bolivar peninsula tours

Bolivar Peninsula Tourism And Visitors Center

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Bolivar Peninsula Tourism And Visitors Center (Crystal Beach, TX): Hours, Address - Tripadvisor

• Mon - Fri 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• (0.03 mi) Blue Lobster Lodge for 8 | Near Beach, Central
• (0.11 mi) Turtle Cove - 3 Bedroom / 2 Bathroom / Sleeps 9
• (0.20 mi) 'Sea Breeze' Crystal Beach Home - Walk to Beach!
• (0.21 mi) Chic Coastal Escape with Deck & Walk to Beach
• (0.22 mi) BEACH LIFE, Budget Friendly, quick access to beach, 3 Bedroom, Sleeps 10
• (0.29 mi) Dannay's Donuts
• (0.37 mi) The Big Store
• (1.67 mi) Stingaree Restaurant & Marina
• (0.81 mi) Crystal Beach cafe
• (1.20 mi) Tia Juanita's Crystal Beach

Bolivar Peninsula

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By boat
• 3 Get around
• 9.1 Lodging
• 9.2 RV Camps
• 9.3 Beach camping

Bolivar Peninsula is a narrow strip of sand, 28 mi (45 km) long, separating Galveston Bay from the Gulf of Mexico just east of Galveston , Texas . In places, the peninsula is as little as 1,000 meters in width. The peninsula is sparsely populated with three very small but not insignificant towns, Port Bolivar, Crystal Beach, and High Island. About 2,800 people (2020) live on the Bolivar Peninsula.

Understand [ edit ]

The Bolivar Peninsula is a fragile coastal landscape on which wise people do not settle. The point was hammered home to long-term Bolivar residents in 2008 when Hurricane Ike wiped most of the local communities off the map. Miles of flattened beach homes and RV communities were left as little more than rubble strewn across the sand. A few hardy souls have since re-built, while most migrated to safer, drier inland locations. Newcomers have snapped up empty beach properties, often building million-dollar "castles in the sand", proving that just because you're rich doesn't mean you're smart. Lightning may not strike the same place twice, but hurricanes often do.

Get in [ edit ]

By boat [ edit ]

The Texas Department of Transportation operates a free ferry service between Galveston and the Bolivar Peninsula. Most people cross with their cars, though walk-on passengers are allowed. The Ferry Terminal in Galveston is at 1000 Ferry Road. Bolivar Ferry schedule The Bolivar ferry landing is the terminus of State Highway 87, which takes you from Port Bolivar across the peninsula to High Island. During winter months, you may wait up to a half hour for a ferry because only a couple ferries will be operating. During the summer vacation season, lines may be longer, but more ferries will be in service with departures as quick as cars can get unloaded and reloaded.

• 29.327372 -94.772127 1 Bolivar Ferry , 1000 Ferry Rd . 24 hours, 365 days/year except in cases of public emergency . Docks where ferry between Galveston and Port Bolivar loads and unloads. ( updated Aug 2023 )

By car [ edit ]

From Houston , head east on Interstate 10 to Winnie, take exit 828 (Texas state highway 73), then turn right on Texas state highway 124 towards High Island / Bolivar Peninsula. High Island is the easternmost point on the Bolivar Peninsula and is about 10 miles south of I-10.

Get around [ edit ]

You'll want your own car to get around the Bolivar Peninsula, either that or you're going to be stuck within a few blocks of the Port Bolivar ferry landing. Bikes could be a good way to get around, and Fort Travis is close enough to the ferry landing to make for a nice seaside ride.

See [ edit ]

• 29.36537 -94.758146 1 Fort Travis Park , 900 TX SH 87 . Seaside park with a long history as a military post to protect the channel into Galveston Bay. First built by the Mexican Army in 1816 as earthen ramparts, the modern Fort Travis was built in 1898-1899 with concrete bunkers and two batteries (Davis and Ernst) with disappearing gun emplacements. Battery Kimble was built following World War I and had 12-inch guns with a 17-mile range. During World War II 2500 troops were stationed at the fort and another shore battery (Battery 236) was built with 6-inch guns. The troops kept watch for the constant threat of German U-boats to American oil supplies shipping out of the ports of Galveston and Houston. Today, tourists can walk around the concrete bunkers and enjoy the grassy fields overlooking the Gulf shores.  

