Galveston Island Red Light District Tour
Description
Return to a time when the mob ran Galveston and their guests were treated as if they were family. When you crossed the bridge you enter "The Free State of Galveston," where the only rules were mob rules. The stars of the era were world class entertainers brought in to perform in the casinos, including Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Dean Martin. Everyone was enjoying their own "Vegas Dream" right here in Galveston.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Originally the Oleander Hotel in 1913. Listed in the Green Book as safe haven in the Jim Crow south. A place where the African American travelers could stay their journey to Galveston.
The starting point of the Mace Empire. Formally Sam and Rosarrio first barber shop where they bootlegged wine and spirits for their thirsty guest.
Formally the home of Molly Waters. One of the most famous houses on the island. Molly is Galveston's most infamous Madam as she retired a millionaire. The house is currently being restored.
At the height of the Red Light district, the railroad brought in 40,000 men a day all looking for love.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Wheelchair accessible
Reviews(20)
My wife and I really enjoyed the Red Light District tour with Annette "The Lady in Black". We so much of the interesting history of Galveston, the Pirate Jean Lafitte, Mollie Waters, and the Maceo brothers. We highly recommend taking one of the tours.
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you and your wife enjoyed the Red Light District tour with Annette, The Lady in Black. She truly brings Galveston’s fascinating history to life, from Jean Lafitte and Mollie Waters to the legendary Maceo brothers. We really appreciate the recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another tour soon!
Larry was very knowledgeable. We had a great time and learned so much. I would suggest this history walk for anyone. Galveston is full of rich history.
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear you had a great time with Larry and enjoyed learning about Galveston’s rich history. It’s such a fascinating Island. We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for more amazing history soon!
We loved to come with coworkers when on the island. It is one of the best tourist attractions here in Galveston. Go and learn about history and buildings.
Thank you so much for the amazing review! 🎉 We’re thrilled to hear you and your coworkers had a great time on the Galveston Island Red Light District Tour. It means the world to us to be considered one of the best attractions on the island! 🙌 Come back and adventure with us again soon—Galveston's wild history is always waiting to be explored! 🏙️👻
The tour was AMAZING!!!! The guide was VERY informative and the whole tour was DEFINITELY worth it!!!! :) definitely something that I would recommend for all new tourists that are coming to Galveston!!! If you want to get an authentic Galveston experience, this is definitely the place to go!!
Thank you so much for your enthusiastic review! 🌟 We're absolutely thrilled to hear that you had such an amazing time on the Galveston Island Red Light District Tour. It means a lot to know that our guide helped make the experience both informative and memorable. and we truly appreciate your kind recommendation to future visitors. Hope to see you again on your next trip! 😊
Enjoyed the afternoon with our guide Charles. He was knowledgeable of the red light district history and stories. Very interesting slice of history. Will take in other tours on our next Galveston visit!
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled you enjoyed exploring Galveston's Red Light District history with Charles. He loves sharing these fascinating stories, and we’re glad they made an impression. We can’t wait to welcome you back for more tours on your next visit!
Loved all the interesting historical information on Galveston, who knew?? Charlie knew his stuff and added humor as well!
Thank you for your great review! We’re so glad you enjoyed the history and humor Charlie brings to the tour. There’s always more to discover in Galveston—hope to see you again soon!
Great tour Mike was a great guide I would do this tour before any thing else in Galveston it gives you back story and history that kinda lets every thing else fall in place.
Thank you for allowing us to share some of government's awesome history with you it does put Galveston in perspective when you know the incredible events that have shaped Galveston and the people who led the city through the centuries we hope to see you again soon thank you for your wonderful review happy Halloween
Loved this tour. It was my first ghost tour. Tour guide had so much information that was interesting and fascinating in the Red Light District. I am definitely going to sign up for other tours. We had so much fun.
I'm glad you had a great time thank you for the five stars we really appreciate it we hope to see you again soon maybe Halloween
Excellent experience Tour guide was fun and incredibly knowledgeable. Everybody in our group had a great time. Highly recommended
Thank you for the 5 stars. Glad that we were able to interest you in Galveston's awesome history. we hope to see you again soon. Happy holiday
Tour guide was very informative and great answering questions. He was able to provide historical information as well as current updates. Definitely recommended 👍
Thank you for your wonderful review. We appreciate the five stars. I'm glad that you had an awesome adventure and we hope to see you again
