Bolivar beach season open for business

Oct 16, 2023

Why Galveston when you can enjoy Bolivar Peninsula's 27-mile stretch of beautiful coastal land with the Gulf of Mexico to the south and the Intracoastal Waterway?

The peninsula, which is rich in history, is named after South American hero Simon Bolivar, who led South and Central Americans to fight for their freedom against Spanish rule. Natives once inhibited the area as Bolivar explored the land, as did Cabeza de Vaca and pirate Jean Lafitte.

Bolivar continues to be a well-loved tourist destination that is famous for its beaches, fishing, birding and more, and with Memorial Day Weekend upon us, now is the perfect time for a quick trip to Bolivar.

"The beach is looking great," said David Harris, owner and creator of website bolivarpeninsulatexas.com, which includes dozens of livestream webcams at Rollover Pass, Stingaree Bay and Fort Travis. "Memorial Day weekend is big for families and for everyone who loves live music."

Live entertainment gets the Memorial Day Weekend started early Thursday, May 25, with John Cessac at Jose's Cantina (1021 Highway 87), who will have live music all weekend long with Scott McGill (May 26), Todd & Lee (May 27), Alter Ego (May 27) and Michael Farrell.

The favorite Stingaree (1295 N Stingaree Drive) welcomes families to enjoy live music with a view Jerry Diaz (May 26) and Philip Lerma (May 27).

One of the most popular stops on Bolivar is Camp Margaritaville Crystal Beach, which is the premier beachfront RV resort and entertainment venue at 796 Highway 87. The new property sets itself apart from other RV destinations, providing a laid-back outdoor experience with all the comforts and conveniences of a luxurious resort. Located on the sunny, picturesque shoreline of the Bolivar Peninsula, this dynamic destination was reimagined from the ground up to offer campers, nomads and endless-road’ers an unparalleled, all-in-one beachside haven and entertainment hub. When you’re living on island time, there's no pressure to do anything but unwind, let go, and feel the waves.

Their License to Chill pool is the largest RV resort pool in the country, so whether you’d want to make a splash at the family pool, take a dip in the adult pool, or enjoy a day of relaxation under a private cabana, they invite you to choose your chill.

With island-inspired food and hand-crafted cocktails, the swim up bar and poolside service ensures you are in vacation mode all day long. They also have some delicious food at Fins Bar & Grill.

Live music at Camp Margaritaville is Texas country star Kevin Fowler and Scotty Alexander on May 27, and the Rewind Texas Band on May 28.

Day passes are available at margaritavilleresorts.com.

Harris describes Bolivar as a "true coastal lifestyle" as beachgoers often sleep in and just relax.

"If you go to Galveston, you have to tote just about everything with you – chairs, umbrellas and coolers," said Harris. "Here, you can drive right up to the beach. You can have campfires and fish. It's the sand between your toes kind of place where you can drive on and fish off of, enjoy the time here with the family and friends. It's the laid-back communities of Crystal Beach, Gilchrist, High Island and Port Bolivar, with plenty to do."

Those who just want to spend a few hours on the beach can do so without paying, but yearly beach parking permits can be pur¬chased from just about any local store for $10 per vehicle.

For first timers visiting for the day, Harris suggests visiting Fort Travis Park and birding.

Located at 900 State Highway 87 in Port Bolivar, Fort Travis was the first fort established by the Republic of Texas in 1836 to protect the Galveston harbor entrance. Located on the western end of Bolivar near the ferry landing, Fort Travis Park was named after William B. Travis, the commander at the Alamo.

The fort was purchased by the federal government in 1898 and was used to defend the Port of Galveston and later saw more than 2,500 troops stationed at the location. It was also used in World War II. Today, the park sits on 60 acres and includes a seawall, playground, picnic area and military history. You can fish, enjoy a picnic, cook out, watch the ships roll by and enjoy the rich history.

Great Coastal Birding Trail engulfs the entire peninsula, which plays a vital role as a habitat for migrating birds. On the west end, check out the Houston Audubon Horseshoe Marsh and Bolivar Flats bird sanctuaries, and on the east end, there are the world-renowned Smith Oaks and Boy Scout Woods Bird Sanctu¬aries in High Island. Prepare to see nearly 200 species of birds includ¬ing roseate spoonbill, avocet, war¬blers, and great blue herons, sandhill cranes, osprey and crested caracara.

The Point Bolivar Lighthouse is also fascinating. The lighthouse withstood three of the worst storms hitting the peninsula; the 1900 and 1915 storms and Hurricane Ike in 2008. During the 1900 and 1915 storms, the light-house harbored a number of peninsula residents, saving hundreds of lives.

It was officially retired on May 29, 1933, after 61 years of service. The lamps and reflector lenses have been reassembled and are a key artifact in the "On the Water" exhibit displayed at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. The Fresnel lens, named for French scientist and inventor Augustin Fresnel, could be seen for miles.

The lighthouse is currently under renovation as the "crown" was removed May 15.

"Most everything down here is family owned, including all the restaurants," said Harris. And there are certainly plenty of places to enjoy good food.

"Time definitely slips away when you’re on Bolivar Peninsula, in a good way," he said. "You can cook on the pit outdoors at your house or enjoy one of the many restaurants Bolivar has to offer, from burgers, seafood baskets and pizza to steak and or grilled or fried Shrimp, we have it all here… no need to leave Bolivar. There's even a water slide for kids at Fun Spot.

-Chad Cooper, Entertainment Editor