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Family Beach House near Crystal Beach (Gilchrist) · Walk to the Gulf · Hot Tub

Waterfront holiday home with water park and Hot tub

Photo gallery for Family Beach House near Crystal Beach (Gilchrist) · Walk to the Gulf · Hot Tub

Property grounds
Property video
7-person hot tub to soak up the sunrise and sunsets.
The house is well lit at night and has string lights you can control
Living area

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 12148.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Spa pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer

Explore the area

View map
Gilchrist, TX
  • Place, Crystal Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal
    ‪54 min drive‬
  • Place, Galveston Seawall
    ‪55 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed and 1 Single Futon

Bunk Room

+1
4 Double Bunk Beds and 1 Double Futon

Master Bedroom

1 King Bed and 1 Single Futon

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Guest Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Bidet · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Master Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Bidet · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Outdoor Shower

Soap · Towels provided · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Family Beach House near Crystal Beach (Gilchrist) · Walk to the Gulf · Hot Tub

⭐ Highlights Guests Book For
- Steps to the Gulf with easy, walkable beach access
- Spacious 3-bedroom beach house sleeping up to 12 comfortably
- Large private hot tub for relaxing after beach days
- Outdoor kitchen and cooking setup with griddle, smoker, and fire pit grate
- Rare half-acre yard with room to spread out, play, and unwind
- Large deck with seating for 12 and multiple outdoor gathering areas
- Level 2 on-site EV charger, Tesla compatible
- Fast Starlink Wi-Fi, Smart TVs, full laundry, and ample parking
- Pet friendly
- Quiet stretch of the Bolivar Peninsula near Gilchrist, minutes from Crystal Beach

The Beach Experience
This home offers easy, stress-free access to the Texas Gulf Coast. You’re just steps from the sand, making it simple to head back and forth throughout the day without packing up or loading the car. Morning coffee walks, sunset strolls, shell hunting, and spontaneous beach time are all part of the rhythm here.
This stretch of beach near Gilchrist is wider and less crowded than central Crystal Beach, giving families and groups more space to relax, spread out, and enjoy the coast at their own pace.

Outdoor Living Is the Star
The outdoor space is where this home truly shines. The half-acre yard is rare for the Crystal Beach area and gives everyone room to enjoy their vacation without feeling crowded. Kids and dogs have space to move, while adults relax on the deck, gather by the fire pit, or soak in the hot tub after a long beach day.
The outdoor cooking setup is a favorite for groups. From quick breakfasts on the griddle to slow cooks on the smoker or grilling over the fire pit grate, meals are designed to be easy, social, and outdoors. After the beach, rinse off in the outdoor shower before settling in for the evening.

Hot Tub & Evening Relaxation
The hot tub is a popular way to unwind after sun, salt, and sand. Evenings tend to stretch longer here, with guests moving between the deck, fire pit, and hot tub while enjoying Gulf breezes and open skies. With less light pollution than busier beach towns, stargazing is excellent on clear nights.

Inside the Home
Inside, the home is bright, comfortable, and designed for groups. The open layout keeps everyone connected while still allowing space to relax. Bedrooms are arranged to comfortably accommodate families and mixed adult groups without feeling crowded.
The kitchen is fully equipped for real cooking and flows naturally into the indoor dining and outdoor cooking areas. Seating and dining spaces are sized for shared meals, games, and downtime after beach days.

Tech, Comfort & Convenience
Fast Starlink Wi-Fi supports streaming, remote work, and keeping everyone connected. Smart TVs, full laundry, and practical storage make longer stays easy and comfortable.

Parking is generous, with space for multiple vehicles, trailers, or carts. For EV drivers, the Level 2 on-site charger is a major convenience. Arrive, plug in, and enjoy your stay without searching for public charging, ideal for trips from Houston, Dallas, Austin, and beyond.

The Area
The home is located near Gilchrist on the Bolivar Peninsula, just outside of Crystal Beach. This area is known for its quieter pace, open beaches, and relaxed atmosphere, while Crystal Beach restaurants, groceries, and local attractions are only a short drive away.
Guests enjoy beach driving, fishing, shelling, bird watching, and wide-open coastal views. Evenings are calm and peaceful, making it easy to unplug and slow down after busy days.

Why Guests Choose This Home
Guests choose this home because it removes friction from beach travel. Easy Gulf access, generous outdoor space, real cooking setups, and thoughtful amenities make it easy for groups to relax together. Whether you’re here for family time, beach days, grilling, or simply slowing down, the house is set up to support it.
If you’re looking for a well-equipped Gulf Coast beach house near Crystal Beach with room to breathe, space to gather, and conveniences that make travel easier, this Bolivar Peninsula retreat delivers.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Non-refundable pet fee of $100, max 2 pets
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
No parking on the grass
No parties
No authorized guests or pets

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

About the area

Port Bolivar

Located on the waterfront, this holiday home is in Crystal Beach, a neighbourhood in Port Bolivar. Galveston Naval Museum and Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Fort Travis Seashore Park and Galveston Seawall. Travelling with kids? Consider Hooks Woods Bird Sanctuary and Smith Oaks Bird Sanctuary. Looking to get your feet wet? Jet skiing, kayaking and parasailing adventures can be found near the property.
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Map
Gilchrist, TX

