Galveston Red Light District Tour

Name: Galveston Red Light District Tour
Price: 31 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.84 (232 reviews)

Overview

Available languages

English

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.

20 minutes • Admission Not Included

The starting point of the Mace Empire. Formally Sam and Rosarrio first barber shop where they bootlegged wine and spirits for their thirsty guest.

20 minutes • Admission Not Included

What‘s Included

Guided tour of Galveston's red light district

Gratuities

Options

Galveston Red Light District

Reviews

4.84

232 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

212

Red Light District
Vinayak M,,Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Informative 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
5.00
We 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
5.00
Excellent 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
5.00
Our tour guide was very knowledgeable regarding the red light district. She also knew a lot about Galveston in the early years.
Illuminating - with a red glow
Marion D,,Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very knowledgeable guide the tours gives you a whole different view. The guide had a-lot of energy and made the tour
More history than ghosts.
Avrilmo,,Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fascinating stories about the mob, prostitution, great storm and casinos. Noelle was super knowledgeable and answered every question. It covers people not talked about enough.
We enjoyed the history of...
Mary H,,Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We enjoyed the history of the Red Light District. Our guide was knowledgeable and entertaining. A very good experience.
Fun and exciting
536selenab,,Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Rob was amazing! So much energy and excitement when sharing stories and pictures of history. Highly recommend, we truly enjoyed our time. Thank you Rob!
My fiancé and I had fun....
Danyele T,,Aug 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
My fiancé and I had fun. We enjoyed hearing the history of the red light district. Heard a few good ghost stories as well.
U7944BVkims,,Jul 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Noelle was amazing, and so was the tour! We loved the history and all the fun extra facts about the Mob and history of Galveston in general! We loved it all and want to go back and take another one.