Crystal Beach is located along 27 miles of beach on the Bolivar Peninsula. It is a popular destination thanks to its permitting of camping and fires, as well as its fishing opportunities. Some fish in the surf, while others take advantage of Rollover Fish Pass or the rocks of the North Jetty. The pass is named for the practice of ship captains from the days of Spanish rule through prohibition, who, to avoid the Galveston customs station, rolled barrels of import or export merchandise over that part of the peninsula.

A drive on beach, white sand, numerous shells and great fishing as well as an excellent bird watchers paradise – all great reasons to make this the place for your summer get away.

Galveston is just a 20 minute Free Ferry ride, often escorted by Dolphins across the east Galveston Bay.

Crystal Beach, originally known as Patton, stretches about seven miles along Texas 87 on Bolivar Peninsula. Patton was a railroad stop until the trains stopped operation in the early 1940s. At that time, the name was changed to Crystal Beach. It’s the largest residential and commercial community on the peninsula. Main industries are shrimping, oystering and tourism. Summer visitors swell population and miles of sandy beaches offer many recreational activities.

Birding is exciting during the spring and fall migrations. The fields, bushes, trees and marshes are alive with colorful and rare species. Many northern species winter here.

Free ferries operate every 20 minutes between Galveston and Port Bolivar, Texas 87. The ferries are part of the Texas transportation system, operated by the Texas Department of Transportation.

The old Bolivar Lighthouse, after 61 years of service, still stands near Texas 87. Although not open to the public, it is a symbol of mariner history along the Texas coast.