Galveston Red Light District: Mob History Tour
4.8
108 Ratings
Galveston
Step back in time and explore the dark and intriguing history of Galveston's Red Light District. Discover the secrets of the mob-run casinos and the world-class entertainers who graced their stages.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- 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.
- Maceo Spice & Import Company - The starting point of the Mace Empire. Formally Sam and Rosarrio first barber shop where they bootlegged wine and spirits for their thirsty guest.
- Island Carriages - 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.
- Galveston Railroad Museum - At the height of the Red Light district, the railroad brought in 40,000 men a day all looking for love.
What's Included
- Guided tour of Galveston’s red light district
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Experience the days when Galveston was under mob control, and guests were cherished like family members. Across the bridge lay ‘The Free State of Galveston,’ a land abiding solely by mob laws. A-list personalities like Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Dean Martin were some of the elite entertainers invited to perform in its casinos. Everyone indulged in their version of the ‘Vegas Dream’ within Galveston itself.
- Active military personnel free
Location
2711 Market St
Market Street
Your tour will begin with our famous Red Light District. At its height there were 55 houses of prostitution on Post Office Street alone. The authenticity of this tour is the result of extensive research and firsthand information from our consultants including former FBI special agents, documentaries, newspaper clips, books, and interviews. We'll visit the sites of the brothels, casinos, and were the gangsters lived. Al Capone came to Galveston with an eye to take things over. He lasted a week and was escorted off the island never to return.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(108 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
356billieg
Mar 25, 2024
A Very interesting history lesson of Galveston - The tour was great. Very professional done. We walked only a short distance but took in so much history of the red light district of Galveston.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laheiberg
Mar 23, 2024
You’ll Learn So Much! - I can highly recommend this tour of Galveston’s Red Light District. Our guide, Dave, was so knowledgeable! We could tell Dave had researched and we learned a lot about Galveston history while “walking the line” and seeing buildings specifically built as brothels and bordellos. Do you know the difference between a brothel and a bordello? Dave can tell you! So many fascinating details about the architecture of the buildings, the characters that occupied them daily, and the customers that frequented them.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Larry
Mar 20, 2024
Informative and entertaining Red Light District history tour. Don’t miss! - The tour was extremely informative and entertaining. The tour guide, Christopher, knows the Red Light District history like he wrote the book and has many stories to tell. The 90 minute tour flies by as he guides you through the streets of the historic Red Light District and brings to life the going’s ons of years past. Definitely recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Higgley-pig
Mar 18, 2024
Galveston’s Red Light District - sex, money, control - An interesting, informative, and enjoyable tour, led by Christopher, who was energetic, knowledgeable, humorous, sometimes bawdy (but never indecorous), polite, considerate, patient with our myriad questions, and a lot of fun.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alexdk9203cz
Mar 16, 2024
Christopher was great. - Our Galveston Red Light District tour guide was awesome! They made history fun with jokes and interesting facts. We learned a lot and had a blast. Their stories brought the area to life, and we left with a deeper understanding of Galveston's past. If you're looking for a great time and some cool history, definitely check out this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
V4917tdchloes
Mar 16, 2024
10/10 - Chris was extremely funny, made us feel safe and was really informational. He also has really great recommendations for Galveston, I highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dave
Mar 14, 2024
Chris Gave a Great Tour! - Chris was super fun and informative throughout the Red Light District tour tonight. He walked us around the area, explaining the history of the district, which was called ‘The Line’ back in the day. We enjoyed it a lot and would definitely recommend to anyone interested in the adult subject matter. Don’t bring your kids!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lillianb811
Mar 10, 2024
Amazing and hilarious experience - Christopher was absolutely incredible. He made it such a fun experience and made me feel very comfortable. The jokes were hilarious and we all had so much fun. I wasn’t expecting this type of tour as I didn’t know what Red Light meant but I learned a lot and I wasn’t mad about it! Very good tour guide
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E583pkrebeccaf
Mar 10, 2024
Red Light District Tour - Christopher was so much fun!!! He made our tour really fun and we had a blast!! We even lucked out and got to see a drone show during the tour!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kati_r
Mar 17, 2024
Not Your Typical Historic Tour - Fascinating facts about the life of ‘working’ women/men, and the seedy side of Galveston history. Thoroughly enjoyed this adults only tour!
Review provided by Viator
