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Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. Another place we stopped for lunch, a great little place with good views. This is in the Amusement Park pier. The amusement part is only open on weekends.
The Bench: A replica of the famous park bench where Forrest Gump sat while telling his life story.
The Gear: On the bench sits Forrest’s "suitcase" and a box of chocolates. Below the bench, a pair of worn-out Nike Cortez running shoes are mounted to the ground, allowing visitors to step into them for a photo.
About the pier: The Original Pleasure Pier (1943–1961)
Military Origins: Built by the U.S. government during World War II as a recreational site for military personnel, it was later turned over to the city.
Golden Age: Post-war, it became known as the "Coney Island of the South," featuring the massive Marine Ballroom, an aquarium, and an outdoor movie theater.
The End: This era concluded when Hurricane Carla devastated the structure in 1961.
The Flagship Hotel Era (1965–2008)
A Unique Landmark: In 1965, the USS Flagship Hotel was constructed on the pier’s original foundations. It was the only hotel in North America built entirely over the water.
Demise: After decades as a skyline icon, the hotel was severely damaged by Hurricane Ike in 2008 and was eventually demolished.
The Modern Revival (2012–Present)
Landry’s Reconstruction: Following a $60 million investment by Tilman Fertitta, the site was reimagined as a nostalgic, family-oriented amusement park.
Current State: The pier officially reopened in May 2012. It now extends 1,130 feet into the Gulf and features 16 rides, including the Iron Shark roller coaster, along with various shops and the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurant.
The Bench: A replica of the famous park bench where Forrest Gump sat while telling his life story.
The Gear: On the bench sits Forrest’s "suitcase" and a box of chocolates. Below the bench, a pair of worn-out Nike Cortez running shoes are mounted to the ground, allowing visitors to step into them for a photo.
About the pier: The Original Pleasure Pier (1943–1961)
Military Origins: Built by the U.S. government during World War II as a recreational site for military personnel, it was later turned over to the city.
Golden Age: Post-war, it became known as the "Coney Island of the South," featuring the massive Marine Ballroom, an aquarium, and an outdoor movie theater.
The End: This era concluded when Hurricane Carla devastated the structure in 1961.
The Flagship Hotel Era (1965–2008)
A Unique Landmark: In 1965, the USS Flagship Hotel was constructed on the pier’s original foundations. It was the only hotel in North America built entirely over the water.
Demise: After decades as a skyline icon, the hotel was severely damaged by Hurricane Ike in 2008 and was eventually demolished.
The Modern Revival (2012–Present)
Landry’s Reconstruction: Following a $60 million investment by Tilman Fertitta, the site was reimagined as a nostalgic, family-oriented amusement park.
Current State: The pier officially reopened in May 2012. It now extends 1,130 feet into the Gulf and features 16 rides, including the Iron Shark roller coaster, along with various shops and the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurant.