Juneteenth Tour: Explore Galveston's Black History

Discover Galveston’s rich African American history with Juneteenth and Beyond, the city’s first Black-owned guided history tour franchise. Join us to explore culturally significant sites and learn about the legacy of Black communities in Galveston.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Galveston Island - Start from the Old Central Cultural Center. Head to Middle Passage Marker at 21st and Haroborside. The symbol of the beginning of slavery in the new world
  • The Strand - We will see the Absolute Equality Mural on the way to Nia Cultural Center, the only African American art gallery on The Strand. Also on the strand is the…
What's Included
  • Air-conditioned transportation
  • Certified social studies and tourism guide
Additional Information

Juneteenth and Beyond is a Black-owned and operated guided sightseeing and tourism company. The team is exceptional, passionate, professional, and well-versed in Galveston’s African American cultural landmarks! Founded by Dr. Araminta Coleman Sorrell, a Washington, D.C. native with a deep appreciation for Galveston and its remarkable history,…

Location
2627 Avenue M
Avenue M
We meet at the Old Central Cultural Center
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(89 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Bethrg4925ji
Apr 2, 2026
Informative and engaging - This tour was well worth our time and money. Very personal and informative for the adults and kids also!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dal0nm
Mar 31, 2026
A look at how we got here - Great way to learn about the city and it's gifts. Learn a lot of little things that are not taught anywhere else.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tonifuq
Mar 28, 2026
Galveston Juneteenth and Beyond Tour - This was an excellent tour. Araminta did a fabulous job and knew her subject well. It wasn’t just her talking. It was interactive with her including you in the discussion. I learned quite a bit about African American Galveston and its history. I would definitely recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amberdl8258xd
Mar 28, 2026
A wonderful historical experience - Such a great tour and very educational. Dr. Sorrel was so knowledgeable and very informative. If you want to get real information about history about Galveston, this is the tour to book.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E88jrjamess
Mar 27, 2026
Juneteenth Freedom Van Tour is a must do for those wanting a better perspective of Galveston history. - The 90 minute tour was all that and more. Could have easily spent a half a day with Araminta. She was very knowledgeable and willing to answer any question. Learned so much about Galveston and Texas history. The focus was Galveston slavery, slave conditons and how Juneteenth began, but also touched on other Galveston and Texas history. The video on the 1900 hurricane in the Rosenberg library was excellent. Came away wanting more. We would take the tour again and recommend anyone to participater. Well worth the price.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Annya8177ki
Mar 25, 2026
Best Tour Ever - The host was absolutely phenomenal—like a walking history book. In just the first 15 minutes of the tour, I learned more about Black history in Galveston than I had in my entire life.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Y2607urwillw
Mar 19, 2026
Absolutely wonderful!! - If you’re looking for a tour that doesn’t just show you Galveston—but moves you—the Juneteenth and Beyond Black History Van Tour absolutely delivers. Dr. Amarinta is a crown jewel!! From the moment you step into the air-conditioned van, you can feel this isn’t going to be a typical sightseeing experience. It’s immersive, personal, and deeply meaningful. The tour is led by passionate, highly knowledgeable guides who don’t just recite facts—they bring history to life with storytelling that’s vivid, emotional, and unforgettable. What makes this tour exceptional is how it connects you to the real story of Juneteenth—right where it happened. As you travel through Galveston, you visit powerful landmarks like Reedy Chapel, the Juneteenth marker, and historic cultural sites along the Strand, each one layered with stories of resilience, struggle, and triumph. And instead of feeling like distant history, it feels immediate—like you’re standing in the very moments that changed lives forever. The small-group setting makes a huge difference. It creates an intimate, almost conversational atmosphere where questions are encouraged, and every guest feels included. Many visitors say it feels less like a tour and more like a shared journey through time—one that leaves you reflecting long after it’s over. And then there’s the impact. This isn’t just informative—it’s eye-opening. Guests consistently describe the experience as powerful and enlightening, often saying they learned stories and perspectives they were never taught before. One reviewer captured it perfectly: it’s like “stepping out of the darkness of ignorance into the light of knowledge.” By the end, you don’t just leave with facts—you leave with a deeper appreciation of Galveston’s role in American history and a renewed respect for the legacy of Juneteenth itself. Bottom line: This tour is a must-do. It’s thoughtful, moving, and incredibly well-executed—a five-star experience that educates your mind and stays with your heart.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Will_w
Mar 19, 2026
Dr. Sorrell is a crown jewel!! - This is my first trip back to Galveston in over forty years, so I had to make sure to locate a fully immersed tour experience. This absolutely didn’t disappoint❤️ If you’re looking for a tour that doesn’t just show you Galveston—but moves you—the Juneteenth and Beyond Black History Van Tour absolutely delivers. From the moment you step into the air-conditioned van, you can feel this isn’t going to be a typical sightseeing experience. It’s immersive, personal, and deeply meaningful. The tour is led by passionate, highly knowledgeable guides who don’t just recite facts—they bring history to life with storytelling that’s vivid, emotional, and unforgettable. What makes this tour exceptional is how it connects you to the real story of Juneteenth—right where it happened. As you travel through Galveston, you visit powerful landmarks like Reedy Chapel, the Juneteenth marker, and historic cultural sites along the Strand, each one layered with stories of resilience, struggle, and triumph.  And instead of feeling like distant history, it feels immediate—like you’re standing in the very moments that changed lives forever. The small-group setting makes a huge difference. It creates an intimate, almost conversational atmosphere where questions are encouraged, and every guest feels included. Many visitors say it feels less like a tour and more like a shared journey through time—one that leaves you reflecting long after it’s over. And then there’s the impact. This isn’t just informative—it’s eye-opening. Guests consistently describe the experience as powerful and enlightening, often saying they learned stories and perspectives they were never taught before.  One reviewer captured it perfectly: it’s like “stepping out of the darkness of ignorance into the light of knowledge.” By the end, you don’t just leave with facts—you leave with a deeper appreciation of Galveston’s role in American history and a renewed respect for the legacy of Juneteenth itself. Bottom line: Dr. Araminta provides an unforgettable experience!! This tour is a must-do. It’s thoughtful, moving, and incredibly well-executed—a five-star experience that educates your mind and stays with your heart. Protect Dr. Amarinta at all costs ✊🏾✊🏾❤️❤️
Review provided by Viator
Nikki_r
Mar 15, 2026
A must do! - The Juneteenth and Beyond tour was incredibly informative, offering a new perspective on Texas history and explained the unique nature of slavery in a port city compared to traditional farm slavery that isn't talked about in the textbooks. I was especially moved to see how Galveston paved the way for such a remarkably strong and resilient Black community to flourish in Galveston afterward including the first Black Baptist Church in TX. It is a must-do experience that brings the true story of the holiday and the island's heritage to life. Book the tour..you won't regret it!!!
Review provided by Viator
G8123ajlisal
Feb 24, 2026
Outstanding - This was an excellent tour! The sharing of history along with the lived experience of a Galvestonian made this so special. I highly recommend this tour! Well worth the price.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $50
up to 6 guests
2 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).