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Port Bolivar is a community at the western tip of Bolivar Peninsula, a short ferry ride across the body of water known as Bolivar Roads from Galveston Island and the city of Galveston, in Galveston County. The free Ferry service is provided by the Texas Department of Transportation between Port Bolivar and Galveston.
 Port Bolivar is an unincorporated community and home to the historic Bolivar Lighthouse, which once guided ships entering Galveston Bay. The lighthouse was built in 1872. It served for 61 years before being retired in 1933.
There is one school, Crenshaw Elementary and Middle School, in the area. It is operated by Galveston Independent School District. Port Bolivar students attend Ball High School in Galveston for high school. Galveston College also serves Port Bolivar.
The United States Postal Service operates the Port Bolivar Post Office at 2500 Broadway Avenue, 77650-0736.
Considering its long history and proximity to Houston, just how has Bolivar avoid the carnival atmosphere that’s infected some other coastal communities? - First, entrée is limited; the teeming masses of the metropolis can get there only via the fabulous, but leisurely, ferries from Galveston or via roundabout highway access to the northeast end of the peninsula, where it melds with the mainland. This has the benefit of shielding Port Bolivar from the big city crime issues and offers the residents a peace-of-mind that has many think nothing of leaving their doors unlocked at night.
- Second, the previous lack of any public sewage treatment facilities had precluded the building of resort developments, but that's all changed now with the introduction of a modern sewer system in early 2007.
Several new resort developments are already in place now and connected to the new sewer system including Laguna Harbor on the bayside and The Biscayne on the oceanfront.
Several more resorts are also under construction and the area is undergoing a wonderful transformation into a modern family-oriented bedroom community that's giving Port Bolivar the new nickname of "the Texas Hamptons".
The history of Port Bolivar is intertwined with that of Fort Travis, now a park, and the first known settlers in the area arrived here as a result. Port Bolivar was one of the first ports established in Texas and has played a busy role in the economic life of the Texas Gulf Coast. | 
When it comes to bolivar flats, mankind did something extremely beneficial for the bird world. of course, it happened unintentionally. When the jetties were completed in 1898, the intent was to stabilize the Houston–Galveston ship channel, not to alter the longshore current so that it would deposit nutrient-rich sediment along the north jetty’s backside and create the flats.
The resulting triumvirate of marsh and Gulf waters harbored the smorgasbord of shrimp, small fish, and polychaete worms that proved so attractive to flocks of waterfowl. Then mankind (specifically the Houston Audubon Society) did something else nice for the birds, this time on purpose: creating the Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary. The sanctuary manager, Winnie Burkett, who’s been birding since she was four, says you don’t even need binoculars, especially in the summer, when the flashiest crowds— herons, spoonbills, and reddish egrets—flock here. “And pelicans,” Burkett says. “Pelicans are real watchable.”
To get a sense of the phenomenal popularity of this preserve, particularly from July through September, walk out on the north jetty about an hour before sunset. With the evening breezes beginning to stir and the sun at your back, you’ll have the best seat in the house to enjoy the winged extravaganza as some 100,000 birds gather to spend the night on the flats. Bolivar Flats Beach: From the Bolivar ferry terminal, go north on Texas Highway 87 for 3.7 miles to Rettilon Rd., then turn right and look for the parking area on the shore; parking $10 (permits are valid for one year and are available from local merchants). North jetty: accessible via the flats at extremely low tide or, with a lot less slogging, via 17th (North Jetty Rd.), 1.7 miles north of the ferry terminal. | Port Bolivar has a New Look
Bolivar's bayfront properties are the closest deep water channels to the Gulf of Mexico providing yacht owners easy and quick access to the ocean.
 The sun sets on the bayside making it the envy of many other coastlines. Beautiful and peaceful tranquilty is found in the quiet decks of many homes overlooking the bay and intracoastal waterway traffic.
Port Bolivar is truly a great place to relocate-to and live out your dreams. Port Bolivar is considered by many to be the last affordable section of the United States coastline in a warm weather climate.
Why is Port Bolivar considered such a good investment?
1. Resort level oceanfront property will always be a good investment as people are naturally attracted to the lifestyle and associated amenities.
2. The Texas Gulf Coast is simply the best value for oceanfront property compared to any other coastline for the foreseeable future.
3. The Bolivar Peninsula area is the best value on the Texas Coast in that it offers much lower prices and much greater potential for appreciation.
“Texas continues to garner national attention because of our state’s favorable tax climate, tort reform, business-friendly attitude and low cost of doing business.” - Governor Rick Perry | Fort Travis Seashore Park
 Fort Travis is on the western end of Bolivar Peninsula close to the ferry landing and includes the seawall, broad grassy areas, oleanders, winding roads, well equipped play grounds, picnic tables and bar-b-que grills. The 60-acre park still has battery sites. It also has picnic areas, cabanas and campsite rentals. It's part of the Galveston County Beach Park Board. Cabanas are $25 per night and the camping sites are $20 per night. Restroom facilities are nearby.
In 1898, along with federal development of the Port of Galveston, Fort Travis was constructed and named for Texas hero William B. Travis. The fort was completed in 1899. The fort was heavily damaged during the 1900 storm. Repairs included the present 15 foot sea wall around the fort. During World War I Fort Travis garrisoned troops defending the Port of Galveston and its approaches.
In 1942, the fort was enlarged and 2,500 troops were stationed there. Several sizes of guns were installed, from anti-aircraft up to 16 inch long range rifles. When the war ended, Fort Travis was declared surplus property, dismantled, and in 1949 sold to private interests. The 60 acre park was acquired through a Moody Foundation grant in 1976 and is operated by the Galveston County Beach and Parks Department. | The North Jetty
 The North Jetty, at the southwestern end of the peninsula, is one of twin restraining walls built into the Gulf of Mexico to provide a deepwater channel to Galveston. The South Jetty extends into the Gulf from Galveston Island. Work on the jetties began as a construction experiment in 1874, and the major portion was completed only after Congress appropriated funds for the work in 1890. Completion of the system in 1898 made Galveston a deep-sea port for world commerce. The jetties now protect shipping to various cities along the Houston Ship Channel, and are used as fishing spots by many sportsmen.
The jetty protects the entrance to the Galveston/Houston Ship Channel. The North Jetty Road, 1.7 miles from the Ferry Landing, is unmarked except for a large sign on the inland side of the highway. The road dead-ends into the North Jetty. The jetty was built of huge granite blocks in the 1890's by the Army Corp of Engineers. Without the jetties, large ships would not be able to travel the channel as the channel would silt over and boats with more than a 12 foot draft would be unable to navigate through the area.
The North Jetty extends five miles into the Gulf. People love to go crabbing there. For a remarkable experience the visitor may walk two miles out on the jetty. He will encounter countless fishermen and possibly even a hermit crab crossing the walk with his 'house' on his back. |
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