Sorry I can't be too much help here. I grew up about 25 min from Galveston and am very familiar with the island. That said, since hurricane Ike hit the coast I have not allowed my kiddos back in the water. Ike took out entire neighborhoods full of beachfront homes and alot of the building materials as well as peices of cars and other stuff are literally in the water. While I am sure that alot has been removed, last summer I had a friend take her kids to one of the Galveston beaches and two of them ended up in urgent care getting stitches after getting sliced up by the debris that is strewn along the coast just under the water's surface. That was the exact thing that was told to her by the doctor/nurses stitching up her kids. Add to that the flesh eating bacteria that Galveston has been known to have on occassion and I will just err on the side of caution and keep my kids at the pool. This doesn't mean that we don't still love going down to the island. It is one of my home-away-from-homes. We love to go shopping on the Strand and eat in some of the fabulous restaurants there. There are so many wonderful places to visit in Galveston and the Kemah Boardwalk area is fairly close as well and is a great place to spend a summer evening!! I would just be leery of the beaches for the next couple of years or so....but that's me!! I would be happy to make specific recomendations on shops, restaurants, and other attractions if you are interested!! Have fun on your trip!!!!!!