Do [ edit ]

• Fishing - you can do surf fishing along 28 miles of shoreline up and down the peninsula, marinas and fishing guide services are available in Port Bolivar and Crystal Beach if you'd like to charter a boat for some deep-sea offshore fishing. Consult the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for information about licenses and regulations.
• Birdwatching - The Bolivar Peninsula lies directly on the path where two of North America's major flyways converge, making it an important conservation zone and an excellent place to observe migrating bird species. Major wildlife reserves adjacent to Bolivar Peninsula are the 29.57198 -94.43928 1 Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge immediately to the north, and the 29.57944 -94.36031 2 McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge immediately to the east. Additionally, the Audubon Society maintains several bird sanctuaries on 29.5717 -94.3894 3 High Island, which are popular during the spring migration season because you can see a "fall out" as the birds arrive from crossing the open Gulf and because a number of marine birds nest on High Island (including the magnificent roseate spoonbill).
• Beaches - The entire peninsula is a beach and you are allowed to drive your car onto the beach (after purchasing a beach permit, available at several local convenience stores or bait shops). Popular beach access points include: - Bolivar Flats, - Bolivar Beach, - Port Bolivar, - Crystal Beach, - Ramada Beach, - Gilchrist, - Beach Coast, - High Island Beach

Buy [ edit ]

Eat [ edit ].

There's oddly little to eat at either end of the Bolivar Peninsula, but midway, around Crystal Beach are several restaurants.

• 29.377045 -94.771402 1 La Playita , 703 Madison Ave, Port Bolivar , ☏ +1 409-684-1383 . 7AM-9PM . Local Mexican restaurant with good food and friendly service. Doesn't look like much from the outside, but the food is good. $10 . ( updated Aug 2023 )
• 29.48508 -94.604276 2 Stingaree Restaurant and Marina , 1295 N Stingaree Dr, Crystal Beach , ☏ +1 409-684-2731 . 11AM-9PM . Waterfront seafood restaurant facing the East Bay, variety of frozen margarita flavors, steaks available. Gets busy, especially on weekends. ( updated Aug 2023 )
• 29.465353 -94.623159 3 Tia Juanita's Fish Camp , 2275 TX-87 #15, Crystal Beach , ☏ +1 409-684-5006 . 11AM-9PM . Fresh seafood prepared as you like, but the house specialty is fresh oysters on the half shell. ( updated Aug 2023 )
• 29.451173 -94.654877 4 Tiki Beach Bar & Grill , 1369 TX-87, Crystal Beach , ☏ +1 409-684-9594 . 11AM-9PM . Friendly, casual place with burgers, steak sandwiches, fries, etc. Gets busy on weekends and service can get slow. ( updated Aug 2023 )
• 29.443326 -94.667838 5 Jose's Cantina , 1021 TX-87, Crystal Beach , ☏ +1 409 684 1180 . 7:30AM-10PM, closed W . Lively place with seafood and Mexican dishes. Seafood is usually fried and a bit greasy but otherwise good. Gumbo is recommended and kids like the alligator bites (hmm, tastes like chicken). ( updated Aug 2023 )

Drink [ edit ]

Sleep [ edit ].

There are few hotels on the Bolivar Peninsula but a large selection of hotels are available in nearby Galveston . Many people who want to stay on the Bolivar Peninsula rent a beach house for a week or weekend, some of these are available via Airbnb, but the best are often available only through local realty offices. RV camps are very popular, especially near Crystal Beach. Some are small affairs for only a handful of RVs, others serve a few dozen.

Lodging [ edit ]

• 29.562696 -94.39481 1 Gulfway Motel , 1365 TX-124, High Island , ☏ +1 409-286-5217 . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: 11AM . Vintage motor hotel with outdoor pool and modernized rooms. Clean and comfortable. $80 . ( updated Aug 2023 )
• 29.452703 -94.64826 2 Crystal Palace Resort , 1600 TX-87, Crystal Beach , ☏ +1 409-684-6554 . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: 11AM . Comfortable, moderate hotel close to the beach and restaurants. $70 . ( updated Aug 2023 )

RV Camps [ edit ]

