Land, settle, first round
- Afternoon: Fly into IAH (George Bush Intercontinental Airport (Houston)) — 75 minutes from the core. Drop bags at Galveston Beach House (Airbnb).
- Dinner: Saltgrass Steak House (Steakhouse, $$). Texas chain steakhouse on the Seawall — reliable group dinner option.
- Night: Ease in at The Rooftop Bar at Tremont House — Upscale rooftop on the Strand with craft cocktails and harbor views. Keep it reasonable; Saturday is the main event.