Historic Downtown Galveston: No trip to Galveston Island is complete without visiting the Historic Downtown, Strand & Seaport. Once known as the "Wall Street of the Southwest", Galveston's famed avenue, The Strand, anchors the historic downtown. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark for its outstanding collection of 19th century architecture, today The Strand is the heart of a vibrant downtown and waterfront offering shopping, dining, museums, entertainment, accommodations and nightlife. Wear your walking shoes, because the 70+block historic downtown has much more to offer beyond The Strand, and it's all within walking distance!