90°
Mostly Sunny
12%
77
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.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
87°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Heat index values as high as 105. South wind around 10 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 83. Heat index values as high as 103. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.
Weather
- 90°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
Water
- 87°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- UV 11 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
71 /100
great
73 Swim
69 Sunbathe
79 Walk
63 Fish
78 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
90°F
Mostly Clear
Wind
10 mph
S
Rain
12%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
11 Extreme
High 11 AM–04 PM · burn in ~18m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
90°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
87°F
Swimming weather
Wave Height
2.3 ft
SSW swell
Barometer
30.07 inHg
1018 hPa
Water Quality
Clean
10 cfu/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 7mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
7:30 AM
Sunset
9:18 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:02 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 8:30 AM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 2:28 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 7:53 PM | High | 1.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:55 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 8:53 AM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 3:19 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 9:48 PM | High | 1.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:01 AM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 9:08 AM | High | 1.3 ft |
| 4:06 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 11:30 PM | High | 1.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:33 AM | Low | 1.1 ft |
| 9:10 AM | High | 1.3 ft |
| 4:53 PM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:28 AM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 5:39 PM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:56 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 6:24 PM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:01 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 7:05 PM | Low | -0.3 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8771341, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
90°
Mostly Sunny
2%
79
90°
Sunny
0%
80
89°
Sunny
1%
78
90°
Sunny
14%
73
90°
Sunny
12%
77
90°
Sunny
13%
76
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 11 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 87°F
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 90°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
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.
Minor
11:30 PM - 12:30 AM
Major
4:50 AM - 6:50 AM
Minor
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Major
5:10 PM - 7:10 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
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.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS