Everything is bigger in Texas…
including the snowbird lifestyle!

 

The snowbird lifestyle, or as we call it in Texas, Winter Texans, is about escaping the dreary winters of ice and snow for the much warmer Gulf Coast and Southern hospitality! Every winter thousands of visitors flock to the Gulf Coast.

Galveston Island offers a small town feel, true island living, year-round festivals, museums, tours, diverse and rich history, restaurants from local seafood, Tex-Mex, soul food, Creole, Cajun, Asian, Italian, fast food, buffets and more.

Let’s not forget the obvious – the weather! Cooler winter months, December – February, daytime high temperatures are typically over 60°F, nighttime lows are around 50°F, and snowfall and freezing temperatures are rare on the island. Check out our Galveston Weather page for additional information.

The island really has so much for everyone – those who love to fish, avid bird watchers, beachcombers, art gallery enthusiast, history buffs, thrift shoppers, food connoisseurs and people that just love the water, the beach and island life.

If all of that is not enough, just across the causeway to the mainland, less than an hour drive, is the fourth largest city in the United States, Houston (45 miles), and both William P. Hobby (HOU, 40 miles) and George Bush (IAH, 70 miles) airports. Houston is a leading cultural and culinary destination, the city is home to over 11,000 restaurants featuring cuisine from more than 70 countries. The thriving arts scene includes resident opera, ballet, symphony and theater companies. The Museum District houses 19 museums, and be sure to check out Space Center Houston.

Many Winter Texans return year after year. Spend a month or the entire winter on Galveston Island! You are welcome here; no one is a stranger!

Hope to see you on the island this winter!

Call a Ryson Vacation Planner today at 855-890-2361!

FAVORITE WINTER TEXAN ISLAND ACTIVITIES
  1. 1877 Tall Ship Elissa
  2. Bishop Palace Tour
  3. Bryan Museum
  4. Chili Quest & Beer Fest
  5. Cirque Joyeux Noel
  6. Dickens on the Strand
  7. Downtown Lanterns & Lights
  8. Galveston County Museum (opening 2020)
  9. Galveston Island Trolley
  1. Galveston Naval Museum
  2. Galveston Railroad Museum
  3. The Grand 1894 Opera House
  4. Holiday with the Cranes
  5. Mardi Gras Galveston
  6. Moody Gardens Golf Course
  7. Moody Mansion Tour
  8. Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Museum
  9. Restaurant Week
  1. Rosenberg Library
  2. St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica
  3. Texas Seaport Museum
  4. The Strand (shopping & restaurants)
  5. St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica
  6. Texas Seaport Museum
  7. Tree Sculptures (self-guided tour)
  8. Winter Texans Tradeshow
NOTES

Kitchens are fully stocked with your basic pots, pans, dishes to make and serve breakfast, lunch or dinner. All kitchens offer a microwave, toaster, coffee maker, stovetop/hot-plate, and almost all homes also offer a full-size refrigerator, oven and dishwasher.

Linens are provided for all advertised beds, and all advertised beds are made prior to your arrival. Towels are included to accommodate the maximum occupancy of the home, and most homes offer a washer and dryer in the home or coin-operated laundry on-site.

Although most long-term reservations take place from the middle of November through February, long-term stays may be considered anytime between Labor Day and Memorial Day.

Ryson Vacation Rentals long-term stays require a stay of 30+ nights, and these reservations are tax exempt. This is an immediate savings of 15% (6% city and 9% state)!

Long term reservations are drastically discounted and not eligible for free attraction tickets.

Long term reservations are not able to be placed online, but a Ryson Vacation Planner would love to answer any questions you may have and help you place your Winter Texan reservation!

RESERVATION COSTS
  1. MONTHLY RENT: as listed (1 full month paid at time of placing reservation)
  2. RESERVATION FEE: percentage of base rent for entire stay
  3. CLEANING: homes are cleaned prior to arrival and after departure (additional clean is required for 90+ day stays)
  4. DEPOSIT: $500/condo reservation or $1000/private home reservation
  5. UTILITIES: all utilities are included (electricity cap of 0-1 bedrooms: $100/month or 2+ bedrooms: $200/month)
  6. TRAVEL INSURANCE: 6.95% of total minus deposit (optional but recommended)
  7. PET FEE: pet-friendly homes allow dogs only and all pets must be pre-registered with pet fee paid in advanced
  8. HOTEL TAXES: reservations of 30+ days are tax exempt
STARTER ITEMS PROVIDED BY RYSON
  1. 2 – Rolls of tissue paper for each bathroom
  2. Travel size bottle of shampoo, conditioner & soap in each tub/shower
  3. Roll of paper towel in the kitchen
  4. Trash bag in each trash can upon arrival
  5. Travel size bottle of dish detergent and/or dishwasher tab
PRIVATE RYSON VACATION HOMES THAT WILL ACCEPT LONG TERM RENTALS
These homes are in addition to Ryson’s condos pictured below.
  1. A View to Remember
  2. Bailey’s Bungalow
  3. Barefoot Pelican
  4. Beachfront Charm
  5. Bermuda Beachfront
  6. Bermuda Bungalow
  7. Bermuda Escape
  8. Cottage by the Sea
  9. Cozy Cove
  1. Harry’s Hideaway
  2. Indian Summer
  3. Island Paradise
  4. Jamaica Me Happy
  5. Mimbrosa
  6. Once Upon a Tide
  7. Paradise Found
  8. Prager Bay View
  1. Seaclusion
  2. Second Wind
  3. Serenity
  4. Shamrock Seas
  5. Sweet Caroline
  
Please contact a Ryson Vacation Planner at 855-890-2361 for availability and monthly rental rates.