• 29.560026 -94.393879 3 High Island RV Park , 1921 4th St, High Island , ☏ +1 409-407-4500 . Small RV park in quiet area, half mile from beach. Offers 6 pull through sites and 18 back-in sites. Tent sites and RV rentals available. Minimum stays required seasonally. ( updated Aug 2023 )
• 29.520076 -94.471814 4 The Breeze Oceanview RV Park , 2661 TX-87, Gilchrist , ☏ +1 409-474-0815 . Small RV park right next to the gulf. Limited amenities. ( updated Aug 2023 )
• 29.509283 -94.507734 5 Hailey's Beach n Bay RV Resort , 1029 Joy, Gilchrist , ☏ +1 409-225-2020 . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: 11AM . Rent a fully equipped RV near the beach, kayaks and bikes available to use. $145 . ( updated Aug 2023 )
• 29.493371 -94.54301 6 Palapa RV Beach Resort , 731 TX-87, Gilchrist , ☏ +1 409-974-0064 . Clean, well-maintained RV camp with swimming pool and path to the beach. ( updated Aug 2023 )
• 29.42346 -94.698949 7 My Happy Place RV Camp , 946 Boyt Rd, Crystal Beach , ☏ +1 409-655-7735 . Modern RV camp with full hookups, fire pits, covered picnic table. Dog friendly and easy walk to beach. ( updated Aug 2023 )
• 29.384246 -94.76127 8 Bay Palms RV Resort , 1816 Nelson Ave, Port Bolivar , ☏ +1 409-777-2227 . Nice, quiet, well-maintained park with many long-term residents. ( updated Aug 2023 )

Beach camping [ edit ]

• 29.551982 -94.383824 9 Boondocks Camping , High Island . Free camping is permitted on the beach.  

Connect [ edit ]

Cell phone reception is generally good along state highway 87. 5G service is good in Port Bolivar (which is close to Galveston) but may drop to 4G (or lower) as you cross the peninsula and then head north.

Go next [ edit ]

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20 Things To Do in Crystal Beach on the Bolivar Peninsula

If you’re looking for a beach town in Texas where you won’t have to fight the traffic to get to the beach, check out Crystal Beach on the Bolivar Peninsula!  A small town vibe welcomes you, just minutes from Galveston on the FREE Bolivar ferry, with enough local flavor to remind you this is real Texas. While our favorite thing to do is just set up a shade and enjoy a day on the beach, swimming, building sand castles and skimboarding on the very flat sand and nice waves, there’s much more to do in this fun coastal town! Here’s 20 of our favorites!

1. Ride the Bolivar Ferry  The FREE ferry from Galveston to Bolivar is a great way to spot dolphins playing in the bay!  Park your car and just walk on for a quick ride!  Here’s a great tip, plan your ferry trip around non-peak times if you’re driving, when waits are less.  A sign gives you approximate wait times. During peak times, it can be quite a wait if you’re driving!

2. Spend an evening at Stingaree Worth the drive from Galveston, it’s our favorite restaurant for miles! Watch for dolphins in the ship’s wake as they pass by, and it’s always fun to see the catches that the boats bring in! Stingaree’s offers some of the best sunsets on Bolivar! Don’t pass up the Stingarita, either!

3. Yearly Beach Parking Permit  If you’re parking on the beach, in either a car, truck or golf cart, it will need to have a Beach Parking Permit.  It’s good for a year and expires Dec. 31st.  If you rent a golf cart, it should come with a permit.  It’s $10 and you can purchase at most of the stores and the Chamber of Commerce.

4. Point Bolivar Lighthouse   The 1872 Bolivar Point Lighthouse is one of the first things to welcome you off the ferry from Galveston Island! One of only two steel lighthouses on the Gulf, it was decommissioned in 1933, and later auctioned off. While you can’t visit the Point Bolivar Lighthouse, because it is privately owned and no longer functional, you can find it and take a few pictures from a distance.

5.  Latitude 29.2 Surf Shop   This fun surf shop has a huge selection of t-shirts and beach apparel, beach toys as well as coastal decor!

6.  Visit Fort Travis Seaside Park Visit this FREE Galveston County park on the Western tip of the Bolivar Peninsula, just down from the Galveston Island Ferry, to see the remains of the batteries used to protect the Galveston harbor during the Texas Revolution in 1836, the Civil War (referred to as Camp Green at that time), and during WW II. The park is open year round, and offers water access for fishing, picnic tables and open spaces to fly a kite. You can also often spot dolphins here.

7. Fun Spot Waterslide   So, this isn’t Schlitterbahn, but it is a fun, simple way to cool off on a hot summer day!  We love it!

