Moody Gardens

Moody Gardens
Moody Gardens
Photo by George Zimzores


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.

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
Beachfront Palms Hotel Galveston

Beachfront Palms Hotel Galveston

3 out of 5
5914 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Beachfront Palms Hotel Galveston
Galveston Beach Hotel

Galveston Beach Hotel

2.5 out of 5
8710 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Galveston Beach Hotel
Inn at The Waterpark

Inn at The Waterpark

2 out of 5
2525 Jones Dr, Galveston, TX
Inn at The Waterpark
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
Hilton Galveston Island Resort

Hilton Galveston Island Resort

3.5 out of 5
5400 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Hilton Galveston Island Resort
Best Western Plus Galveston Suites

Best Western Plus Galveston Suites

2.5 out of 5
8502 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Best Western Plus Galveston Suites
Quality Inn & Suites Galveston - Beachfront

Quality Inn & Suites Galveston - Beachfront

2.5 out of 5
5924 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
Quality Inn & Suites Galveston - Beachfront
Baymont by Wyndham Galveston

Baymont by Wyndham Galveston

2.5 out of 5
2826 63rd St, Galveston, TX
Baymont by Wyndham Galveston
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

At Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas, visitors can engage in a variety of activities, including captivating animal presentations, birdwatching, and exploring the conservation centre. The Discovery Museum offers an educational outing for families, while the surrounding area provides excellent sightseeing opportunities. This destination promises a delightful blend of entertainment and learning for all ages.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Moody Gardens, visit Tanger Outlets, located 25.7km away, offering a vibrant atmosphere with a variety of stores. If you're up for a drive, explore Mall of the Mainland and Outlet Shops at La Marque, both providing fantastic shopping options just a bit further afield.

Recreation

At Moody Gardens Golf Course, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by lush landscapes, just 1.6km away. For family fun, visit Magic Carpet Golf, a thrilling mini-golf experience located two miles from Moody Gardens. Alternatively, indulge in luxury at the Galveston Country Club, seven miles away.

Adventure

Experience the thrill at Galveston Schlitterbahn Waterpark, located 483m from Moody Gardens, offering exciting rides and family fun. For karting enthusiasts, the Galveston Go Kart and Fun Center, 3.2km away, provides adrenaline-pumping races. Don't miss LagoonFest, a waterpark 24.1km distant, for more entertainment and adventure.

Nightlife

Experience Galveston's vibrant nightlife with a visit to the Strand Theatre for a romantic show, or unleash your adventurous spirit at the Haunted Mayfield Manor arcade. For a cinematic escape, the Pier 21 Theater offers an entertaining atmosphere, perfect for a memorable evening.

*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, offers a delightful blend of attractions, including the jetty, beach, and event conference venue, making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking culture, family fun, and vibrant city experiences. Whether you fancy a tranquil day by the beach or exploring local events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this captivating locale.

  • Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier: Experience the charm of this historic amusement pier, featuring thrilling rides and games. With friendly locals and a family-friendly atmosphere, it’s perfect for creating lasting memories with loved ones.
  • Galveston Island Convention Center: This modern event venue is ideal for conferences and gatherings. Its professional vibe makes it suitable for business events, while its proximity to the beach adds a unique touch to any occasion.
  • Seawall Beach: Enjoy sun-soaked relaxation at Seawall Beach, known for its stunning views and delightful beach vibes. Ideal for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic, it’s a quintessential Texas beach experience.

Best time to go to Moody Gardens

The best time to visit Moody Gardens can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Moody Gardens falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Moody Gardens falls in January, 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

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Moody Gardens

To save money on your trip to Moody Gardens, consider visiting between December and February when accommodation prices are lower, with Tuesdays being the cheapest nights to stay. Avoid Saturdays, as these are the priciest. Use Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly hotels by sorting prices and selecting eco-certified options. Additionally, look for package deals that combine hotel bookings with flights and activities for further savings. Utilising public transport can also help reduce travel costs while exploring the area.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Moody Gardens are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Moody Gardens is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Moody Gardens is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to identify the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your Moody Gardens hotel reservation with your flights and activities by booking an Expedia package.

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