 In the late 1800s Galveston was known as the " <unk> of the South " Today , it still retains a shared claim to the title among major cities along the Gulf Coast states . Galveston is a popular tourist destination which in 2007 brought $ 808 million to the local economy and attracted 5 @.@ 4 million visitors . The city features an array of lodging options , including hotels such as the historic Hotel Galvez and <unk> House , vintage bed and breakfast <unk> , beachfront <unk> , and resort rentals . The city 's tourist attractions include the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier , Galveston <unk> <unk> , Moody Gardens <unk> park , the Ocean Star Offshore <unk> <unk> & Museum , the Lone Star Flight Museum , Galveston Railroad Museum , a downtown neighborhood of historic buildings known as The Strand , many historical museums and mansions , and miles of beach front from the East End 's <unk> Beach , Stewart Beach to the West End pocket parks . 
