Crystal Beach

Crystal Beach is located on the Bolivar Peninsula, which connects Galveston Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. Because of the beach's remote location (it can only be reached by ferry from Galveston), the ratio of hermit crabs to beachgoers is frequently quite high. When not looking for hermit crabs, visitors can go fishing or bird watching. Every year, more than 100 species of migratory birds visit the peninsula. Crystal Beach also welcomes campers and allows campfires to be built directly on the sand.

Despite its remote location, Crystal Beach provides a true party atmosphere. Visitors can drive their cars and trucks directly onto the sand for a $10 fee per vehicle, camp overnight for free, and set up grills and bonfires, encouraging groups to gather and revel throughout the summer. Fishing, shell and hermit crab hunting and birding (over 100 migratory species visit the Bolivar Peninsula each year) are also popular activities. After the sun goes down, the energy level is maintained by nearby restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.