1877 Tall Ship Elissa & Texas Seaport Museum - The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Print Collection, The New York Public Library. "Arrival of the Great Eastern at her Dock, between Bank and Hammond Streets, North River, N.Y., June 28" The New York Public Library Digital Collections. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47da-2332-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99
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1877 Tall Ship Elissa & Texas Seaport Museum

4.7
·1k reviews·Galveston, United States

Explore the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa, one of the world's oldest operating sailing vessels, and the adjacent Texas Seaport Museum.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring Day Sails

Experience the Elissa in motion!

CrowdHigh
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1877 Tall Ship Elissa & Texas Seaport Museum - The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Print Collection, The New York Public Library. "Arrival of the Great Eastern at her Dock, between Bank and Hammond Streets, North River, N.Y., June 28" The New York Public Library Digital Collections. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47da-2332-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99

1877 Tall Ship Elissa & Texas Seaport Museum

Best Time

Spring Day Sails

Experience the Elissa in motion!

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa, one of the world's oldest operating sailing vessels, and the adjacent Texas Seaport Museum.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"An amazing experience to sail on one of the oldest operating historic tall ships in the world!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Day Sails Early!

Spring day sails are popular and sell out fast. Book ahead for this unique sailing experience!

💰 Be Prepared for Price Changes

Admission prices may be higher than advertised online. Budget accordingly.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sail on the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa

Sail on the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa

Gulf of Mexico (seasonal)

Experience a day sail on one of the world's oldest operating tall ships. Feel the wind and history come alive!

Texas Seaport Museum

Texas Seaport Museum

Galveston

Explore interactive exhibits on Galveston's maritime history, including immigration and sea commerce.

Elissa's Deck & Rigging

Elissa's Deck & Rigging

Onboard the Elissa

Wander the decks, admire the intricate rigging, and imagine life as a 19th-century sailor.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Day Sails in Advance

The Elissa's popular day sails happen only in spring. These sell out fast, so book your tickets online well in advance to secure your spot on this historic vessel. Instagram

Budget for Ticket Price Changes

Admission prices can be higher than advertised online. Budget a little extra for your tickets to avoid surprises, especially if visiting with family. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring Day Sails
Why
Experience the Elissa in motion!
Crowd
High
When
Weekdays, Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Watching the Elissa set sail was such an awesome adventure!! Catch her on the water for her day sails this month. Head over to The Spot on Seawall or East Beach Cantina for a watch party with drink specials & a great view! . . . . . #elissa #theelissa #galveston #galvestonhistory #elissaship #galvestonisland #historicalgalveston
@islandbreezegtx
1.7K likes • 52.9K views

🎯 Book Day Sails Early!

Spring day sails are popular and sell out fast. Book ahead for this unique sailing experience! Instagram+1

💰 Be Prepared for Price Changes

Admission prices may be higher than advertised online. Budget accordingly. Reddit

Revving one of the oldest sailing ship’s in the world. The Tall Ship Elissa launched in 1877. #ships #sailing #texas
@discovertexas
809 likes • 24.4K views
April means daysails! The Official Tall Ship of Texas, the 1877 ELISSA, sets out this April 11-25 for her annual sailing series. Step aboard this National Historic Landmark and learn the ropes while interacting with the crew, viewing the ship, and checking off a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Head to galvestonhistory.org for all the details and get your reservation now while space is available! ...
tallshipsgalveston
56 likes • 574 views

☀️ Visit in the Morning

For summer visits, an early start means cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Reddit

🚢 Explore the Museum

Don't miss the interactive exhibits on immigration and Galveston's seafaring past. Reddit

Sail through time to 1877 with the Elissa tall ship located in Galveston Tx. This beautiful is a work of art that you can tour and even sail at certain times of the year! A very unqiue experience to go back in time to see a part of history. #summer #vacation #beachbound #travellife #traveltiktok #alwaystraveling #galveston #gulfcoast #texas #summervibes #pirateship #pirate #sailing #history
traveling.with.schwaiger
5 likes • 338 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Day Sails Early!

