Things To Do When Visiting Crystal Beach
Bolivar Peninsula and the town of Crystal Beach is a gem of a Texas beach getaway that offers a nearly limitless amount of things to see and do. Relax on the pristine wide sandy beach, swim in the inviting water, and work on your sun tan. Follow that up with some time fishing off a jetty or a round of golf at the nine-hole Rancho Carribe Golf Course. During the winter, head over to the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge to see one of the thousands of birds that migrate to this part of the Texas Gulf Coast, a rare treat for birding enthusiasts and animal admirers. There are, of course, tons of other things to do in Crystal Beach and Bolivar Peninsula that will make your vacation one to remember. Read on to discover many of the experiences you’ll have when you visit.
1.Play on the beach – Enjoy a soothing day with friends as you soak up the sun, swim in the warm water of the Gulf of Mexico, and build a sandcastle. For something more higher impact, catch a few waves on your surf board, kayak along the shoreline, or cast a line and try your luck at catching a fish.
2. Go Birding –
If you’re a birding enthusiast who is looking to spot something you’ve never seen before, or you just enjoy being outdoors while you marvel at wildlife, then a visit to Bolivar Peninsula is a must. This part of the Texas Gulf Coast is an incredibly biodiverse region that encompasses sandy beaches, coastal grasslands, bayous, and estuaries that support a breathtaking array of flora and fauna. In fact, the peninsula is recognized as a Globally Important Bird Area and is an International Site in the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network.
3. Admire the Point Bolivar Lighthouse –
Get your camera and head to the south end of the peninsula to see a true piece of Gulf Coast history. Built in 1872 and decommissioned in 1933, the Point Bolivar Lighthouse sheltered more than 100 people during the infamous 1900 hurricane in Galveston.
4. Explore Fort Travis –
Climb to the top of the bunker at historic Fort Travis and gaze across the shimmering blue water of the Houston Ship Channel for one of the best views on the Bolivar Peninsula. Enormous cargo ships and oil tankers leisurely sail on the horizon, while the towering hotels of Galveston loom to the south. That bunker you’re standing on is part of what remains of a fort built in 1898 to protect Galveston Bay, which was a prominent shipping center even back then. It even garrisoned troops during World Wars I and II before it was decommissioned in the late 1940’s. Today, it’s a fascinating recreational center that offers fishing along the rocky shore, picnic areas, and wide grassy areas perfect for just about any kind of pickup game. Kick back and enjoy a day out in the sun, but don’t forget to check out the fort’s four historic batteries, as well as all the interpretive signs that share the park’s history.
5. Rent a Golf Cart –
In most places you would probably need a car to get around, but not so in Crystal Beach. Here, one of the best ways to get out to the beach is by golf cart. Why carry your heavy cooler, beach gear, and fishing equipment when you could load it up in a cart and cruise to the beach? As it turns out, there are several places you can rent a golf cart in Crystal Beach, so it is easy to get one. The use of golf carts is so prevalent in town that there’s even a massive annual parade called the Golf Cart Poker Run. Held in August, the parade includes more than 200 golf carts and culminates with a live auction and an award for best decorated.