What's nearby

  • Crystal Beach - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal - 54 min drive - 45.8 km
  • Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier - 54 min drive - 46.9 km
  • Galveston Seawall - 55 min drive - 47.3 km
  • Port of Galveston - 55 min drive - 46.2 km

Getting around

  • Houston, TX (EFD-Ellington Field) - 94 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Stingaree Restaurant & Bar - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Ocean Grille - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Dannays Donuts - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Jayla’s Bar & Grill - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Steps to the Gulf! Spacious beach house with hot tub, EV charger & big yard pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

How much is parking at Steps to the Gulf! Spacious beach house with hot tub, EV charger & big yard?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Steps to the Gulf! Spacious beach house with hot tub, EV charger & big yard?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Steps to the Gulf! Spacious beach house with hot tub, EV charger & big yard?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Steps to the Gulf! Spacious beach house with hot tub, EV charger & big yard located?

This family-friendly Port Bolivar holiday home is located on the waterfront, within 3 mi (5 km) of Crystal Beach and Gilchrist Beach. High Island Beach and Stingaree Marina are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 20 out of 23 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 23 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 23 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 23 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 23 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Ashley B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

relax time

The house was very welcoming, had everything we needed for our little get away. The best things I Enjoyed was the space outside, the Hottub was great also due to the rainy weather when we arrived. We enjoyed this stay
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heather H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent place

We truly enjoyed our stay here. The house has everything you need. It was a short walk to the beach. The kids had a great time, they even asked if we could rent this house the next time.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shawnna B., Texas

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay!

House was great, location is close to the beach, owner was very helpful. Would def stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sarah C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay

We stayed here as a family weekend trip, the quick access to the beach and beautiful decor made this stay worthwhile. It has everything you need and short distance from the beach! We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stacey K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet Beach Vacation

Check in was easy. The property is beautiful and close to the beach. Definitely a more quiet spot great for a relaxing vacation. Would stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Misty F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous Property

My family enjoyed their time at Crystal Beach. The property was beautiful and we will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jenifer F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Crystal Beach

Great house, perfect location and clean! Owner was responsive and helpful. Sadly we had to leave early because a tornado knocked out power to the whole peninsula but we hope to come back and I would love to stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Krista R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fall Break

We’ve a wonderful time - the house is beautiful, the access to the beach was very easy and I especially loved we were able to bring our dog. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Juan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family gotawy

Very nice and confy
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mike G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Home by the gentle waves

Location is at the right spot. The best place to rest working couples and relatives with enough space to accommodate two large families bond and enjoy the gentle waves and wide sala, veranda and ground space.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sunshine D B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful

Beautiful home. Short walk to the beach. Excellent view from the deck.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

brett m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay!

Our family very much enjoyed our short October stay at this property. The house was clean and well stocked with essentials, as well as a full range of kitchen equipment. There is a great ocean view from the porch and short walk to the beach. The owner is very responsive and had our one small issue taken care of the same day. Thank you, Chris and Ana, for sharing your home with us.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tamara B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Incredible place!

Our stay at Rayo De Sol was amazing. We stayed only for a weekend getaway but my family and I are already talking about staying here again for longer. The property and house itself is beautiful. Communication with the host and property manager just can't be beat, they were on top of everything. Absolutely would recommend this house to anyone.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jayme L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Beach Getaway

My husband, myself and our 5 year old daughter stayed here during spring break and LOVED this place. The location of the house to the beach is a 2 minute walk. The beach was clean and we loved the abundance of seashells to collect. We enjoyed the outdoor space at this house the most, the upstairs patio was spacious and my daughter loved to play up there and my husband and I lounged/read enjoyed the view of the ocean. We used the firepit and hot tub several nights downstairs. Bonus was this was a quiet area and houses were not right on top of each other which was nice. Loved it, highly recommend!!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

wendy b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great spot and clean home

The house was very comfortable . They had the essentials to accommodate us . House was clean and very spacious . Loved the location . Host was very responsive when I called / texted about anything in the house . It was very chilly when we went but they had heaters on the patio with propane gas so it kept us warm while we were outside. Definitely recommend . We will be back once weather is warmer.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Aneesah R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend Getaway

We traveled with kids aged 8 months, 1, 2, 6, 9, and 17 as well as two couples and we truly enjoyed the space and the amenities offered. The kids had their own space that was safe for them to play and entertain themselves and the patio outside was very secure and allowed for the younger kids to play outside as well. Host was very responsive and helped us when needed. We truly wanted to extend our stay an additional day but the property was already booked otherwise we would've stayed an extra day. My only suggestion would be for more laundry pods, other than that this place was awesome and we'd book again!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Emily W., Spring, TX

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Vacation Home!