Spring day sails are popular and sell out fast. Book ahead for this unique sailing experience! Instagram+1

💰 Be Prepared for Price Changes

Admission prices may be higher than advertised online. Budget accordingly. Reddit

☀️ Visit in the Morning

For summer visits, an early start means cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Reddit

🚢 Explore the Museum

Don't miss the interactive exhibits on immigration and Galveston's seafaring past. Reddit

🌬️ Feel the Gulf Breeze

Enjoy the waterfront atmosphere and occasional dolphin sightings. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the unique opportunity to sail on the historic 1877 Tall Ship Elissa, calling it an amazing and unforgettable experience. The ship's restoration and the dedication of its volunteers are highly praised, as are the informative exhibits at the Texas Seaport Museum. Some guests noted that admission prices were higher than expected.

"Was lucky enough to do one of the day sails they offer in the spring on the Elissa. A little spendy, but what an amazing experience!
There are very few operating historic tall ships in the world you can sail on, so if you get the chance, absolutely do this. The sail takes the better part of the day, and it's fascinating to see the dedicated volunteers crew heave on the ropes and scurry around the rigging. I went on a day they could set all 19 of the sails! Absolutely must for dad types and history needs (like me). Also everyone is incredibly nice."

Alex Olsen

"Very informative and interactive. My 4 kids loved the boat We did the museum and the Elissa boat tour. Museum was interactive with videos of immigrants and Galveston esrly settlers.

The only issue was the prize on Galveston website said adults were $12 and kids $9 but upon arrival its now $18 adults and $12 kids. So instead of $48 that I budgeted for it came out to $66. I asked if online was cheaper and she said it was the same. Maybe it was a summer ticket increase ?? Just wish I was prepared for prize change."

Marie Jack

"Great ride and a fun day! Make sure to go early for a cooler time if it is in the summer. They have restrooms and a gift shop with affordable drinks."

Tiff

What People Like

Sailing on historic ship
Informative museum exhibits
Dedicated volunteers

What People Dislike

Higher than expected prices

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Elissa is docked at Pier 22 in Galveston, Texas. It's easily accessible by car, and parking is available nearby. Many visitors arrive by car as part of a Galveston day trip. TikTok

While Galveston has some public transport options, it's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services to reach the Texas Seaport Museum and the Elissa for the most convenient access. TikTok

You can tour the ship while it's docked at the Texas Seaport Museum. This allows you to explore its decks and learn about its history without needing to book a day sail. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices can vary. As of recent information, adult tickets are around $16 and youth (6-18) are $10, with children 5 and under free. However, be aware that prices may be higher than advertised online. InstagramReddit

Yes, day sails are offered seasonally, typically in April. These are very popular and require advance booking online through the Galveston Historical Foundation website. Instagram+1

The museum and ship are generally open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most current hours before your visit. Instagram

While specific discounts aren't always advertised, keep an eye on the Galveston Historical Foundation's website for any special offers or package deals, especially if you plan to visit other attractions. Instagram

For general museum and ship tours, advance booking is usually not required, but it's highly recommended for the popular day sails. Purchasing tickets upon arrival is generally fine for tours. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can tour the ship, learn about its history from volunteers, and imagine life aboard. During spring, you can book a day sail to experience the ship in motion on the Gulf. TikTokInstagram

Yes, the museum features interactive exhibits, including videos about immigrants and early Galveston settlers, offering an engaging experience for all ages. Reddit

Absolutely! The Elissa offers day sails during specific periods, usually in April. These are a highlight for many visitors, offering a chance to actively sail. TikTokInstagram

Comfortable walking shoes are a must, especially if you plan to explore the ship's decks. If you're going on a day sail, dress for the weather and bring a light jacket as it can be breezy. TikTok

Yes, there are restrooms available, and a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and affordable drinks. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are several dining options near Pier 22 in Galveston. Some visitors enjoy the atmosphere and food at restaurants right by the water, though occasional service issues can occur. Reddit

While the ship itself may have restrictions, the gift shop offers affordable drinks. For day sails, it's best to check specific policies, but generally, outside food might be limited. Reddit

