Galveston County, TX · Gulf of Mexico

Crystal Beach (Bolivar Peninsula)

The main public beach on the Bolivar Peninsula, reached from Galveston via the free Bolivar Ferry. Drivable, dog-friendly, less crowded than Galveston Island. Quintessential Texas beach culture — pickups on the sand, fishing rods, and weekend crowds in summer.

Stay 11 Eats & Drinks 2

Today's Conditions

Great day for a beach walk.

76°F water · 74°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Partly sunny, with a high near 74. East wind around 15 mph.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. East wind 15 to 20 mph.

Weather

74°F air — ideal beach weather
Sunny skies — clear conditions

Water

76°F water — warm — full-day swim weather

76 /100

great

76 Swim

77 Sunbathe

84 Walk

71 Fish

78 Photo

Best for walking today

Water level 1.0 ft above predicted

Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.

NOAA station 8771341 · Observed 2.24 ft · Predicted 1.22 ft

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

74°F

Clear

Wind

15 mph

Rain

This Afternoon

Air Quality

60 Moderate

PM2.5 (fine particles) · Houston-Galveston-Brazoria

UV Peak

5 Moderate

Peaks 12 PM · burn in ~40m

Burn-free before 09 AM & after 03 PM

Tomorrow

70°F

Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Rain Showers

Water

Water Temp

76°F

Swimming weather

Next Low Tide

9:52 PM

1.5 ft · in 3.3h

Wave Height

3.3 ft

5s · ENE swell

Barometer

30.10 inHg

1019 hPa · buoy 42035

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

6:36 AM

Sunset

5:28 PM

Moon · 5%

Waning Crescent

Spring tides — bigger range

Tides

Time	Type	Height
1:14 AM	High	1.6 ft
8:01 AM	Low	0.3 ft
3:46 PM	High	2.1 ft
9:52 PM	Low	1.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
1:16 AM	High	1.6 ft
8:32 AM	Low	0.1 ft
4:36 PM	High	2.1 ft
10:52 PM	Low	1.6 ft

Time	Type	Height
1:17 AM	High	1.7 ft
9:05 AM	Low	0.0 ft
5:20 PM	High	2.2 ft

Time	Type	Height
9:39 AM	Low	-0.0 ft
6:08 PM	High	2.1 ft

Time	Type	Height
10:14 AM	Low	-0.1 ft
7:05 PM	High	2.1 ft

Time	Type	Height
10:50 AM	Low	-0.0 ft
8:09 PM	High	2.0 ft

Time	Type	Height
11:28 AM	Low	0.1 ft
9:07 PM	High	2.0 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 8771341, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Nov 7

74°

Partly Sunny

Sun Nov 8

70°

Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Rain Showers

15%

Mon Nov 9

69°

Mostly Cloudy

14%

Tue Nov 10

72°

Partly Sunny

12%

Wed Nov 11

74°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

38%

Thu Nov 12

74°

Mostly Sunny

Fri Nov 13

69°

Sunny

What to Bring Today

recommended SPF 30 sunscreen clear day + warm temps
optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 76°F

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Best Fishing Times Today

Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.

Major

9:30 PM - 11:30 PM

Minor

4:40 AM - 5:40 AM

Major

9:50 AM - 11:50 AM

Minor

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Beach Info

Parking

Free with Beach Access Sticker ($10/year for non-Bolivar residents, available at local stores).

Dogs

Dogs allowed leashed year-round.

Entry Fee

$10/year Galveston County Beach Access Sticker for parking on the beach.

Address

Crystal Beach, TX 77650

Amenities

restrooms at major accessesbeach driving permittedrestaurants in villageferry to Galveston

Frequently Asked

Is it safe to swim at Crystal Beach (Bolivar Peninsula) today?

Crystal Beach (Bolivar Peninsula) shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

Is Crystal Beach (Bolivar Peninsula) dog-friendly?

Dogs allowed leashed year-round.

Is there an entry fee at Crystal Beach (Bolivar Peninsula)?

$10/year Galveston County Beach Access Sticker for parking on the beach.

Are there lifeguards at Crystal Beach (Bolivar Peninsula)?

No lifeguards are stationed at Crystal Beach (Bolivar Peninsula). Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.

What amenities are at Crystal Beach (Bolivar Peninsula)?

Amenities at Crystal Beach (Bolivar Peninsula) include restrooms at major accesses, beach driving permitted, restaurants in village, ferry to Galveston.

When is the water warmest at Crystal Beach (Bolivar Peninsula)?

The Gulf of Mexico is bathwater-warm by mid-summer — 84-88°F is typical from July through September on the FL Gulf, TX coast, and AL/MS coast. Swimming comfortable from April through October on most of the Gulf.

Where is Crystal Beach (Bolivar Peninsula) located?

Crystal Beach (Bolivar Peninsula) is in Galveston County, TX, at Crystal Beach, TX 77650.