists miss. If you go by boat or by land, you cansome of nature's best areas and the natural beauty of Galveston.