My family and my in-laws stayed here! The house is clean and decorated so nicely! Perfect set up, the hosts have thought of everything. Everything we needed, they had it! Adults stayed in the two main bedrooms and all the cousins stayed in the bunk room. They loved getting to stay in one room together. The bunk beds are not twin sized, they are nice full size beds. Blankets to get cozy on the couch and wonderful games for family fun. The deck is perfect and faces the ocean. Wonderful view with a nice breeze. Walking distance to the beach and not crowded. We will be back! Thank you to the hosts, excellent property!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

Andrew B.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in

Checkin emails

Had trouble contacting anyone about checkin codes for property. Some how the emails that were sent previously disappeared was hard to find the emails or contact customer service phone numbers on the day of arrival.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Teresa B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to stay

We really enjoyed our stay at Rayo de Sol. This home has a convenient location right off of the highway and just a short little walk to the beach with no excess traffic. The neighborhood is small and quiet which makes for a peaceful stay. The beach in front of the neighborhood was also quiet and not crowded one bit. When you first arrive, you'll find that there is plenty of room downstairs for games and hanging out. Upstairs, the balcony is large and has plenty of seating. You can hear and see the waves from there, which adds a peaceful touch. Inside, pops of yellow provide a cheerful mood. The home was clean and roomy and was well stocked. We thought the beds were very comfy and loved the soft pillows. We greatly appreciated that a pack and play and a high chair was provided as we traveled with a 1 year old. Very nice touch. Other nice little touches were a few toys for very young children, the hammock, soap in the outdoor shower, choice of grills, a cooler and the so much fun, colorful party lights. We highly recommend this home. Thank you for sharing it with us!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Diana

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Mi familia y yo la pasamos muy bien . Ambiente agradable
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Michelle H.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mother-daughter girls weekend

Great communication with the owners. Beautiful beach house and property with ideal proximity to the beach.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth k.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Dennis G.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Much needed vaca

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

About the host

Hosted by Chris Goulet

Host profile image
Chris and Ana are travel fanatics and love taking their children and animals on adventures. Durning their travels they've learned what makes for a wonderful stay and they have put a lot of thought into the experience you'll have staying at Rayo De Sol.

Why they chose this property

We chose this neighborhood because it represents everything people love about Crystal Beach: wide-open shoreline, uncrowded stretches of sand, friendly neighbors, and a peaceful atmosphere you simply can’t find in the more congested parts of Galveston. This area gives you the feeling of having your own private coastal hideaway while still being only minutes from restaurants, The Big Store, local bars, golf cart rentals, and all the small-town charm that makes the Bolivar Peninsula special.

Our part of the beach is known for being family-friendly, quiet in the mornings, relaxing in the evenings, and easy to access at any time of day. The walk to the sand is short enough that you can come and go freely without loading up a car or worrying about parking. It’s ideal for sunrise strolls, shell hunting, evening fires, and long days spent relaxing by the water. Guests consistently say the location gives them the best of both worlds: convenience without crowds.

What we love most about this neighborhood is how it encourages people to slow down and connect. The sky opens up at night for incredible stargazing. The sound of the waves carries softly across the houses after dark. Families ride golf carts along the beach road, kids play in the yard without traffic noise, and the entire area has a laid-back coastal rhythm that makes it easy to unwind.

Whether you’re enjoying local seafood, exploring the ferry to Galveston, watching dolphins along the shoreline, or simply relaxing under the huge Texas sky, this neighborhood is the perfect backdrop for the kind of beach trips people remember for years.

What makes this property unique

Rayo De Sol stands out because it delivers the kind of indoor-outdoor coastal experience that guests hope for but rarely find in a 3BR home. The walk to the beach is truly just seconds, yet the property feels private, spacious, and designed for groups who want room to gather, cook, relax, and enjoy each other’s company. Very few homes this close to the water offer such a large fenced yard, a full outdoor entertaining setup, and multiple places to unwind in every season.

Our outdoor living space is a major highlight. Guests love the 7-person hot tub, the fire pit with the Breeo Outpost grill, the huge yard for games, the downstairs porch swings, and the outdoor heater that makes winter evenings incredibly comfortable. Even more unique is the three-station cooking setup: a full 36" Blackstone griddle, an ASF smoker/charcoal grill for slow cooks or Texas-style barbecue, and the Breeo Outpost for open-flame grilling directly over the fire pit. For families and group trips, this outdoor kitchen setup becomes the center of everyone’s stay.

Inside, the home feels bright, warm, and thoughtfully updated. The chef’s kitchen includes everything needed for large meals—high-quality cookware, bakeware, spices, oils, utensils, a large island, a full coffee bar, and modern appliances. We added smart home touches to make the stay easy: Starlink high-speed internet, multiple smart TVs, temperature control, and voice-enabled features through Google Home Hub. Families appreciate having a pack-n-play, high chair, games, full laundry room, covered parking, and simple ground-level beach access.

What makes Rayo De Sol truly unique is how effortlessly it brings people together. Whether it’s cooking breakfast on the Blackstone, sharing drinks around the fire pit, watching kids play in the big yard, or enjoying a quiet walk to the Gulf, this home creates moments that feel simple, warm, and memorable—exactly what a great beach retreat should deliver.

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