How To Avoid Sunburns While Visiting Galveston?

Visiting Galveston is a popular destination for beachgoers, boaters and vacationers alike. Unfortunately, sunburns are a common hazard in this beautiful location. Whether you’re spending the day at the beach, sailing the gulf, or exploring the city, sun protection is essential to ensure you’re guarding your skin from potentially damaging and painful sunburns. Here’s some advice for avoiding a sunburn while visiting Galveston.

Familiarize Yourself With UV Index Ratings

It’s important to understand how much UV radiation there is at the locations you’ll be visiting around Galveston. You can look up the UV index ratings for the area in advance or use the mobile app UV Index Mobile App created by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This app provides hourly updates to ensure you know when the sun is at its strongest, and can plan accordingly to avoid being in the direct sunlight during peak hours.

Protect With Clothing and Gear

When you’re outside, especially during the peak hours where with strong UV radiation is present, try to cover up as much skin as possible. Wear a big brimmed hat, a light and loose-fitting long-sleeved shirt, and a pair of sunglasses when the sun is shining at its fullest. Also, wearing light but breathable fabrics will help your body to avoid overheating in direct sunshine.

Lather on Sunscreen

Sunscreen isn’t just for kids splashing in wading pools—it’s for anyone who plans to step into direct sunlight for long periods of time. While you should definitely protect your exposed skin with sunscreen, resist the temptation to save money by buying the lowest SPF protection available. A higher SPF offers more protection from the damaging rays of the sun. Avoid avobenzone, oxybenzone or sulfates in your sunscreens and opt for mineral-based products such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide instead. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or strenuous activities that may cause sweat or other perspiration that can affect sunscreen performance.

Seek Shade and Seek Shelter

When temperatures are high and UV rays are at their peak, try to enjoy activities in the shade or gather under parasols. Make sure you have access to shelter if you can—in Galveston, many patios and beach pavilions provide shade for visitors. On boats and yachts, a cover or fog can be used to protect guests from direct sunlight exposure, making boating and sailing more enjoyable experiences with less risk of developing painful sunburns.

Conclusion

Galveston is an idyllic getaway spot with plenty of beachtime fun and activities around the city that can be enjoyed safely with a little bit of planning ahead. Familiarize yourself with UV index ratings, throw on some protective clothing and lather up with mineral-based sunscreen, and take advantage of shade, shelter, and parasols to avoid peeling skin after a visit to Galveston.

An Insider’s Guide to Galveston

Galveston Island is a popular travel destination for its miles of beautiful beaches, delicious food, unique culture, and rich history. However, as it is located on the Gulf coast, the sun can be intense. In this guide, we’ll share some tips on how to avoid sunburns while exploring the island, as well as some must-see attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

How to Avoid Sunburns While Visiting Galveston

1. Wear sunscreen: Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

2. Seek shade: Look for umbrellas or covered areas on the beach or wear a wide-brimmed hat.

3. Cover up: Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, especially during the hottest hours of the day.

4. Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water will help keep your skin healthy and prevent sunburn.

5. Be mindful of the time of day: The sun’s rays are strongest from 10 am to 4 pm, so plan indoor activities or stay in the shade during these hours.

Must-See Attractions

1. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier: This iconic pier features amusement park rides, games, a variety of food and drink options, and beautiful views of the Gulf.

2. Moody Gardens: This educational theme park has three pyramid-shaped attractions: an aquarium, a rainforest, and a discovery center.

3. The Bryan Museum: Learn about Texas history through art, artifacts, and exhibits at this stunning museum.

4. Bishop’s Palace: This historic house museum is a must-see, with its intricate architecture and beautiful décor.

Dining Spots

1. Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant: This seafood spot has been a local favorite since 1911, serving up fresh fish and delicious cocktails.

2. The Spot: This beachfront restaurant offers casual dining and a wide variety of dishes, from burgers to seafood.

3. Miller’s Seawall Grill: Enjoy fresh seafood, classic American dishes, and cold drinks while gazing out at the Gulf.

Cultural Experiences

1. Galveston Arts Center: This contemporary art gallery presents a wide variety of exhibits and hosts special events throughout the year.

2. The Grand 1894 Opera House: Catch a show at this beautifully restored theater that has been entertaining audiences since the late 1800s.

3. Ghost Tours: Take a spooky tour of the island’s haunted past with Ghost City Tours.

Local History

1. The Strand Historic District: Stroll down this charming street lined with Victorian-era buildings, shops, and museums.

2. Galveston Island Railroad Museum: Visit this museum to learn about the island’s history as a major port city and railroad hub.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

1. Seawolf Park: This hidden gem features a beautiful garden, a fishing pier, and a historic submarine and destroyer escort.

2. East Beach Park: Escape the crowds and soak up the sun at this beautiful and less-crowded beach on the east side of the island.

3. Rosenberg Library: This historic library is worth a visit, with its beautiful architecture and impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts.

In conclusion, Galveston Island has something for everyone: from history to culture, beaches to seafood, and much more. By following our tips on avoiding sunburns and exploring the island’s must-see attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions, you’ll have an unforgettable trip to this beautiful Gulf coast destination.