8.  Rent a Beach House   While you won’t find a lot of hotels and resorts on Bolivar, there are tons of beautiful beach houses, and more affordable than on other places along the Texas coast!  Check VRBO for many, many listings!

9. Play on the Beach Really, playing on the beach is just my favorite! A good breeze keeps you cool(ish), but so do cold drinks! Bring a little grill, come chairs for hanging out in the water or on the sand, some shade and music! Even on the busiest weekends you can usually spread out from the other beach-goers, and of course, you can drive right up to the water, and unless you get too close to the dunes (which you never should) almost any car can drive out here! Please no glass and Please bring a trash bag and clean up what you bring!

10. Beachcombing   Beachcombers on Crystal Beach are often rewarded by finding shells, shark teeth and occasionally arrowheads that have flowed down the rivers. The finds gets better if you head East.

11.  Fishing  We love the fishing on Bolivar, both in the surf and off the North Jetty.  Wear good shoes on the jettys, because it’s broken in places.  Kids will love crabbing along the jettys and in the little tide pools!

12. Texas Crab Festival   The second weekend of May, it’s always a fun time for everyone, with live music, entertainment and tons of food!

13. Fireworks on the beach    As long as there isn’t a burn ban, it’s legal to shoot off fireworks on the beach.  The city will also do a big show on July 4th and New Year’s Eve.  Just be aware, they will shoot them off all night long!

14.  Camp on the beach   Aside from your beach parking permit, it’s FREE to camp on the beach!  It’s primitive, with no facilities at all.  You won’t find a lot of quiet here on holiday and special event weekends, so be warned, but it’s a long beach!

15.  Rent a golf cart  Texas Custom Carts offers fun golf cart rentals to drive to the beach and around town!

16. Party in a Traveling Tiki Raise the bar on your beach experience with a fun tiki rental! It comes with a cooler, hammock chairs, a great sound system, lights and power! It is delivered on the beach each morning, ready for your day!

17.  Kites and Flags Unlimited, 1815 Hwy 87   Take advantage of the Gulf Breeze and fly a kite!

18.  The Ranch Community Golf Course   You’ll love this little 9-hole golf course, where it’s BYOB and even your pet is welcome!

19.  The Gulf Range   A family hangout, they have a fun miniature golf course, games and a grill for a full afternoon or evening of fun!

20. Get some fish tacos from Hardheads Icehouse and Grill  This fun, family-friendly restaurant and bar offers plenty of laid-back beach vibe!

21. A Shore Venture Fun beach toy rentals, such as kayaks, paddleboards, cabanas and chairs, bikes and much more! Check out her website for all that she offers!

Bolivar Peninsula Tourism and Visitors Bureau 2275 Hwy 87, suite 10 Click  HERE  to visit their website.   Click HERE for live webcams 

Keep Having Fun in the Texas Sun! Michelle

Having Fun in the TEXAS Sun is on PINTEREST! Use it as a quick resource to find activities in different Texas towns! Click  HERE !

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Bolivar is Beautiful... That's NOT a "Ferry" Tale!

Embraced by the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Galveston Bay, the Bolivar Peninsula is a haven for fisherman, golfers, shell seekers, boaters, kayakers, oceanfront gulf cart riding and beach lovers of all ages.

While very popular with summer visitors, the affordable Bolivar Peninsula is a growing area that is home to a diverse population including young families, retirees, winter Texans and working commuters just wanting to escape from the city life.

The gentle breezes from the Gulf of Mexico keep Bolivar cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

The Bolivar Peninsula is a textbook definition for ecotourism which appeals to the ecologically and socially conscious. Ecotourism focuses on local culture, wilderness adventures, volunteering, personal growth, and learning new ways to live on the planet; involving natural areas that conserves the environment and improve the well-being of local people.

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Bolivar Peninsula Beach

Looking for a beach getaway but don't have the time to spend driving? Look no further than Bolivar Peninsula, located just 45 minutes from Beaumont, Texas. Access to both the beach and bay side, restaurants and more, Bolivar offers the perfect trip for a day or weekend getaway. It’s a 27 mile stretch of coastal paradise rich in history. A sand between your toes kind of place that you can drive on and fish off of, enjoy the time here with the family and friends. It’s a laid back community of Crystal Beach, Gilchrist, High Island and Port Bolivar, with plenty to do and see.

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Bolivar Peninsula Attractions

Take time during your visit to check out the local attractions. We've highlighted just a few below.

