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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Are you familiar with the Crystal Beach neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Crystal Beach
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Crystal Beach Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Crystal Beach, Galveston sell after 137 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Crystal Beach, Galveston over the last 12 months is $422,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience coastal living with room for everyone at 2426 Sand Bar Lane in Crystal Beach. This elevated beach home sits on a double lot and offers 1,776 total sq. ft. including a 3-bedroom, 2-bath main home and a detached 1-bedroom, 1-bath guest suite above the two-car garage, perfect for extended family, guests, or added privacy. The open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area features hardwood
Beach Life at a Great Price! Just 4 rows from the beach and ocean, this charming 2-bedroom home offers ocean views from the patio and the calming sound of waves all day long. Enjoy easy beach access—walk or ride in just minutes! Most furnishings are included, making it move-in ready for full-time living or short-term rental (sleeps up to 6). The open-concept kitchen and living area features bar
Welcome to your dream beach retreat in Crystal Beach with DIRECT BEACH ACCESS! This charming two-bedroom, two-bathroom home offers direct beach access, making it the perfect coastal escape. Light and bright throughout, the open-concept living area is filled with natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. This boast a spacious kitchen, ample storage, and a breakfast bar, perfect for
The views of the sunset are amazing in this waterfront home on the bay. 1124 Faggards Road is a 3-bedroom, 3-bath elevated coastal retreat positioned on almost 2 acres of paradise with expansive bay and canal frontage. A private lift provides convenient access to the main living level, where vaulted wood ceilings, rich wood flooring, and walls of windows frame stunning water views. The
Spacious 3-bed beach house with Gulf views, large lot, and large primary suite on the main level with new LVP flooring throughout. The open kitchen features granite countertops, a pantry, and a generous breakfast bar that opens to the living room, dedicated dining space, and dry bar. Upstairs, there are two additional bedrooms, bathroom, a loft area that doubles as a game room and bonus sleeping
This festive beach house is located just 0.3 miles from the beach in the Villas at Rollover Bay neighborhood. It's one of the few Villas with a full-sized garage and also includes the sand shower and loft upgrades. Enjoy views of both the Gulf and the bay from the front deck of this beautifully decorated villa, With two primary suites and an additional loft, this 2-bedroom home comfortably
Unmatched views 3 rows from beach at an unbeatable price. You won’t find another home this close to the beach with views like this—especially at this price point! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath coastal gem offers sweeping beach and ocean views just steps from the sand. Whether you walk or cruise your golf cart straight onto the beach, you’ll enjoy year-round vacation living at its best. Fully furnished
This vacation-ready beach house is just 0.3 miles from the beach with Gulf views from the deck! Enjoy sunrise views of the Gulf and Intracoastal waterway while you relax on the east-facing deck. Located in the Villas at Rollover Bay neighborhood at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac street, this villa is a short walk from all the community amenities, including the pool, playground, fire pits, and
Enjoy the Gulf view from this beachside retreat that comfortably sleeps 12 and is perfect for large families or groups. Pull into the oversized concrete driveway with plenty of room for parking, an oversized garage, sand shower, and picnic table. Upstairs, the partially shaded deck offers a Gulf view down Clara along with shady areas to escape the sun and sunny areas to bask in the glow. Step
This fully furnished coastal retreat is just five houses from the Gulf in the sought-after Emerald Beach community! Featuring 4 bedrooms and 2 baths, this beachside beauty offers an open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area that keeps everyone connected.Extensively updated, the home is vacation ready with a new HVAC system (2023) and water heater (2023), all-new indoor appliances
Located in the desirable Sandpiper neighborhood in the heart of Crystal Beach, this 3-bed with bonus 4th bedroom suite and separate game room on ground floor is everything you're looking for in a beach house! Complete with tiki bar, game room, and floating dock on the ground floor and partially shaded upper deck with a second palapa-style tiki bar, this beach house offers a variety of
Check out this beautiful Beach Cabin on the front row. Brand New Roof in January 2025!! The views are amazing! This cabin is unlike most cabins in Crystal Beach. This cabin has a private primary bedroom. The rest of the sleeping area is in the main part of the cabin. Boasting a living room, kitchen, breakfast room, along with 4 queen beds for extra sleeping. The huge island in the kitchen would
Steps from the beach, this coastal retreat is just two houses from the beach and offers stunning views and custom features! Inside, you’ll find gorgeous wooden beams, quartzite countertops, crown molding, luxury vinyl flooring, and built-in bunk beds. The spacious primary suite has an elegant walk-in shower with a standalone soaking tub and double sinks. The ground level is an entertainer's dream
The advertised rate of $2,456/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of January 3, 2027.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
The advertised rate of $3,470/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of December 31, 2027.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can
The advertised rate of $4,890/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of January 11, 2027.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
The advertised rate of $2,384/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of January 3, 2027.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
The advertised rate of $2,144/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of January 4, 2027.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
The advertised rate of $4,690/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of January 7, 2027.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
The advertised rate of $5,393/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of January 8, 2027.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
The advertised rate of $2,722/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of January 3, 2027.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
The advertised rate of $2,438/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of January 4, 2027.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
The advertised rate of $4,081/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of January 7, 2027.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
The advertised rate of $2,926/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of January 3, 2027.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
The advertised rate of $11,053/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of January 3, 2027.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
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