Texas Road Trip Guide
Crystal Beach – Restaurants, Ocean Breezes, and The Big Store
Has your family been considering a visit to Crystal Beach?
The popular beach, on the Bolivar Peninsula, is ideal for families looking for long stretches of car friendly beaches and access to restaurants, shopping, and rental beach homes.
The area has been hit by a number of hurricanes, but each new round of building seems to provide bigger and nicer homes and amenities.
People from other states seem surprised that Texas has beaches you can drive on. Growing up here, I guess I have taken that for granted.
In the United States, cars have always been a symbol of freedom. On our miles and miles of beaches, they really do give us the freedom to explore. What could be better? Cruising the beach in a quiet electric golf cart. Bring your own or golf carts are available for rent in Crystal Beach. Texas Custom Carts: (409) 684-1043, West Canal Beach Buggies (409) 750-5688, or Crystal Beach Golf Carts: (409) 679-1448.
I remember going to the beach in Matagorda Beach as a child, there were always a lot of people right where the road met the beach. Families that made a short drive down the beach were rewarded with privacy and space – sometimes a mile or more between other visitors or campers.
Crystal Beach has a lot of traffic in the summer, but you can enjoy more calm and privacy in the Spring or Fall. In the summer, expect a constant parade of jeeps, trucks, and side by sides (Raptors, Rangers, etc.).
It is free to drive on the beach, but you need a $10 pass to park or camp on the beach.
There are trash cans every 100 feet. The beach is professionally cleaned, but sometimes there is trash on the beach.
Galveston is just a free ferry ride away. You will almost always see dolphins on the ferry ride. Wait times are typically s
hort in the Spring, Fall, and Winter, but can be an hour each way in the summer.
Some of the regional beaches (Holly Beach, McFaddin Beach, Sea Rim State Park) don’t have restaurants, convenience stores, or grocery stores. Crystal Beach has several convenience stores and restaurants. They also have “The Big Store” where you can get groceries, beach wear, fishing supplies, hardware, beach decor, pizza, and a Crystal Beach parking pass.
Travelling with horses? Call Crystal Corral Stables. 1109 North Crystal Beach Road in Galveston. (832) 768-3428
Crystal Beach is a great place to enjoy the beach and reconnect with family.
Are you looking for more Texas road trip ideas?
We can help.
- Daryl Fant, Publisher. Southeast Texas Family Magazine
- (512) 567-8068
- SETXAdvertising@gmail.com
Do you need help advertising your restaurant, hotel, event, or attraction to families? Give us a call.