Galveston offers a wide range of dining, from casual seafood shacks to more upscale restaurants. Many places are located along the Seawall or in the historic Strand district. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the ship's impressive rigging, wooden decks, and the Galveston skyline from the ship. The day sails offer dynamic photos with the sails up and the Gulf as a backdrop. TikTokInstagram

Yes, photography is generally encouraged. You'll find plenty of picturesque angles both on the ship and from the shore, especially during the spring sailing season. TikTokInstagram

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photographing the Elissa. Midday can be harsh, but still offers great opportunities to capture the ship's details. TikTok

Absolutely! Day sails provide incredible opportunities for action shots of the ship sailing, with the wind in the sails and the open sea. TikTokInstagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in many public areas and historical sites. It's best to check with the Galveston Historical Foundation or local authorities regarding drone regulations before flying. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The 1877 Tall Ship Elissa and the Texas Seaport Museum offer an engaging experience for families. Kids often love exploring the ship's decks and imagining themselves as sailors. The museum's interactive exhibits, particularly those detailing immigrant journeys, can be captivating for younger visitors. Reddit

When visiting during warmer months, opt for morning tours to avoid the peak heat. While the ship itself is an adventure, consider the day sails for an unforgettable family outing, though be sure to book well in advance as they are popular and have limited spots. TikTokInstagram

⚓ History Buffs & Maritime Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by maritime history, the Elissa is an unparalleled attraction. As one of the few actively sailing historic tall ships, she offers a tangible connection to the past. The detailed restoration and the ongoing efforts to keep her sailing are remarkable. TikTokInstagram

Don't miss the opportunity to speak with the dedicated volunteers who crew the ship; their knowledge and passion for Elissa are infectious. The Texas Seaport Museum further enriches the experience by providing historical context on Galveston's role as a major port and immigration gateway. Reddit

📸 Photographers

The Elissa presents a stunning subject for photographers, whether docked or sailing. The intricate rigging, weathered wood, and imposing masts create dramatic compositions. The spring day sails offer dynamic shots with the ship in motion against the Gulf backdrop. TikTokInstagram

Aim for golden hour for the most atmospheric light. From the shore, you can capture wide shots of the ship, while on board, focus on the details of the deck, sails, and crew at work. Remember to check for any photography restrictions, especially if using drones. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Elissa: A Living Piece of History

The 1877 Tall Ship Elissa is more than just a museum piece; she's one of only three iron-hulled, three-masted barques of her kind still actively sailing the world. Launched in Scotland in 1877, Elissa spent decades carrying cargo across oceans, experiencing a varied and sometimes precarious life. She was eventually found in disrepair in Greece and was rescued by the Galveston Historical Foundation, undergoing extensive restoration to bring her back to her former glory. TikTokInstagram+1

Today, Elissa serves as the official tall ship of Texas and a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can explore her decks and learn about her incredible journey. The most thrilling experience is undoubtedly the day sails, which typically occur in April. During these sails, you can actively participate in sailing, feel the wind in the sails, and truly step back in time. TikTokInstagram+1

Volunteers play a crucial role in keeping Elissa sailing. Their dedication to maintaining the ship and crewing her during sails is a testament to the enduring legacy of maritime history. Witnessing them work the rigging and manage the sails is a fascinating part of the experience, making it a must-do for history buffs and adventure seekers alike. Reddit

Texas Seaport Museum: Galveston's Maritime Heart

Adjacent to the Elissa, the Texas Seaport Museum provides essential context for understanding Galveston's rich maritime heritage. The museum delves into the city's history as a major port, focusing on themes like sea commerce, immigration, and maritime trade. Through interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and engaging multimedia presentations, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the ships and people who shaped Galveston's past. Reddit

One of the most poignant aspects of the museum is its focus on the immigrant experience. Galveston was a primary entry point for many immigrants to Texas, and the museum shares their stories, offering a glimpse into the challenges and hopes of those who arrived by sea. This personal connection makes the history feel more tangible and relatable. Reddit

Combined, the Elissa and the Texas Seaport Museum offer a comprehensive look at Galveston's seafaring legacy. Whether you're touring the ship or exploring the museum's exhibits, you'll leave with a newfound respect for the maritime history that continues to influence this coastal city. TikTok

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