It’s beach time on Bolivar

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 extending north?

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 has since turned into a well-loved tourist destination 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 11 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 26, with Texas country legend Roger Creager at the Stingaree, who will have live music all weekend long including Jerry Diaz (May 27), Al White (May 28) and the talented Larry Joe Taylor (May 29).

The Bolivar Beach Club & RV Resort will host their first Pool Party Concert Series beginning Friday, May 27, with Texas country star Kevin Fowler, Granger Smith and Earl Dibbles Jr. on May 28, and Cody Canada & The Departed on May 29.

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.”

Those who just want to spend a few hours on the beach can do so without paying, but yearly beach parking permits can be purchased 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 Sanctuaries in High Island. Prepare to see nearly 200 species of birds including roseate spoonbill, avocet, warblers, 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.

“Unless we get a burn ban, there will be plenty of fireworks on Memorial Weekend,” he said. “Most everything down here is family owned, including all the restaurants.”

-Chad Cooper, Entertainment Editor