Back in the 1800s, Galveston was known as the "Playground of the South".   Hundreds of thousands of tourists still flock to this Gulf of Mexico town of 50,000.

One destination for locals and tourists alike is the Historic Pleasure Pier, built more than 1,100 feet into the Gulf.  The pier was an amusement attraction from 1943 until 1961 when it was destroyed by a hurricane.  A hotel stood on the pier before a hurricane washed it away in 2008.  Today, the pier returns to its glory days as an attraction for all ages with thrill rides, restuarants, and shopping.

Nearby, well known cruise lines Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney dock their megaships here.

Speaking of cruises, Dr Pepper took us on a cruise in this late 1980s advertisement below.

http://youtu.be/Q1BAiypoAEM