Bolivar Lighthouse

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Bolivar Peninsula Texas 2275 Hwy 87, Suite 10 Crystal Beach, Texas 77650

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Land Conservation

The bolivar peninsula nature trail.

Houston Audubon and several public and non-profit partners received approval to implement a Bolivar Peninsula Nature Trail (BPNT)—a nature-based conservation, education and economic development initiative that connects 13 world-class sites on the Bolivar Peninsula in Galveston County. The concept and plan were developed in collaboration with the High Island Independent School District, Galveston County, Peninsula Development Coalition, Galveston Independent School District, Bolivar Peninsula Historical Society, Texas A&M Agrilife Extension, Houston Canoe Club, and others.

As part of the State of Texas’ process to secure funding to restore our coast under the federal Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities and Revived Economies (RESTORE) Act, a list of projects was presented in 2017 for public comment to determine which projects were included in the state's Multi-Year Implementation Plan. The Bolivar Peninsula Nature Trail was approved. 

The Bolivar Peninsula Nature Trail is a nature-based conservation, education and economic development initiative that connects 13 world-class sites on the Bolivar Peninsula in Galveston County. This collaborative effort—spearheaded by local residents, businesses, and non-profit organizations—seeks to protect and enhance critical wildlife habitat and develop visitor facilities like boardwalks, trails, and improved signage at locations across the Peninsula, from the Galveston Ferry to High Island. By drawing specific sites together under one symbolic trail, residents and partners hope to enhance visitors’ access and experiences as they explore some of the special historical, cultural and natural features of the peninsula, including forested, wetland, beach, and bay-side areas. Visitation of these sites will offer fun recreational and educational opportunities that will help bring increased awareness of the area’s unique natural resources and help enhance the area’s economy.

• Bolivar Peninsula Nature Trail map (PDF)

Project Elements

The Bolivar Peninsula Nature Trail proposal included:

• Miles of new or improved trails and boardwalks
• Wayfinding and interpretive signage at sites across the peninsula
• New observation towers and platforms at key sites
• Park improvements at Fort Travis Seashore Park
• Improved bay access for watercraft
• Strategic land acquisition to connect and improve High Island sanctuaries
• A conservation and information center for visitors
• Creation of two new rookery islands
• An elevated walkway though the forest overlooking world class rookery areas at High Island  

Project Benefits

© Joanne Kamo

Increases the Houston-Galveston Bay area’s significance as a top destination for birding, swimming, boating and exploration.   By highlighting, enhancing and connecting areas of interest from the Galveston Island Ferry to High Island, wildlife enthusiasts, outdoorsmen, families, photographers and the casual explorer may enjoy a wider range of opportunities when spending time on the Upper Texas Coast. 

Enhances the Bolivar Peninsula economy. Tourism is already a mainstay of the Bolivar Peninsula’s economy. In recent years, over 49,000 people have purchased Bolivar beach parking stickers each year, 10,000+ people have visited Audubon sanctuaries annually, and 500-700 homes are rented out to visitors. The Bolivar Peninsula Nature Trail will build on this already significant economic driver by: (1) increasing the length of visitors’ stays , (2) extending the length of “peak” tourism season , and (3) providing new visitor experience that attract both new and returning guests . By providing improved opportunities for visitors, the Bolivar Peninsula Nature Trail will support local businesses, create new business opportunities, and inject renewed strength into the local economy.

Improves the visitor experience. Funding for this proposal will improve visitor attractions and make navigating to these destinations much easier. Trails, boardwalks, and improved boat access and parking areas will allow residents and visitors to see parts of the Peninsula that they’ve never experienced before. A new visitor center at High Island will provide a one-stop-shop for information about the Peninsula and its unique attractions. And a cohesive system of signage will make navigating to, and learning about, each destination much easier.

Raises awareness of the Peninsula’s unique natural resources. The Bolivar Peninsula is home to world-class natural resources—from Bolivar Flats to High Island. Enhancements at each of the 13 Nature Trail sites will provide guests with information about the history, culture, and incredible ecology of the Bolivar Peninsula. This, in turn, will help raise awareness of the Peninsula’s unique assets.

Protects the Bolivar Peninsula’s natural resources. Funding in this proposal will support invasive species removal, habitat enhancement, and limited land acquisition. These activities will greatly benefit the visitor experience, and will ensure that the Peninsula’s unique resources can be enjoyed—and treasured—by future generations.

• Genesis Energy

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