Sweeping bayside views in a lively coastal community
The sound of gulls, the smell of cooking barbecue and the sight of jewel-colored beach houses – this is daily life on Bolivar Peninsula’s Crystal Beach. While Galveston has become one of Texas’s favorite tourist attractions, the neighboring Bolivar Peninsula remains true to its rural roots. Large portions of the peninsula are occupied by ranch land and bird sanctuaries. “We have 27 miles of paradise,” says Holly Cravy, a Crystal Beach resident and Realtor with Vive Realty. “People love the freedom to be, to enjoy the beach without a lot of commotion. It’s a come-as-you-are kind of place.” The peninsula was severely damaged during Hurricane Ike in 2008 but has since rebuilt and become attractive for its beautiful scenery and growing real estate options. Crystal Beach is one of Bolivar’s most popular neighborhoods for its 4-mile-long beach and view of the Gulf of Mexico. The neighborhood hosts signature annual events, from community cook-offs to sailboat races.
Residents can enjoy Bolivar Beach, located on the southern end of Crystal Beach.
A row of beach homes sit along the sand dunes in Crystal Beach, Texas.
1/2
Crystal Beach covers four miles along the Gulf
The area’s namesake beach provides a sweeping view of the Gulf of Mexico and is one of the most beloved beaches in the area. Crystal Beach runs about 4 miles across the peninsula shoreline and can be accessed from multiple points. Hundreds of college students come to the beach every year during spring break season, which lasts for most of March. Gregory Park on Highway 87 is the perfect place for a game of basketball or a bike ride and often hosts summer concerts and yearly festivals. For residents who want to take their boats out on the bay, the area around Crystal Beach has multiple marinas and boat launches, including Bolivar Yacht Basin on Boyt Road and Bolivar Marina on Stingaree Drive.
Kayaking is a popular pastime in the Crystal Beach area.
A child throws a net in the surf for shrimp and baitfish in Crystal Beach.
1/2
Elevated bungalows along the shores of Crystal Beach
While there are about 1,000 permanent residents on the peninsula, most of Crystal Beach’s homes are second residences or vacation properties. Because the area can be vulnerable to flooding during storm season, bungalow-style beach homes are typically elevated. These bungalows come in every color, from lime green and flamingo pink to aqua blue and amethyst purple. Properties may have extra features like big porches, hot tubs and private boat docks. A beach home 1,500 square feet or under ranges from $150,000 to $400,000, while a 1,500 to 2,000 square feet home can be $450,000 to $850,000. Luxury beach homes with lots of custom features can reach between $850,000 to $2 million. Defined yards and sidewalks are rare in Crystal Beach, and nearly everyone is a short walk or golf cart ride to the water. “Most homes are within 1,000 feet from the beach,” says Beth Boles-Terminella, Realtor for One10 Realty. The CAP Index Crime Score in Crystal Beach is a desirable 1 out of 10, well below the national average score of 4.
A large three story beach home, located on an ample sized lot in Crystal Beach, Texas.
A row of beach homes sit along a quiet road in Crystal Beach, Texas.
1/2
Gregory Park hosts crab cookoffs and sailboat racing
Crystal Beach is Bolivar Peninsula’s event destination. Gregory Park bursts with purple, green and gold for Mardi Gras and is filled with the buttery smell of cooking shellfish during the annual Texas Crab Festival in May. Multiple fishing tournaments and barbecue cook-offs are held throughout the year, including the Ladies Casting for Conservation Fishing Tournament in July and the Port Bolivar BBQ Cook-Off in October. At the end of summer, the water of Crystal Beach fills with dozens of colorful boat sails for the Bolivar Rig Run Sailboat Race.
Gregory Park is a neighborhood staple for the Crystal Beach community.
Fisherman cast a line at one of the many bank fishing spots in Crystal Beach.
1/2
Fresh seafood and sunset-soaked views at Stingaree Restaurant
Close to Stingaree Cove, there is no shortage of fresh seafood. At Stingaree Restaurant and Marina on Stingaree Drive, locals can dock their boats, pull up a chair for live music and watch the sunset over the bay, all while enjoying a plate of crab or calamari. Monster Shrimp Road on Canal West serves fresh catches from an unassuming beach house. At JB’s Seafood farther up the road, locals can buy fresh fish and shrimp to take home and cook themselves.
One of the largest cornerstone stores in Bolivar is The Big Store on Highway 87. The store proudly proclaims that shoppers can find anything they need under one roof. It has a supermarket, hardware store, deli, bank and gift shop all in one place. Our Lady by the Sea Catholic Church is located directly across from The Big Store and is one of six churches in Galveston’s Holy Family Parish.
Stingaree Restaurant is open daily and serves fresh Gulf shrimp in Crystal Beach.
Residents of Crystal Beach can stop by The Big Store for everyday necessities.
