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A relaxing beach getaway…in Texas? It’s no fantasy — it’s Crystal Beach!
Located on the Gulf Coast, Crystal Beach sits in the middle of Bolivar Peninsula, sandwiched between Galveston Island and Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. From this popular tourist destination, you’ll have access to miles of beach where you can swim, fish, and soak up the sun.
Drive down to the end of the peninsula and you’ll also be able to see historic sites like Fort Travis Seashore Park and the Point Bolivar Lighthouse, both of which date back to the 19th century.
However you choose to fill your time while exploring this coastal area, these are some of the best Crystal Beach vacation rentals to call home, offering comfortable accommodations and convenient access to the water.
Related Read: 9 Relaxing Vacation Rentals in Corpus Christi, Texas
1. Werth the Wait
Why you should stay: There’s ample space inside and out at this stay that’s a short walk to the beach.
- Sleeps: 10
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $275/night
Werth the Wait — a beautiful, spacious home just a short walk to the beach—is certainly worth the price when split between 10 people.
At this stay, there’s plenty of room for your travel gang to spread out within the house with the three big bedrooms (each with its own TV) and roomy kitchen-living space. But when the weather is nice, you’ll probably find yourself lounging on the large deck that offers an excellent place to enjoy that fresh ocean air.
When you return from a day at the beach, you can conveniently rinse off in the shower underneath the house. There’s also a gas grill and picnic table there, ready to go for your barbecue.
Check AvailabilityRelated read: 12 Best Beaches in Texas to Enjoy the Sun & Surf
2. Crystal Peach
Why you should stay: You’re right on the beach at this comfortable, nautical-themed rental.
- Sleeps: 10
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $293/night
Located directly on the beach, the cheekily named Crystal Peach lets you take in the sun, sky, and sea without any other vacation homes blocking your Gulf Coast views. Here, enjoying the ocean is as easy as stepping outside your door.
When you want some of that sea breeze closer to home, head out to the deck, which has a porch swing. When you need a break out of the sun, the large, comfy couch in the living room is calling your name. Underneath the elevated property, there’s even more space to chill with a tiki bar area and picnic table. Extra pluses of the property include an outdoor shower and wood-burning fire pit.
If you’re staying at Crystal Peach with a large gang, you’ll find the per-person price is super affordable.
Check Availability3. Lobster Cove
Why you should stay: This affordable stay is right on Crystal Beach’s main road, putting you close to family-friendly attractions.
- Sleeps: 8
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $133/night
Lobster Cove is a bright, airy space to settle down in during your Crystal Beach getaway. In the mornings, the whole crew can enjoy their breakfast from the large kitchen island, or you can opt for an alfresco meal on the picnic table on the lower patio. For some more relaxation at home, step out to the furnished deck and get the fire pit going.
While the rental may not be directly on the beach, it’s still within walking distance of it. The Gulf Range mini golf course and Fun Spot Water Slide are also right down the road. If you’re looking to dine out, Stingaree Restaurant and Marina, a popular seafood restaurant with live music on the weekends, is just a six-minute drive away.
Depending on when you plan your trip, this house is one of the cheaper rental options in Crystal Beach.
Check AvailabilityRelated read: 7 Epic Places to Go Glamping Near San Antonio, Texas
4. The Surfing Mermaids
Why you should stay: The beach is just one block away at this spacious stay that can fit the whole family and then some.
- Sleeps: 14
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $300/night
Headed to Crystal Beach in a big pack? Then make yourself at home at The Surfing Mermaids, a two-story stay with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. If you’re coming with a bunch of kids (or maybe some friends who are kids at heart), then they’ll enjoy the bunk bedroom, which has three bunk beds that are twin beds over full beds.
Guests here can enjoy the convenience of being just one block away from the beach. The great thing is, even though you’re not right on the water, you’ll still get unobstructed sea views from the stay’s large decks.
In case you’re interested in roaming around the peninsula another way, The Surfing Mermaids is located close to It’s a Beach Thing golf cart rental.
Check AvailabilityRead More: The 11 Best Small Towns in Texas To Visit This Year
5. Foreshores
Why you should stay: It takes just seconds to get to the beach from this relaxing, family-friendly rental.
- Sleeps: 10
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $429/night
Foreshores puts you on the front row of the beach action. Since this two-story rental is mere steps from the beach and there’s no property in front of it, you don’t even have to leave the decks (yes, there are two!) to enjoy the ocean. There’s also a little grill on one of the decks in case you’re in the mood to barbecue.
