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About
Crystal
Beach and Bolivar Peninsula
Bolivar Peninsula is a coastal community in Texas
located just east of
Galveston Island along the Gulf of Mexico. With its 27
miles of
beautiful beaches, vibrant community, and numerous
activities, Bolivar
Peninsula is a popular destination for fishing, birding,
beachcombing,
and simply relaxing at the beach. There is something for
everyone on
the Bolivar Peninsula. Are you looking for a relaxing
weekend or a
vacation filled with family fun? Rent one of the many
beach houses
located here. Do you enjoy fishing? The North Jetty,
about two miles
from the ferry landing, is a renowned spot for catching
fish. It is
also a great place to go crabbing with the kids. And in
spring and
fall, you will have no problem catching your limit at
Rollover Pass.
Birdwatching is always a popular activity here because
there are over
100 species of migratory birds such as egrets, heron,
and roseatte
spoonbills.
Check out the Point Bolivar Lighthouse during your
visit. It was built
in 1872 and guided seamen on their journey for 61 years.
This
lighthouse survived the infamous storms of 1900 and 1915
and even
managed to make an appearance in a 1968 movie called “My
Sweet Charlie”, which starred Patty Duke. Although the
lighthouse is privately owned and not open to the
public, it is a very
popular photo opportunity. And hop aboard the
Galveston-Bolivar free
ferry for a trip across the bay. Park at the ferry
landing and walk on
for the round trip and a chance to see dolphins, huge
oceangoing
vessels,
and maybe even a cruise ship leaving port.
While much of the area was impacted by Hurricane Ike in
2008, Bolivar
has
experienced significant growth and repopulation in
recent years.
Beautiful new beach homes are going up regularly. And
restaurants and
businesses have been rebuilt and are thriving.
Bolivar Peninsula was named in honor of
Simon Bolivar (1783-1836), a freedom leader fighting to
free South and
Central America from Spanish rule. The area is rich in
history
including associations with infamous
pirates such as Jean Lafitte. It is also where Jane
Long, known as
"The Mother of Texas", gave birth during the brutal
winter of 1821
while her military husband was away on a mission. Hwy 87
was renamed
'Jane Long Memorial Highway' in her honor.
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of The Beach * Ride the
Bolivar Ferry * Map
of the Area * Subdivisions-Mileage
from
Ferry |
FROM
HOUSTON
Take I-45
south to Galveston.
After you pass over the causeway, continue down
Broadway
until you reach the beach. Turn left on Ferry Road,
and continue to the landing. It takes the free
Galveston-Bolivar Ferry about 20 minutes to
travel across the bay to Bolivar Peninsula.
NOTE: Ferry lines can be very long on summer and
holiday weekends, in
some cases in excess of one hour. ALTERNATE ROUTE
from Houston (to avoid long ferry lines).
Take I-10 east to Winnie (exit# 828), then south on
Highway 124
until you come to the beach road, Highway 87
FROM BEAUMONT
Take I-10 west to Winnie, then south on Highway 124
until you come to the beach road, Highway 87.
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