Galveston Red Light District: Mob History Tour
4.8
197 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: 24 hours
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…
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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…

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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
(197 Ratings)
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S510adbenjaminm
Oct 7, 2024
Red Light Learning - Mike was an absolute blessing. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the red light district, and the island in general. He answered every single question we had with expertise. He was able to keep the tour humorous, while still being respectful of the women we learned about. Absolutely fantastic!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sunshine54445519791
Oct 7, 2024
Must do!! - Cannot recommend this tour enough!! Charlie was our tour guide, just my wife and I. It was so informative and entertaining. The architecture, the history and the drinks were all amazing!! The best part of the tour was definitely Charlie. So informative and knowledgeable about the local history. We learned so many interesting things about Galveston. So again, if you have the chance be sure to include this tour on your stay in Galveston and additionally I would specifically ask for Charlie!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
616tesb
Sep 9, 2024
Red light district tour - Jeff was very informative and went above and beyond to answer everyone’s questions. I would definitely refer people to his tours. Thank you so much Jeff. Everyone remember to bring cash to tip because we unfortunately had noo cash.
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Taracy4803zu
Aug 23, 2024
Pub crawl / good scary stories. - Thomas was a 10/10 tour guide! Set the tone and informed me of sooo many things I had no idea about before. It was only me and my girlfriend looking to have some fun and Thomas definitely made that happen! Thank you again :)
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Abigailb041604
Aug 22, 2024
Awesome History Tour! - This tour was very interesting, informative, and entertaining. It was just me and my partner on the tour. Our tour guide, Mike, was funny and very good at story telling.
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I3618czgrego
Aug 12, 2024
Great tour for any history buff. - David was our tour guide. He was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Would recommend this tour to any history geek. Every town had a red light district at one time or another.
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Travel14875995939
Aug 12, 2024
great tour! - Had David as our tour guide and he was absolutely amazing! He was very fun and and fun, but also very knowledgeable. I learned a lot and will definitely be doing more tours
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Samanthamz1854fy
Aug 10, 2024
Overall a fun time - The guide did very good We had one bad group of people that was very much hendering the tour and he handled it very personally
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I2771iujayc
Aug 8, 2024
Amazing history of Galveston and prostitution! - Dave was awesome! We learned so much history and enjoyed our time with Dave! He was knowledgeable and still willing to learn more from the locals
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maryky1376fi
Aug 9, 2024
Very interesting and informative - Dave was our tour guide. He seemed very knowledgeable and was very informative. He answered so many questions. He was outgoing and made sure to stop in the shade for us multiple times (it was really warm out). I recommend taking a tour with him. His energy will keep you interested!! Thank you Dave!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
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