While you’ll probably be spending most of your time down at the water, Foreshores offers even more places to relax. Down below the house, you’ll find a patio with an outdoor shower and picnic tables.
No worries if you forgot to pack something for your beach getaway — The Big Store is less than five minutes away by car. Speaking of cars: If you’re up for getting around like some of the other locals, you can rent a golf cart at the nearby It’s A Beach Thing.
Check Availability6. Saltwater Therapy
Why you should stay: It’s modern elegance at this beach house that’s less than 10 minutes’ walking distance to the water.
- Sleeps: 12
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $350/night
You won’t find an overload of kitschy, beach-themed decor at Saltwater Therapy. This stay comes decorated in elegant furnishings and muted tones for a vibe that feels more like a nice hotel.
Amid the five bedrooms, there’s not one but two master suites. There’s also a room with queen-sized bunk beds that’s great for any kids you have in tow. If you and your crew are planning on cooking during your vacation, you’ll love using the kitchen’s modern appliances — just look at that beautiful Verano range!
So the question you’re dying to ask: How close is Saltwater Therapy to the beach? Conveniently, it’s less than a ten-minute walk. Also nearby are golf cart rentals, The Big Store for all your beach needs, and Stingaree Restaurant and Marina.
Check Availability7. Back to Nature
Why you should stay: This stylish stay combines attractive interior design with a convenient location.
- Sleeps: 12
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $495/night
At Back to Nature, you’re just one row away from the beach, and luckily there’s no other property in between you and the water, meaning direct views of the ocean. This two-story Crystal Beach rental also has three decks (one connected to the main bedroom) and floor-to-ceiling windows so you can continue to enjoy your surroundings without leaving the property.
Throughout the space, you’ll notice modern, stylish decor that differs from what you might expect in a beach house. The kitchen is decked out with stainless steel appliances, and coffee lovers will appreciate having both a Keurig and Nespresso coffee maker.
For some additional entertainment, you can make a quick drive from this rental to Stingaree Restaurant and Marina where there’s free live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
Check Availability8. Senor Whiskers
Why you should stay: Staying entertained is a cinch at this attractive beach house with plenty of amenities.
- Sleeps: 10
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $235/night
Senor Whiskers seems designed with entertaining in mind. For starters, there’s a 10-foot bar with room for seven people, barbecue grill, extensive DVD collection, and board games. There’s also a huge, covered deck complete with a hammock and lots of other comfortable seating. If you have your little one with you, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s a playpen, high chair, and baby gate here too.
When you get hungry but aren’t in the mood for a home-cooked meal, head to the nearby Jose’s Cantina or Steve’s Landing. Both are just about five minutes away by car. You won’t need a car to get to the beach though — all you have to do is walk yourself right down the road.
Divided among 10 people, the rate at Senor Whiskers feels like a real steal.
Check Availability9. Barefoot Oasis
Why you should stay: Great for families, this laid-back stay offers easy beach access.
- Sleeps: 7
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $150/night
Welcome to your Crystal Beach oasis at the aptly named Barefoot Oasis. This rental is decked out in beachy decor, letting you fully embrace your coastal getaway. The place is located at the end of a private road, meaning you won’t have to deal with much traffic and you’ll get to be just one row away from the water.
Before you head out to the beach for the day, consider taking along the beach chairs or sand toys available. When you come home, rinse off in the outdoor shower and keep the fun going with the games, puzzles, and books indoors.
While Barefoot Oasis offers a smaller occupancy rate than some of the other rentals on the peninsula, there’s still plenty of room for a small family or friend group.
Check Availability10. Breezy Point
Why you should stay: This charming property has beautiful ocean views and abundant space for a large travel crew.
- Sleeps: 16
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $507/night
At Breezy Point, there’s no trouble accommodating a big family or friend group with four bedrooms, seven beds, and three bathrooms. From a master bedroom with an attached en-suite to a cute room with a queen-over-queen bunk bed, everyone can find their perfect place to unwind.
One of the highlights of this rental is the awesome views you get from the deck and the second-story balcony. Both spots offer a relaxing place to watch the sunrises and sunsets, listen to the ocean waves, and take in the fresh air.
Down below, Breezy Point has a bar and charcoal grill for some open-air entertaining. The property also has a fenced-in yard where you can let kids and pets run around without worry.
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