Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is an amusement pier at 25th Street and Seawall Boulevard in Galveston, Texas. Its rides, midway games, food venues and shops make it a place to combine Gulf views with classic amusement-park activities.
- Location: 2501 Seawall Blvd, at 25th Street and Seawall Boulevard.
- From Gaido’s Seaside Inn: about 22 minutes on foot or 2 minutes by car.
- Admission: a Walk-On Pass covers pier entry but not rides; an All Day Ride Pass includes entry and unlimited rides.
- Hours: Open Friday to Sunday; closed Monday to Thursday
Where the Pleasure Pier sits on the Seawall
The Pleasure Pier stands over the Gulf at 2501 Seawall Boulevard, where the Seawall meets 25th Street. The address places it right on Galveston’s waterfront, with the entrance at the landward end of the pier.
The present-day pier reopened in 2012. Its history reaches further back: the original Pleasure Pier opened in the 1940s, and Hurricane Carla destroyed much of the structure in 1961.
Its Seawall setting also makes it easy to pair a pier visit with time by the water. For a broader day out, you can connect the stop with a one-day Galveston itinerary from the Seawall.
Which rides and attractions can you find at the pier?
The pier has rides for different ages, along with midway games, food venues and retail shops. Named rides include the Iron Shark Roller Coaster, Texas Star Flyer, Galaxy Wheel, Pirate’s Plunge, Revolution and Cyclone.
Other options include the Gulf Glider Swing Carousel, Sea Dragon, Rock ’n Roll, Sky Shooter, Big Wheelin’, Frog Hopper, Texas Tea Cups and Pier Pileup Bumper Cars. The Double Decker Carousel and Lil’ Captain Wheel round out the operator’s ride list.
Every ride has height requirements and rules posted at its entrance. Check the posted details before joining a queue, particularly if you’re visiting with children.
How do tickets and opening hours work?
The two main pass types separate pier entry from ride access. Ticket prices and conditions can change, so check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Friday: 4 PM–8 PM
- Saturday: 12 PM–9 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM–7 PM
- Monday to Thursday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
All Day Ride Pass
The All Day Ride Pass includes admission to the pier and unlimited rides throughout the day. It costs $30.99 for visitors 48 inches and taller, or $24.99 for visitors under 48 inches; height is checked at entry.
Walk-On Pass and single rides
A Walk-On Pass costs $12.50 for visitors 48 inches and taller, $11.50 for visitors under 48 inches, and $10.50 for senior citizens with valid ID. It covers pier entry but not rides. If you want just a few rides, single-ride tickets start at $6.00 each, and you still need a Walk-On Pass to enter.
You can buy tickets online or at the ticket booths. Online purchasers go to Will Call to receive a wristband. A Walk-On Pass holder can upgrade to an All Day Ride Pass by paying the remaining price difference, or buy individual ride tickets inside the pier. Children under 2 are admitted free but need a wristband.
Active military members and veterans with valid military or VA ID can get a $2 discount on All Day Ride Passes for up to four passes. The discount is available at the pier ticket booth, not online.
Hours can change without notice and sometimes vary from week to week. Check the operator’s calendar for the date you plan to visit rather than relying on a regular weekly schedule.
How do you get from Gaido’s Seaside Inn to the pier?
The operator’s driving directions say to take I-45 South, continue as it becomes Broadway Avenue, turn right on 25th Street, then proceed straight to the pier.
Parking is limited. A premium paid lot is directly across from the pier beside Fish Tales, and parking is also available along the Seawall. If you’re planning a beach stop as well, you can compare which Galveston beaches are easiest to reach.
The Pleasure Pier is about a 22-minute walk or a 2-minute drive from Gaido’s Seaside Inn.
For pier entry, wear a shirt, shorts or pants, and shoes. Swimsuits are allowed with proper shorts and cover-up attire; shoes with wheels are not allowed. The motel offers rooms for guests.
FAQs
Does a Walk-On Pass include rides?
No. It admits you to the pier, but rides require separate tickets unless you upgrade to an All Day Ride Pass.
Can you buy tickets at the pier?
Yes. Tickets are sold online and at the ticket booths. Online purchasers collect a wristband at Will Call.
Do children under 2 need a ticket?
Children under 2 are admitted free, but they must wear a wristband.
Are the pier’s hours the same every week?
Open Friday to Sunday; closed Monday to Thursday. No. Hours can change, sometimes weekly, so check the operator’s calendar for your visit date.