Galveston Red Light District Tour
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Step into Galveston’s most scandalous secret, where the police stopped at the bridge and vice ruled the island.
Return to an era where Galveston was known as "America’s Playground", a wide-open paradise of sin where gambling, booze, brothels, and back-room deals flourished under the protection of organized crime. As long as the money flowed, visitors were treated like family and indulgence came without consequence. Casinos pulsed through the night, and The Red Light District thrived behind unmarked doors. Corruption was no longer whispered, it was expected.
This was Galveston’s own Vegas dream, complete with world-class entertainers like Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Dean Martin performing just steps away from prostitution, payoffs, and illicit pleasures.
On this tour, you’ll uncover the stories they tried to bury, the places where power was bought with favors, and how Galveston became one of the most notorious Red Light Districts in America, all hiding in plain sight.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Active military personnel free
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Antique Warehouse
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.
What‘s Included
Guided tour of Galveston's red light district
Gratuities
Options
Galveston Red Light District
Reviews
238 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Enjoyable tour:)
Trip32678346216,,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really enjoyed our time with guide Noelle! She was very knowledgeable, and her personality flowed right in with our girls’ group. Enjoyed the mix of red light and mob history she shared.
“Red light Rob” is THE BEST
brittanymW5004ZZ,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Rob with the Red Light District tour was absolutely amazing! His personality and the way he told the history was amazing! 10 out 10 recommend him. We will definitely book as many tours as we can with him!
Fantastic time!
johanas931,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Noelle was wonderful and extremely knowledgeable!
Great Galveston “Red Light District” walking tour
Richard L,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderfully fun and informative one and a half hour walking tour with guide Noelle. So much unknown history to us from the northeast part of the country that was learned. Would recommend it to anyone other than very close minded, religious fanatics.
The Redlight District Tour is awesome!
312kristopherg,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Noelle was super knowledgeable and funny, making the tour one of the best I’ve had on the island. I walked away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Galveston’s influence in the state and the country. Noelle knows her stuff, thanks for a wonderful time!
Red Light History at its best!
Ryan O,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a phenomenal time on the Red Light District tour tonight. Our guide, Rob, was incredibly knowledgeable about the history and events of the area and shared it all in such an engaging way. We’ve done many tours over the years, and Rob is truly one of the best guides we’ve ever had—well-spoken, friendly, and full of fascinating insight. He made the entire experience enjoyable and memorable, and we highly recommend him.
Red Light District
Vinayak M,,Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Informative and niche. You notice things that you didn’t realize had deeper meanings and you go inside places you didn’t know you could enter. Would highly recommend to someone who is looking to connect with the city on a deeper level!
We were entertained and learned a lot!
Chuck L,,Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed our Red Light District tour with Robert. Galveston has such a fascinating (and lurid!) history, and Robert really brought it to life. We learned a lot and also had some laughs. Highly recommend.
Night time spookyness
Janette G,,Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent tour. The night-time setting was perfect to set the mood. Definitely bringing friends to do it again. Great history lesson.
Very informative.
S7910KLmelissac,,Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide was very knowledgeable regarding the red light district. She also knew a lot about Galveston in the early years.
From US$31.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Historic Galveston Ghost Tours