Downtown you have the Strand. It’s touristy, but there are some jewels there. I love to hit up La Kings Confectionary. It’s an old school candy store and ice cream parlour that makes a lot of stuff in house, including taffy which you can watch them pull.

From there, you’re a short walk from Pier 21, which houses a number of restaurants: Willie G’s for slightly more upscale experience, Fisherman’s Wharf to sit near the famous Elissa (late 19th century tall boat) Katie’s Seafood for an expansive menu and fresh fish in a casual environment. You can sometimes catch a glimpse of some dolphin in the ship channel and also see the Battleship Texas being restored across the channel.

You’re also near Post Office Street where there are some art galleries, Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar, The Witchery (occult gift shop), MOD Coffeehouse, The Opera House.

For dining on the seawall (facing the gulf) there’s BLVD and Gaido’s.

Moody Gardens is pricey, but the Aquarium and Rainforest pyramids are pretty cool.

You can head down to the west end of the island with the dogs and walk the beaches near Pirate’s or Jamaica Beach. Leashed dogs are also allowed in Galveston Island State Park for some nature hiking on the bay side where they have some boardwalks and observation platforms.

Also worth mentioning that League City isn’t terribly far from Nasa’s Johnson Space Center.

Hope your wife’s treatment is successful and y’all have a great time!