The first time I saw the soaring, gleaming, twin white towers of Palisade Palms rising from the sand on East Beach, I was stunned. At twenty-eight stories high they were taller than anything else on this narrow strip of land, the historical Texas barrier island of Galveston. I wondered about those towers back then – just a little curious, but other things lured me on, ships and sea and and the history of this place.
Anyone who knows me knows that I love old stuff. The torn and the tattered draw me like a magnet. I relish the history of a place – the warmth and patina of aged wood, the solid, unyielding strength of old stone. I pretty much eschew what is new and shiny. But, that was before…
In Search of a Condo
…my opinions and perceptions changed in the autumn of 2023 when my daughter persuaded me to at least try condo vacation rentals and see what it is like to live on the beach in this charming old town. So, I relented and began my search for our September getaway.
There were myriad condos to choose from in all shapes and sizes, locations and price range. Most of the condos were far west of the old historical, happening part of Galveston that I love. And honestly, At that time I thought that I was over the beach. It held little fascination for me. I wanted the charming neighborhoods – the trees, the narrow streets. But I did make a promise to try out condo life. Maybe it would be great. I could only hope.
I stumbled on a condo in VRBO with two bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and the requisite living, dining and kitchen molded into a mini great room, AND two balconies, one with a city-bay view and one with a beach view. The condo was on the East End, close to the ship channel – a favorite haunt. Michael agreed that it seemed ideal. I began filling out my rental request, discovering in the process that I had chosen a condo in one of the two ivory towers on the beach.
We were committed. I didn’t know what to expect but we were about to find out.
Palisade Palms
The Lobby
Walking into the lobby of the Palisade Palms that first time, I felt like Alice falling into Wonderland, discovering a magical, marvelous, enchanting land. I definitely didn’t feel like I was in Galveston. Maybe Hawaii, but surely not quaint little Galveston. Much like the two towers, the lobby was a soaring, gleaming, pristine, white wonderland. A wall of windows allowed glimpses of gurgling fountains, swaying palms, sparkling blue pools, and sun kissed, glittering ocean views. I felt more and more like I was part of fairytale movie.
It didn’t take me long to embrace the magical world of Palisade Palms.
The Small Balcony
Today, a year later, and the third time we have stayed at Palisade Palms – this time in a different unit on the 16th floor – Michael and I sit on the small balcony facing the ship channel, looking west toward the sun and the city. Sipping a glass of cold pinot gris, we watch the glory of a fiery yellow ball spreading the colors of autumn across the western sky as it slowly sinks into the horizon.
I take a deep breath of appreciation, grateful that I took the plunge into exploring the new, and the serendipitous moment that brought me to Palisade Palms.
Sunset from the harbor facing balcony.
The evenings are as magical as the sunset. We travel from the beach to the pool to the balcony for different views of the full moon – they all wine – a three way tie for perfection.
Mornings are a bit of a ritual for us; Michael wakes early – so early the sun still sleeps – and watches the city lights twinkling in the distance and the steady flow of ship traffic as the ocean-going behemoths crawl from the Galveston Ship Channel toward the harbor.
Before dawn breaks
Eventually I join him, spurring him to leave his lofty perch on the sixteenth-floor balcony, retreat to the kitchen and prepare breakfast. He is the king of eggs and I wouldn’t dream of competing. Soon, Michael arrives with two savory breakfast tacos filled with creamy cheesy eggs, crisp bacon, spicy salsa and encased in a soft flour tortilla. He also brings two cups of steaming hot coffee. I admit it – I’m spoiled.
As always, the tacos are perfect, and this morning a sweet little mocking bird provides the music to accompany our repast.
The Beach
As the clock crawls too quickly toward seven and the day begins to heat up, we head to the elevators, which take us to the basement and beach access. Michael immediately walks toward the sand and sea while I opt for the circuitous path that will take me to the road and the public beach parking lot. I’ve always wondered where it was, and today, my curiosity will be satisfied.
Fifteen minutes later I arrive at the small deck lined with six tall Adirondack chairs facing the beach – chairs for Palisade Palms condo owners and guests only. I continue my trek to the beach taking the long way down on several slanted ramps. After a short and sandy trek I return to one of the tall chairs and wait for Michael. It is odd – perhaps because we travel in September – but I always feel like we are the only two people in the world. There is no one here. The glory of early morning engulfs, saturating my every pore.
This section of East Beach is beautifully pristine (we watch the early morning beach patrol pick up nature’s debris that is strewn along the sand due to changing tides), and even though there is public access, I’m not sure anyone but residents of Palisade Palms are aware of the fact. Palisade Palms really is a slice of isolated heaven.
The Pool
Before returning to our condo rental, Michael and I stop off at the parking garage to wash the sand off our feet and shoes. Michael heads toward the pool while I opt to return upstairs to the cool air and a shower.
The condo is very secure. Each door requires a key fob for entry. Michael used his to gain access to the garage, and again to enter the pool area. I walk up the short flight of steps to get to the elevator, which stays put until I use my fob to gain access to the 16th floor or any floor. Our condo unit, TW1610, requires a key. As I said, very secure.
The Condo
Before beginning our day’s adventure, I tidy up. We have two bedrooms (one we never use), two bathrooms, a living and dining area, a hallway, and an efficient kitchen with a bar for extra dining space, all of this in 1,296 square feet. There are three televisions – one in each bedroom and a larger one in the living room.
Not all units have two balconies, but in Michael’s mind and mine, that is almost a necessity. We are both spoiled. The balcony facing the ship channel is small and cozy and has access to the second bedroom. The larger balcony – large enough to entertain – faces the Gulf and has access from the living area and the master bedroom. With everything combined, our condo has 1756 SF of living space – I could live here.
I can’t believe I have fallen for the glitzy and gleaming. But I have, hook, line, and sinker.
Community Space
During Michaels continuous wonderings he stumbled on a community area for guest and owners use. Anything not available to you in your condo is right here! There is an exercise room, a library with a cozy seating area in front of a fireplace, a game room with a pool table, table shuffleboard, foosball, a large screen TV, and a conversation area – and more! The community balcony is huge with views of the sand and sea, as well as the ship channel.
Outside there is a putting green as well as tennis courts. I don’t think you could ask for more. At least I can’t.
Palisades Palms Vacation Rentals
There are a few website where you can find information Palisades Palms vacation rentals – the most obvious one is the rental agency located inside the building just off the lobby, Texas Coastal Realty, another is VRBO.
Texas Coastal Realty
VRBO
https://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/texas/gulf-coast/galveston/palisade-palms
979 Vacation Rentals
https://www.my979stay.com/en/properties?city=Galveston&country=United+States&minOccupancy=2
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