1/2
The beach is the classroom at Crenshaw School
Crystal Beach families are zoned to Galveston Schools. Crenshaw School of Environmental Studies is on the Bolivar Peninsula and covers kindergarten through eighth grade. Crenshaw earns a B-minus score on Niche and focuses on a nature-first curriculum. Students go to the beach to collect shells, work in a community garden and have class at the school’s outdoor classroom and boardwalk. The district’s main high school, Ball High School, earns a B on Niche. To reach Ball, students can take the bus, which travels on the ferry to Galveston Island. When Crystal Beach residents get off the ferry to Galveston, they are about a mile from the University of Texas Medical Branch, an acclaimed medical school.
Ball High School is a 5A class school serving grades 9-12 in the greater Galveston area.
The Crenshaw School serves grades K-8.
1/2
Take the ferry to Galveston or Interstate 10 to Houston
Texas State Highway 87 is the only major highway on the peninsula, covering the entire length of Bolivar. Bolivar Side Ferry Terminal is at the end of Highway 87 on the far west end of the peninsula. At least one ferry always runs between this terminal and the Galveston Ferry Terminal. The ferry service is free to ride, available 365 days a year, and several boats are typically in operation during weekends or peak summer hours. In total, the drive to the terminal and the ferry ride to Galveston covers 17 miles, and a one-way ferry ride lasts less than 20 minutes. To reach Houston, about 97 miles away, Bolivar residents usually drive into Chambers County and then connect to I-10.
A man takes in the sights on the ferry from Galveston to Crystal Beach.
Most homes in Crystal Beach have ample sized lots.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Crystal Beach, Galveston sell after 118 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Crystal Beach, Galveston over the last 12 months is $439,500, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to the Coppertone Beach House, an architectural marvel on the Texas Gulf Coast. This isn't just a home; it's a legacy. Spanning over 4,600 square feet, this stunning residence features 6 bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom.Crafted from rare Suwannee River Cypress, the home's design seamlessly marries postmodern minimalism with coastal fortitude. Soaring vaulted ceilings and
MAGNIFICENT beachfront home on Crystal Beach! Superior custom build has gleaming hardwoods, spectacular coffered ceilings & moldings, elevator, whole home generator, iron banisters, TREX decking and more! This top-tier property boasts an open floor plan with an expansive TREX deck, unparalleled OCEAN VIEWS! Dreamy kitchen w/ 6 burner stove, pot filler, huge island! Walk-in Butler's pantry, large
Beachside Beauty in Crystal Beach – Just 2 Blocks from the Shore!Welcome to your dream coastal getaway! This stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bath beach house is ideally located just close to the beach with Gulf views. Thoughtfully designed and fully upgraded, it comes fully furnished with appliances included—just bring your suitcase and start living the beach life!Inside, enjoy a bright, open floor
Get away from it all at this Crystal Beach retreat a short stroll or drive to the beach and a 1-minute drive to The Big Store! This is an entertainer's dream with built-in tiki bar and picnic tables large enough for all your friends. Inside, the spacious living and kitchen are bathed in natural light, allowing the dramatic wood floors to glisten. Pull up a barstool at the kitchen island for a
Soak in Gulf views from this elegant two-story beach retreat, perfectly situated on a corner lot just four houses from the water. Designed with a reverse floorplan, the main living, dining, and kitchen areas are upstairs, opening to a spacious south-facing deck where sea breezes and sunsets set the tone. The primary suite offers private deck access, custom cabinetry, granite double vanities,
Check out this sunshiny slice of paradise 0.1 miles from the Gulf! This well-crafted home features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and beautiful custom wood cabinets. It offers three spacious bedrooms, including one with built-in bunks, two bathrooms, a utility room, and a large open living, dining, and kitchen area—perfect for creating lasting family memories. Enjoy beach
Watch ships pass by and enjoy sunrise and sunset from the deck at Lost Salt Surf Shack, just steps from the beach. This inviting home features three bedrooms: a king, a queen, and a room with two twin-over-twin bunks. The spacious living room and fully stocked kitchen make it easy to relax or cook meals. Enjoy the top deck with great views and seating, unwind on the downstairs patio, and find
Beautifully remodeled beach house in the heart of Crystal Beach at a fantastic price point! It's the perfect short term rental opportunity for those looking for extra passive income or even a second home. Inside and outside has been completely renovated for luxury living on the beach. Great potential for its next owners! Located just a short golf cart drive from the beach, this home is also
Experience the ultimate retreat in this spacious 6-bedroom home spread across three levels, perfect for accommodating up to 15 guests. Located just a 30-second drive from the beach, this property offers stunning views, a large deck, a tiki bar, and an outdoor shower. The home features three king bedrooms, a room with two twin beds, one queen bedroom, a separate bunk room, and two living rooms,
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
