Sometimes, the best attractions are hiding right under our noses. When it comes to free fun in Texas, the Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry is definitely one such example. This roughly 15-minute (each way) boat ride affords passengers the unique opportunity to spot dolphins frolicking about in the water - and it doesn't cost a penny!
There are two ways to travel to and from Galveston Island. You can either come through Houston on I-45...or take a scenic ferry ride that costs nothing and boasts stunning views of Galveston Bay.
While the wait time to get on the ferry can be long on weekends and around major holidays, there are multiple boats running at any given time.
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Even if you do have to sit in line for a bit, the ride is totally worth the wait. Once the ferry gets moving, you can exit your vehicle and head to the front of the boat for some unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities.
You'll spot seagulls, pelicans, and other native birds, and everyone's favorite nautical creature: dolphins!
It's almost guaranteed to see at least one dolphin on the 18-minute (each way) ride. Sometimes, you'll even see large groups of them!
Another option is to park your car in the (free) ferry parking lot and walk onto the boat. Pedestrians don't have to wait as long as vehicles, so it's really a no-brainer - especially if you don't have any activities planned on the island and are just looking for a quick adventure.
If you happen to board the ferry at sunset, prepare to be awestruck by the view. Nothing beats watching the last remnants of daylight reflecting on the water.
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Clean restrooms are available upstairs, and there is also an upper passenger deck that offers more expansive views of the water.
Have you ever taken a ride on the Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry? If so, did you spot any dolphins? Tell us all about your experience in the comments! Don't forget to check out our previous article for the best things to see and do on a day trip to Galveston.
Did you know more than 750 murals can be found across the Greater Houston area? So, which neighborhoods do you need to visit to take in Houston’s iconic murals? Let’s go on a field trip.
The East End Favorites
More than 25 murals are located in Houston’s East End. So, where should you begin? You definitely have to check-out the “Welcome to the East End” mural on Harrisburg Boulevard featuring a Houston icon, Mama Ninfa Laurenzo, who created the Tex-Mex favorite Ninfa’s. If you were born and raised in Houston, then it’s worth snapping a photo at the “Houston Raised Me” mural on Canal Street.
You can’t make a trip to the Heights without visiting the “Greetings from Houston” mural on White Oak Drive. Houston artist Daniel Anguilu created the popular Houston mural, featuring some Houston staples like a rocket ship, Heights stamp, and a cactus with a Texas flag. Want to celebrate the ‘Stros? Take a photo in front of the Astros star mural on 19th street.
Midtown Murals
The popular brunch spot The Breakfast Klub is known for their tasty food, but also for their murals honoring Black history. In the past, they’ve had murals of former President Barack Obama and first lady, Michelle Obama, and also of George Floyd. Now, they have a mural paying tribute to four Black trailblazers: Marcus Garvey, Carter G. Woodson, Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois.
The Most Houston
The Houston is Inspired mural was originally created in 2013 as a way to create buzz about the city beyond Houston. It worked! The mural, located right across the street from Market Square Park in downtown, is now one of the most posted photos of Houston on Instagram.
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I was speechless but couldn’t help but smile from ear to ear as I left the Meow Wolf art exhibit in Grapevine Texas. I didn’t even really know how to reconcile what I just had experienced but it certainly was the most unique attraction I have ever been to. You could almost describe Meow Wolf as an art exhibit that meets a hands-on museum, but even that does not quite adequately describe the experience. I have always had a deep appreciation for artistic expression in many forms. I was the weird kid in art class that my teacher assigned me to paint a picture of a flower because I had painted too many “Dark and disturbing pieces” her words, not mine. So I get it, but what I saw in Meow Wolf took it to a whole new level.
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Meow Wolf’s origin got its name randomly, which is exactly what you would expect while visiting. They put a bunch of words in a hat and then pulled out two of them to create the name, Meow Wolf. There are now a few of them across our country, but it remains one of the most unique things to do in the Fort Worth and Dallas area. Once we saw a video for a Meow Wolf my girls have been begging for us to go to one. On our trip out west which we called our dream trip, and if it was in fact going to be a dream come true for all of us then this attraction was going to be a must. We stepped up to the entrance which is actually located inside a mall and our girls couldn’t have been more excited.
The whole attraction is a mind-blowing experience from the second you step into the moment you leave. Opening the door you are greeted with a scene of a normal-looking home with a garden outside, stars up above, and the sound of crickets chirping. It felt very standard for what we knew was waiting for us inside.
Things quickly took an unexpected turn once we stepped inside of the home. As we crouched into the large fireplace we noticed it was actually a secret passageway that led to a forest of neon trees and colorful statues. The washer and dryer were actually swirling portals you could climb through to get to new and exciting places. We quickly realized that nothing in this home was as it seemed. That expectation had us opening every cabinet, pressing every button, and opening every door. One corridor led to another and pretty soon we were lost in the disorienting swirl of strangeness.
The fridge in particular was one of our favorites. Opening the large door you would typically find containers of leftovers, milk, eggs, cheese, and standard cold items, but not in this home. The fridge opens up into a hallway that leads to a big room filled with other fridge doors that all lead to different places from a desert landscape, to a plant-like alien taking over the room, to even a popsicle-themed room. We walked through a fish tank, explored an old RV, and the whole time it kept us guessing what could come next. There was even a way to activate a dance party with a descending disco ball, lights, and loud thumping music. The interactive nature of Meow Wolf was so immersive you couldn’t help but get sucked into the weirdness.
Meow Wolf is a multi-sensory experience and certainly appeals to my odd side and imagination. Some of the rooms were closed off and small leading to a dead end, others were massive with multiple entrances and exits. One of those massive rooms had a large tree twisting up through the ceiling with a hollowed-out fort and bridges that connected the branches. The roof was covered in hanging white with glittering lights and storm clouds, which also oddly enough included a fat flying cat. I feel like you could go through this place hundreds of times and still find something new.
I loved the different themes of each section that perfectly bleed seamlessly from one place to another. We certainly got lost but I was rather fond of the grimy post-apocalyptic cyber-punk style city section. We found our way in through a door which was a vending machine on the other side. There was a LED face on the screen and the robot vending machine was both sarcastic and funny with its comments on the people coming and going. The arcade had a few interactive games, but like everything else in Meow Wolf didn’t really make sense and continued with the bizarre context of the attraction.
After thoroughly exploring I have to say this has got to be one of the best art exhibits near Fort Worth and Dallas. Forget everything you know about the natural world and prepare yourself to have everything you think you know get challenged, because this odd attraction will certainly take you on a journey. If you want to adventure to this incredible place I would highly recommend it so make sure you head to the Meow Wolf art exhibit in Grapevine website to get your tickets.
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For yet another taste of Meow Wolf make sure to watch our Adventuring in the Moment video, and enjoy this weird and wonderful place.