What is there to do in Galveston?

Like most tourist spots, Galveston can empty your wallet in no time flat.

Luckily, most of the attractions are worth the money. And even more luckily, the city offers plenty of cheap-to-free attractions for visitors on a budget.

Fun at a price

Schlitterbahn

This water park has playgrounds for the small fry, while more adventurous visitors can enjoy speed slides, surf waves and uphill water coasters.

The park offers online specials and afternoon discount tickets, as well as a heated indoor area during fall, winter and spring. There are thrifty touches: Parking, life jackets, and use of tubes and body boards are free, and visitors can bring their own food. Regular season admission $29.99-$38.99 per person (kids 2 and younger free). Heated indoor season admission $22.99-$27.99 (kids 2 and younger free).

Moody Gardens

This attraction's three glass pyramids dominate the horizon. Started in the 1980s as a therapy program, it now boasts lushly landscaped grounds and a host of educational and amusement options.

The pyramids house a rain forest, science museum and aquarium, and there's also a golf course, paddlewheel boat cruises, manufactured white-sand beach with interactive water features and a bevy of theaters, from your standard IMAX to a "4D" theater with 3-D shows plus sensory effects like scents, moisture and seat buzzers; and "Ridefilm," an 18-passenger "immersive" ride with a wraparound screen. One Hope Boulevard, Galveston (www.moodygardens.com). Day pass admission $46.95. Tickets to individual attractions $8.95-$15.95. Golf $30-$64. Penguin and seal encounters $40-$300.

Boats

Galveston is defined by its proximity to water: the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and several bays, inlets and bayous to the north. Rentals are available for everything from jet skis to fishing boats to yachts. Jet skis and single kayaks run around $15-$40 an hour, while pontoon boats and fishing expeditions hover around $100 an hour or $300-$400 a day, per person.

Yachts run at least $400 an hour, with a likely three-hour minimum. At that price, you might as well take advantage of the great current rates at another Galveston fixture, cruise lines, and take a three- or four-day cruise to Mexico for $300-$1,100 per person.

Beach house rentals