The video above follows David Bridwell as he drives from Houston down to Galveston for a gig, taking time to explore Galveston Island State Park along the way. David captures the feel of the island as he heads west along the beachfront road, passing hotels, colorful homes up on stilts, palm trees, and locals in tank tops and flip-flops. The park itself gets a solid walkthrough, showing both the Gulf of Mexico beach side and the quieter bay side before David makes his way to dinner and his live music performance at Waterman's.
What Is There to Do at Galveston Island State Park?
Galveston Island State Park sits right on the island's south side and stretches from the Gulf of Mexico beach across to the bay. On the Gulf side, you get brown sand beaches, bathrooms, shaded picnic tables, ice, and RV campsites. David points out it's a good spot for bird watching, wading into the water, and just taking in the scenery. The bay side of the park is a completely different experience. That's where David found boats, kayakers, and people fishing in the more marsh-like areas. He even spotted alligators out in the marshy sections, which is a reminder that Galveston has real wildlife beyond what most beach tourists expect. If you're coming for more than just sunbathing and bar hopping, the state park is where you get a feel for the natural side of the island.
Where David Played and Ate in Galveston
After spending time at the park, David Bridwell grabbed dinner and then headed to his gig. Here are the spots he hit:
- Seahorse Grill — A casual Galveston spot where David stopped for catfish before his show
- Waterman's Restaurant — Located on West Bay at the western end of the island, this waterfront spot has views of the bay and a dock where people can pull up by boat. David played a live set here for diners and visitors
David's performance at Waterman's gave him a front-row seat to the boat traffic on West Bay, and the restaurant's setup right on the water made it a natural fit for a laid-back evening of live music. He played original material, and you can hear a bit of one of his songs toward the end of the video.
Galveston Beyond the Beach
David makes the point throughout the video that Galveston is more than just a beach destination. Millions of people visit every year, and while the shoreline is the main draw, the island has a real layer of art, architecture, restaurants, bars, and nightlife worth exploring. He's posted other videos covering Galveston's nightlife and different neighborhoods around the island, so check the description below the video for links to those. If you want to keep up with his coverage of the Texas music scene and touring life, subscribe to his YouTube channel for regular updates.