Moody Gardens

View towards Moody gardens in Galveston, Texas
View towards Moody gardens in Galveston, Texas
View from the Moody Gardens, Galveston Island, Texas
Gloomy day!


This impressive theme park in Galveston Bay features a zoo, an aquarium, museums and rides.

More than just an amusement park, Moody Gardens is a complete entertainment complex located about an hour outside of Houston. The complex is easy to spot—its three pyramids house different sections, including a tropical rainforest, an aquarium and a museum and discovery centre. A selection of gardens, hotels and restaurants are dotted around the complex.

Start at the 10-storey Rainforest Pyramid to experience life in the tropics. The climate-controlled rainforest is home to birds, butterflies, monkeys and sloths, all of which roam freely in the complex. Keep your eyes open for the Amazon otters and Chinese alligators that live in the waterway system that runs through the ground floor. Explore the forest via elevated platforms and walkways that wind along the floor and up through the trees.

The largest of the three pyramids is the Aquarium Pyramid. Spread over four different ocean displays it offers an incredible selection of marine life, including coral reefs and tropical fish from the South Pacific, penguins in the South Atlantic section and seals in the North Pacific section. The Caribbean section houses a vast underwater tunnel filled with eels, sharks and turtles.

The Discovery Pyramid houses ever-changing exhibits from all over the world. The exhibits usually focus on the themes of nature and science, and are always fun and educational.

Moody Gardens hosts various activities and offers special facilities throughout the year, including a water-park and a man-made beach during the summer. Catch a movie at the 3-D and 4-D cinemas, or take a ride on the RideFilm theatre which features a 180-degree wraparound screen. Golf fans will love the recently renovated Moody Gardens Golf Course.

You can buy a one- or two-day Value Pass, or purchase separate tickets for each attraction. Proceeds from the tickets go towards helping this non-profit organisation invest in conservation and research activities.

Located about 80 kilometres southeast of Houston, there is plenty of free on-site parking at Moody Gardens.

Tours & day trips

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Holiday & seasonal tours

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Private & custom tours

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center

4 out of 5
7 Hope Blvd Galveston TX
Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center
Inn at The Waterpark

Inn at The Waterpark

2 out of 5
2525 Jones Dr Galveston TX
Inn at The Waterpark
Clarion Pointe Galveston - Beachfront

Clarion Pointe Galveston - Beachfront

3 out of 5
5914 Seawall Blvd Galveston TX
Clarion Pointe Galveston - Beachfront
The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center

The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center

4 out of 5
5222 Seawall Blvd Galveston TX
The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center
Sleep Inn & Suites Galveston Island

Sleep Inn & Suites Galveston Island

2.5 out of 5
6628 Broadway Street Galveston TX
Sleep Inn & Suites Galveston Island
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Galveston West Seawall

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Galveston West Seawall

3 out of 5
2901 63RD STREET Galveston TX
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Galveston West Seawall
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Galveston West-Seawall

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Galveston West-Seawall

2.5 out of 5
8628 Seawall Blvd Galveston TX
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Galveston West-Seawall
Baymont by Wyndham Galveston

Baymont by Wyndham Galveston

2.5 out of 5
2826 63rd St Galveston TX
Baymont by Wyndham Galveston
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Galveston North at I-45

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Galveston North at I-45

3 out of 5
1002 63rd st Galveston TX
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Galveston North at I-45
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Moody Gardens

Shopping

For shopping, Moody Gardens offers various options. The Mall of the Mainland, located 22.5km away, features a mix of entertainment and family-friendly shops. If you're up for a drive, visit the Tanger Outlets at 25.7km and the Kemah Lighthouse District at 33.8km for even more shopping delights.

Recreation

The Strand Theatre, a charming venue 6.4km from Moody Gardens, offers a delightful mix of romance and culture. For family fun, enjoy a round at Magic Carpet Golf, located 3.2km away, where adventure awaits. Alternatively, unwind at the Moody Gardens Golf Course, just 1.6km away, amidst lush outdoor scenery.

Adventure

Galveston Schlitterbahn Waterpark, located 483m from Moody Gardens, offers thrilling water rides and family fun. For more water excitement, LagoonFest, 24.1km away, features adventurous attractions for everyone. Don't miss the Galveston Go Kart and Fun Center, situated 3.2km from Moody Gardens, for exhilarating karting experiences.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Moody Gardens is vibrant and enchanting. For a romantic atmosphere, visit the Pink Dolphin Monument, a charming pub located 12.9km away. Enjoy delightful drinks and live entertainment, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploration.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Moody Gardens

Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas, is a captivating destination that offers a blend of cultural experiences, beachside relaxation, and urban exploration. Visitors can enjoy attractions such as the iconic pyramids, beautiful gardens, and the bustling jetty pier. The area is perfect for those seeking a vibrant city atmosphere alongside natural beauty, making it an ideal spot for diverse travellers. Don't miss the various events held at the conference venue throughout the year.

  • Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier: Experience the thrill of rides and attractions at this iconic pier, where historical charm meets family-friendly fun. Enjoy excursions with friendly locals while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and stunning ocean views, just 6.4km from Moody Gardens.
  • Galveston Island Convention Center: Ideal for business travellers, this venue is perfect for hosting events and conferences. With its modern facilities and professional vibe, it caters to a variety of gatherings, located 3.2km away from Moody Gardens.
  • Seawall Beach: Relax on the sandy shores of Seawall Beach, where the gentle waves and warm sun create a perfect beach vibe. This popular destination, also 3.2km from Moody Gardens, offers a lovely spot for sunbathing and seaside strolls.

Best time to go to Moody Gardens

The best time to visit Moody Gardens is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January55.4°F (13.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March64.2°F (17.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April70.0°F (21.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May76.5°F (24.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June82.4°F (28.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July83.8°F (28.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August84.2°F (29.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September81.0°F (27.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October73.6°F (23.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Tips to save on your trip to Moody Gardens

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • Consider traveling to Moody Gardens during the low season (December to February) for more affordable options.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.