On the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston, Texas, is warm and welcoming with more than 30 miles of beaches. If you're going to cruise out of Galveston, there's plenty of things to see on land before you head out to sea. There are a variety of museums, art galleries, and historic homes and mansions. If you're fascinated by flight, you'll love the Lone Star Flight Museum.

Take the free ferry from Galveston Island to Port Bolivar, and on the way, you might see dolphins and pass a sunken ship. If you love the sea, pay a visit to the Tall Ship Elissa, crafted in 1877 in Aberdeen, Scotland. This ship still makes annual sails! Take the kids to Moody Gardens, which sports a tropical rain forest replica.

Those who've booked last minute Galveston cruises through CruiseDirect should plan on setting aside a bit of time to enjoy this unique location before they set sail. Don't forget to head down to the beach while you're in Galveston for some well-deserved relaxation.