Best Western Plus Galveston Suites sits right on the seawall at 8502 Seawall Boulevard, and every one of its 96 rooms is a suite that faces the Gulf of Mexico with a private balcony. Each layout adds a separate sitting area with a sofabed, a microwave, and a mini-fridge, so families can settle in with the water in view. Downstairs, a complimentary hot breakfast runs every morning - Texas-shaped waffles included - and a seasonal heated pool and hot tub sit on the sun deck. Parking is free, even for trucks and RVs.

The Gulf beach is directly across the boulevard, with ten miles of the Galveston Seawall out front for biking and sunset strolls. Moody Gardens’ glass pyramids and Schlitterbahn’s waterpark are both about two miles west, the Historic Pleasure Pier and its rides sit four miles east, and downtown’s Strand Historic District rounds out the island in fifteen minutes. Seaside seafood landmarks like Gaido’s and Miller’s Seawall Grill are minutes away, and the Rainforest Cafe near Moody Gardens is an easy family dinner.