Welcome to Crystal Beach

​​​​​​​Bounded by Galveston Bay to the north and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, Crystal Beach is an unincorporated community tucked on the 27 beautiful miles of the Bolivar Peninsula in Galveston County, Texas. Here, when the sun rises in glorious swaths of pink over the lapping waves and charming stilt houses, this quiet and sleepy beach town wakes and blossoms into a relaxed vacation destination. 

A short ferry ride to Galveston, Crystal Beach was settled in the early 20th century and has maintained its allure as a peaceful beach community where visitors and residents alike can enjoy the serene waters and swaying palm trees. The homes here are built for the perfect beach life—from their high perches along the beach, they provide stunning views of the Gulf and Bay. If you can’t find an already-built home that feels uniquely yours, you’re in luck, as one major attraction of Crystal Beach is the number of open plots for sale. Create your dream house in this breezy community and design the life you’ve always longed for.
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What to Love

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• Resplendent views on the ferry to Galveston
• Waterfront dining at Steve’s Landing
• Tranquil beach lifestyle
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People and Lifestyle

The Bolivar Peninsula itself is home to a small population of around 2,300 residents, the majority of whom fall within a higher age bracket. Crystal Beach is an ideal place to retire, as well as a superb place to purchase a vacation home. It's the kind of community where neighbors are friends, the good times flow, and a sense of relaxation permeates every aspect of living.
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Dining, Entertainment & Shopping 

With the spectacular views comes incredible dining and shopping options. Small and charismatic, the community of Crystal Beach has the perfect island vibe when it comes to its commercial and dining scene. 

Craving that caffeine kick? Visit local favorite Third Coast Coffee and take your heavenly caramel macchiato to-go so you can relish every sip by the ocean. Or, head to one of the island’s many lovely boutiques for that one-of-a-kind find. At Braylee’s & Co. you can shop to your heart’s content among their selection of boutique women and children’s apparel, home décor, jewelry, and accessories.

For a true beach experience, check out Stingaree Restaurant & Marina. The main dining area overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway and has classic seafood fare like their irresistible Galveston Bay blue crabs. Head downstairs for the congenial vibes at the DownUnder Bar and Grill portion of the restaurant, where you can enjoy savory burgers and po boys. Still not convinced? This impressive restaurant also offers the opportunity to pull up to their docks and dine from your own boat—they’ll even cook your fresh catches for you!

Things to Do

Crystal Beach offers more than just its laid-back atmosphere. In this small community, you can delve into nature’s beauty along the coast, enjoy family activities, experience live music, and get a glimpse of some of the best views in Texas. 

The entire Bolivar Peninsula is part of The Great Coastal Birding Trail, and those in the birding community will delight at the abundance of species you’ll find on this stretch of land. Host to several bird sanctuaries, this area plays a pivotal role in the conservation of birds. Residents and visitors alike will find themselves enchanted by this coastal excursion. 

Apart from the family-fun options at the beach itself, there’s plenty of entertainment to enjoy at Fun Spot Waterslide. Take the kids and spend an exciting day at this local waterpark, where the slides and rides rest under the blue sky, and the gulls fly overhead.

The peninsula—and Crystal Beach in particular—is also a hotspot for live music, boasting an abundance of waterfront venues and plenty of festivals to keep you entertained throughout the year. Craft your perfect vacation experience with a drink in hand, the gulf in sight, companionship, and incredible live music here in Crystal Beach.


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