Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

Galveston Island, has transformed the Pleasure Pier into a world-class amusement park for all ages. Recapturing the site's original purpose as a pleasure pier, a preeminent destination venue for family fun. The magnificent multi-million dollar renovation of the Pier is fully underway.

In the late 1940s, Galveston's Pleasure Pier was the largest of its kind in the country. America's top dance bands routinely filled the mammoth Marine ballroom, while outside in an open-air stadium patrons watched motion pictures and ships pass in the Gulf. A wide variety of midway concessions and rides, an aquarium and a designated fishing area were standard summer favorites along the Pier. For decades, Pleasure Pier operated as an iconic family destination, stimulating tourism and commerce. In 1965, The Flagship Hotel opened on the property, and once again the Pier earned significance for housing the only hotel in North America built entirely over the water.

The new Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier brings a new standard of waterfront fun to the Gulf Coast offering family attractions, with rides, games of chance and skill, entertainment, great food venues and retail shops. Pleasure Pier thrusts boldly into the Gulf of Mexico from 25th Street at the famous Galveston Seawall, welcoming guests for dining, rides, games and entertainment throughout the year. Rides from thrilling to gentle line the long Pier perimeter, creating an exciting sensation of being suspended above the water. History of Pleasure Pier Originally built in the late 1940s as a recreational facility for the military, the Pier was turned over to the city after World War II and named Pleasure Pier. The Pleasure Pier operated as an iconic family destination until 1961 when Hurricane Carla damaged the property. In 1965, the Flagship Hotel opened on the site and was severely damaged by Hurricane Ike in 2008.