Crystal Beach on Bolivar Peninsula offers travelers a strong selection of vacation rentals available that far exceed the hotels in the area – and at a comparable rate. Vacation rentals in Crystal Beach range from small condos and townhomes to magnificent oceanfront homes. When you rent a vacation rental in Crystal Beach instead of a busy hotel, you’ll notice a vast difference in the quality of your vacation. Crystal Beach vacation rentals provide privacy, room to roam, additional space and added amenities. Savvy travelers who want more bang for their buck opt for a vacation rental for their Crystal Beach getaway.

Vacation rentals are available in all sizes and styles. There are condos, cottages, cabins, hideaways, bungalows, duplexes, townhomes and private homes. No matter what you call it, don’t call it a frumpy hotel. Vacation rentals are real homes – they come fully furnished and have pots, pans, linens, towels, silverware and a coffee maker, among other things. Basically, all the comforts of home.

Property owners who offer their residences for rent strive to accommodate travelers with just about everything! Upscale condos and cottages in Crystal Beach come with all kinds of amenities, like a pool, ocean view, air conditioning, fireplace, washer/dryer and a patio/lanai/balcony. Many residences are oceanfront or only a short walk from the beach.

Vacation Rentals in Crystal Beach

Crystal Beach is also known as Patton. It is on the Bolivar Peninsula and is part of Galveston County, Texas. It stretches 7 miles along Texas State Highway 87 in the middle of the peninsula. Bolivar Peninsula has a total of about 27 miles of beach and is a popular spot for families. In addition to soaking up the sun, building sandcastles and dipping your toes in the ocean, you can also camp, build a bonfire, tour the wildlife sanctuaries and refuge, boogie board, swim, jet ski, parasail, kayak and fish. For fishing, you can cast a line in the surf or head to the rocks at the North Jetty.

The family-friendly beaches of Bolivar Peninsula are simply unmatched. There is so much open space that it’s not hard to socially distance and have a nice space to yourself or your family. It’s easy to bring a blanket and umbrella and stake your claim to a cozy spot in the sun and near the water. The beach is fun to explore, and you might even spot a few seashells or even some fossilized shark teeth. With 27 miles of beach, you can explore a completely different spot each day of your vacay.

If you rent a beachfront vacation rental, you can walk out your front door and be in your beach chair in no time. There’s nothing better than starting your day with an inspiring ocean view and the comforting sound of crashing waves to go along with your morning coffee.

Top 9 Things to Do in Crystal Beach

Crystal Beach and the Bolivar Peninsula provide lots of distinctive adventures and attractions. Did you know you can drive your car on the beach? That’s just one of the memorable experiences that you can have on your next Gulf Coast getaway. When you’re in town, the Bolivar Peninsula Vacation Guide can be a valuable resource to track down Crystal Beach’s best restaurants, activities and attractions in the vicinity. In the meantime, here are a few of the more popular attractions in town that might catch your eye (in no particular order):

9). Kemah Boardwalk. Take a stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy amusement rides, retail shopping and oceanside restaurants. See Crystal Beach from an entirely different perspective from the top of the Ferris Wheel. Top off the evening with an ice cream cone from Sweet Scoops or a full meal from Landry’s Seafood House.

8). Fun Spot Waterslide. For more than 40 years, the Fun Spot Waterslide has made a splash with vacationers at Crystal Beach. The refreshing waterslide is the perfect family-friendly getaway on a sunny summer day.

7). Bolivar Ferry. Enjoy a fun and memorable ferry ride between Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula with a fun-filled jaunt on the Bolivar Ferry. The free ferry offers motorists and pedestrians a safe route that’s also scenic. There are terrific restaurants within walking distance from the ferry for a memorable dinner, like Willie G’s Steakhouse and Seafood.

6). Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. Birdwatchers love the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge not only for the flocks of feathered friends, but also the full array of flora and fauna that is found there. During the fall and winter months, you can see wildlife like snow geese, roseate spoonbills, and Sandhill cranes while walking through the refuge. Head to the visitor’s center and discover educational workshops, festivals, and exhibits.

5). Schlitterbahn Waterpark. If you need a break from the sun, or if it’s a rainy day, head over to Schlitterbahn Waterpark and the water fun doesn’t have to end. The indoor water park has a wave pool, water slides, water coasters, a lazy river, tubing and more. You can bring your own picnic lunch or pick up a grab-and-go meal to stay energized during a long day of splashes and thrills.

4). Moody Gardens. Learn all about the rainforest and underwater sea creatures at Moody Gardens, a tropical destination near Crystal Beach. There are fantastic aquariums where you can view ocean life, including many species of fish. The IMAX theater has informative shows for all ages, and the white sand beach is soft and comfy on your toes.

3). Fort Travis. Fort Travis is perfect for history buffs. The historical site has oil tankers and cargo ships you can tour, along with the fort, which was built in 1898. You can climb to the bunker’s top and see the Houston Ship Channel, one of the busiest seaports in the world. Fort Travis was added to the National Register of Historic Places in Galveston County in 2006.

2). San Jacinto Monument & Museum. Learn all about the history of the American West and browse through authentic artifacts with a tour of the San Jacinto Monument and Museum. It is regarded as the world’s tallest war memorial (at 567 feet tall) and is topped with a 220-ton star that commemorates the site of the Battle of San Jacinto, the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution. It’s a great photo op and an authentic slice of Texas history.

1). Point Bolivar Lighthouse. The 19th Century lighthouse guided ships to shore for more than six decades before being replaced by a different light in the 1930s. The lighthouse towers nearly 120 feet above sea level. Stop by the privately-owned lighthouse for a photo with the family, then explore Crystal Beach with a boat tour from Galveston Harbor Tours.

Finding the Best Crystal Beach Vacation Rental For You

Lone Star State Vacation Rentals has properties available on the Bolivar Peninsula and in Crystal Beach that are ideal for a family vacation, business working vacation (or “workation”), or a romantic getaway. Smaller residences with one or two bedrooms are great for an intimate vacation, and larger rentals with five, six or seven bedrooms allow you the option of having all your friends or family under one roof. Why share numerous hotel rooms when you can have one large open space with a dining table that can accommodate everyone?

You can browse our inventory and pick what’s best for you, or you can reach out to us and let us know what you’re looking for. Why do all the work yourself? We’re here to help! Jot down what’s important to you (location, amenities, price range) and we’ll make a few recommendations to you that check all the boxes. We know Crystal Beach, Bolivar Peninsula and the Galveston area well!

Choose from more the best Bolivar Peninsula vacation rentals, with many of them on the water with stunning oceanfront views. You’ll have access to extraordinary amenities, and your family will make memories that last a lifetime. Check our availability, and start planning the vacation of your dreams right now!