Touring Galveston: Baywatch Dolphin Tour, Bishop's Palace, East End Historic Tour

By: Tate McIntyre

This week John and I experienced a few of Galveston's fun tours.  The Baywatch Dolphin Tour, the Bishop's Palace, the East End Historic Tour, and the Antique Warehouse (formerly The Oleander Hotel).

BAYWATCH DOLPHIN TOUR GALVESTON

We went on the Baywatch Dolphin Tour on Sunday afternoon after the Cruise Ship passengers and crew were settled in.  This is one of our favorite inexpensive excursions, and we highly recommend it to our customers.  The Captain offers a lively commentary, spiced with family friendly humor, on Galveston's history, and current areas of interest, such as the UTMB Hospital complex, Pelican Island, and the Cruise Ship Terminals.  The dolphin's seem to know we were there for them, and provided a very nice show for us.  A word of advice, bring a good quality camera with video capability as the dolphins move far too quickly for a cell phone camera capture.

The 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA  and Fisherman's Wharf seen from the Baywatch Dolphin Tour boat.  The tall white building seen in the back is the American National Insurance Company headquarters building.

The Carnival Cruise Ship, Magic, sailed by near us, making its way from the Galveston Cruise Terminal for a 7 day Caribbean cruise.

The Baywatch Dolphin Tour is offered daily on the hour from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, and tickets can be purchased at their booth located at Pier 21.  Tickets are $10 adult and $5 child

GALVESTON HISTORIC TOUR & BISHOP'S PALACE

We took the Galveston Historic Tour with tour guide, Joseph Pellerin, at the Ashton Villa Visitor's Center located at 2328 Broadway.  The Visitor's Center is an excellent resource for Galveston attractions:  The Visitor's Center representatives are true Ambassadors of Galveston and provide knowledgeable recommendations for all areas of interest.

The Historic Tour was an enjoyable hour narration by our guide covering an overview of the Downtown/Strand area and a more in depth tour of the Historical East End homes and tree carvings.  I  drive this area frequently, and Mr. Pellerin pointed out several tree carvings I have never noticed before.  This alone made the $12.00 tour fee worth every penny.

Since we have lived in Galveston over three years, we decided that it is past time we visit the Bishop's Palace located at 1402 Broadway Street.  I am a huge fan of historic architecture, and am always fascinated by the detail accomplished by builders, woodworkers, and artisans working without our modern conveniences.  In this area, the Bishop's Palace did not disappoint; the woodwork, stained glass, and architectural design are astounding.

The domed ceiling of the main stairway is beautiful with stained glass windows, and portraits featuring members of the Gresham family, the original owners of the home.   

Recommendations - If one is solely interested in the architectural design, the Bishop's Palace is a fascinating specimen to see.  The property is sparsely furnished, and I was disappointed that it did not display a better representation of late 19th century life in one of Galveston's grand homes.

If you are making an exhaustive tour of Galveston's history, then a visit to the Bishop's Palace must be on your list.

The Bishop's Palace is open 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Self-guided Tour Tickets are $10.00 adult and $7.00 child.  The Visitor's Center has coupons for $1.00 off

The Sacred Heart Catholic Church situated across the street from the Bishop's Palace at 1302 Broadway.  This is another lovely example of Galveston's resilience and turn of the century architecture.

From Galveston.com - "Before the turn of the century, on June 21, 1884, Bishop Nicholas A. Gallagher created a new parish and established Sacred Heart to serve the east end of Galveston. However, Sacred Heart had its beginnings in 1854 when land was donated for a boy's educational institution. The University Chapel of this institution was the location where the Jesuits held Sacred Heart Parish Mass from 1884-1892. An impressive structure for the parish was built during this time only to be destroyed by the 1900 storm. It was rebuilt and reopened in 1904." 

ANTIQUE WAREHOUSE (FORMERLY THE OLEANDER HOTEL)

While not technically a museum, The Antique Warehouse, located at 423 25th Street, is one of my favorite stops in Galveston.  Visiting the Antique Warehouse is truly a tour through history with the building, itself, as a point of interest.  The odd architectural pieces, doors, and windows stacked in the far back, vintage furniture and household decor found throughout, all add to the adventure. 

See the Houston Chronicle Article about the history of the Oleander Hotel and its new owners, Scott and Holly Hanson.  They have successfully taken a 100 year old property with quite a shady past as part of Galveston's red-light district, and turned it into a engrossing trek through history.

The upstairs hallway and rooms are chock full of items to discover, such as a room stuffed with bed headboards and parts, a plethora of furniture, lighting fixtures, hats and clothing all ranging in time from the Victorian era through the 1960s. 

Some of the upstairs rooms are set with historic pieces as if they are ready to use and enjoy, while most of the rooms are a hodgepodge of items covering many decades .

Another view of the upstairs hallway full of miscellaneous furniture and decor pieces.

The Antique Warehouse is the essence of a rummage sale.  There is no exact order or arrangement, which, for me, adds to its charm.  If you are visiting Galveston, I highly recommend a trip to the Antique Warehouse.

We love living in Galveston, and, literally, learn new points of area history and interest on a daily basis.  Perhaps our next excursions will be to the Tall Ship ELISSA and the Pier 21 Theater.  Whatever we choose, I'll let you know.