Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center - Review 2025

What to Do

Something is seriously wrong if you find a way to get bored at Moody Gardens. If the weather is nice, start at the resort’s lagoon-style pool or warmer indoor pool. The Palm Beach outdoor waterpark is another more active option, with waterslides and a lazy river, as is the adjacent Schlitterbahn Waterpark and its indoor aquatic fun.

To enjoy the nature we mentioned, look to the giant pyramids dominating the skyline. The Aquarium Pyramid is filled with 1.5 million gallons of sea life, including seals, sharks, penguins, and a fascinating jellyfish gallery. The Rainforest Pyramid is home to land-based plants and creatures and consists of a journey through the jungle canopies of Asia, Africa, and the Americas, with more than 1,700 species to be discovered.

Immerse yourself even further in nature virtually by catching a 3-D or 4-D film at the state-of-the-art theater. They show informational nature movies and familiar favorites on one of Texas’ biggest screens with special effects like no other.

We didn’t even mention the old-style paddlewheel boat cruises, golfing, or the spa – there’s much more to do at Moody Gardens. Plus, the entire island of Galveston has plenty more to see and do! Check out the resort’s website to see all that’s on property, what you’ll need advance tickets for, and what you won’t want to miss.

What to Eat & Drink

There are several dining options within the hotel at Moody Gardens and even more throughout the resort’s many attractions.

Café in the Park is the main all-day dining outlet for guests only, and it’s the spot for a hearty southern breakfast served à-la-carte. Lunch and dinner consist of casual southwestern special meat dishes and gulf seafood.

The other dinnertime option is Shearn’s Seafood & Prime Steaks, one of the Galveston area’s only AAA 4-Diamond restaurants. It’s more of an elevated fine dining experience and has a spectacular sunset view over the bay.

Simpler snacks and beverages are served at the Lobby Bar, Pool Bar, and Moody Brews coffee shop. You can also get a sweet treat from Blossoms, the poolside ice cream shop serving the best desserts in Galveston.

Room Guide

Rooms at the resort are modern and more than comfortable. Luxurious bathrobes and twice-daily housekeeping add extra luxury to any stay. Moody Gardens breaks down the categories quite nicely based on size and view.

Guest Rooms: These are around 500 square feet in size and consist of either two queen beds or one king and one sofa pullout. Guests can select no view, pyramid view, or island view.

Junior Suites: There are eight of these oversized guest rooms at the resort, each with a king bed and two sofa beds. The living area is separated from the rest of the room by a retractable curtain, allowing for extra space and a bit of extra privacy.

Suites: The largest and most luxurious rooms in the resort can accommodate up to eight guests each and come with either one or two bedrooms. Large living and dining areas, a wet bar, and the best views of Galveston are standard in each suite.

Special Experiences

Moody Gardens hosts a ton of special events throughout the year, easily viewable on their calendar, which could be great for very special experiences. Examples include an Air, Car, and Boat Show and an Island Ride-Out Bicycle Event, but as you’ll see, there’s a ton of variety. Plan your stay around something that catches your eye for a very unique vacation.

Similarly, the resort does a great job with holidays. You can often find special brunches and dinners for holidays like Mother’s Day. Every Christmas season, the resort sets up Holiday In The Gardens, a festive lights and decoration event that has beautiful ice sculptures and other arrays.

On weekends, guests can try out the on-site Ropes Course and Zipline for an active thrill. You’ll balance on beams high above the ground and fly through the sky on this unique adventure.