When planning a trip to the Galveston area, vacation seekers are confronted with HUNDREDS of choices. How does one choose the best Galveston beach house to rent? The first step is understanding how the island is set up. Different parts of the island offer different experiences. But first, a bit of history.
We moved to Texas nearly 11 years ago. One of the first road trips we made was to Galveston. Being from up north, we were instantly drawn to the island vibes and relaxed lifestyle. But at the same time, there is so much to do! Over the past ten years, we have vacationed to the Galveston area many, many times. We have stayed in several different locations along the coast. Here is our take!
City of Galveston
On the far east end of the island, you will find lots of condo options between Stewart Beach and East Beach. These are mostly high rises offering great views of the gulf and the city of Galveston. Here you get beachfront living with all the shopping and dining of Galveston a short drive away. Here are some great options:
Other rental home options in this area include homes and cottages in the neighborhoods between Seawall Blvd and Broadway Ave. While not technically beach houses, the beach will either be a short walk a quick drive from your home. Main benefit here? These homes tend to have lower rates and you have plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment close by. Here are some great options:
As you head west on Seawall Blvd, mostly between 61st St and 7 Mile Rd, you get more clusters of condos. Staying here gives you the luxury of slightly less crowded beaches but the amenities of Galveston are just a few minutes away. Here are some we recommend:
Family Friendly Beachfront Condo– 2BR/1BA, sleeps 6. Perfect 5 star reviews. Beachfront with wooden crossover to get to the beach.
Luxury Beachfront Condo– 3BR/2BA, sleeps 5. Perfect 5 star with over 70 reviews. This unit is on the 17th floor, so the views are breathtaking! On-site pools plus beach access.
The Galvestonian– 2BR/2BA, sleeps 6. Highly rated at 4.9 stars with almost 200 ratings. Directly on the beach. Amenities such as pool, tennis courts, gym, bikes, and much more.
Calming Seaside Sanctuary– 3BR/@BA. sleeps 8. City cottage just 3 blocks to the beach. Lots of dining options nearby. FREE bikes of all sizes to use in the garage. Queen beds in all bedrooms plus queen sleeper sofa. Fully equipped kitchen.
Seaglass Cottage- 4BR/2.5BA home, sleeps 10. Just 3 blocks to the beach. Short 5-7 minute walk to many restaurants. All four bedrooms are upstairs. Master BR has private deck. Outdoor shower to rinse off after a day at the beach.
Rose’s Beach House– 3BR/2BA home that sleeps 5. Beautifully renovated with a distinct beachy theme. Just two blocks to the historic Galveston Pleasure Pier. Short walk to countless other dining options. Fully equipped kitchen. Six beach towels and beach blankets are provided.
View more Galveston beach homes HERE.
West End/Jamaica Beach
Where Seawall Blvd becomes Termini-San Luis Pass Rd is where you can start to find an actual Galveston beach house to rent. Termini-San Luis Pass Rd is the main road passing through. On the south side you’ll find neighborhoods with beachfront or beach access homes. On the north side, there are neighborhoods with bay access or on canals.
There will be much less traffic on the beaches out this way. While most of the island amenities will be a decent drive away, there are still some good local restaurants along the way. Our last few Galveston vacations have been out this way. Looking for a Galveston beach house to rent where you can avoid crowds? This area will be for you. Here are some of the best options:
Seaside Breeze– 4BR/2BA that sleeps 12. Directly on the beach, just steps away from sand and surf. Tons of natural light and beachy decor. Outdoor shower. Partially covered deck. New mattresses and bedding. Plenty of puzzles and games for family evening fun after a day on the beach.
The Perky Pelican– 3BR/2BA beach home that sleeps up to 8. Second row, offers beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico. Unique hexagon shape offers open feel with tons of natural light. Partially covered upper deck and fully covered lower deck. Tropical decor puts you in the beach feel whether you are indoors or out.
Kahala Sunrise– 4BR/5BA beachfront home that sleeps up to 10. Private dune crossover for direct beach access. Each bedroom has its own balcony offering Gulf views. Partially covered main deck. Tons of windows, open concept, and bright interior colors make for perfect island vibes inside.
Ocean Sunrise
This house just hits all the check marks! This 3 bedroom/3 bath home will sleep up to 12 guests. We love the kids bunkroom with the starry sky light show that projects onto the ceiling and walls at bed time! Super cool! The entire home has been tastefully decorated in a very beachy theme. There are tons of windows with magnificent views from nearly all of them!
Outside you will find a large main deck with plenty of seating to enjoy those sunrises and sunsets. The upper floor gets a small private deck with amazing views. On the lower level, you will find a spacious covered patio complete with grill. The sandy beach is just steps away! Definitely one to check out!
Click here to see more info on Ocean Sunrise.
See more West End beach homes HERE.
Bolivar Peninsula/Crystal Beach
While technically not on the island, the Bolivar Peninsula is still part of the Galveston area. Unless you are coming from Beaumont or other areas of deep East Texas, the only way to get to that vacation location is via the FREE Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry.
Staying on the Bolivar Peninsula has a very different feel. It seems even more laid back and low key. You will find lots of locally owned restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. While there are plenty of vacation homes available to rent, a good portion of the homes here are lived in by the owners much of the year.
When visiting the beaches on the Bolivar Peninsula, one big difference you will notice is that you are allowed to drive onto the beaches here. Make sure you have a vehicle capable of driving on sand before you attempt it! Because you are allowed to bring your vehicle onto the beach, you do see a good amount of people surf fishing from the shore.
Our next vacation to the Galveston area will most likely be on the Bolivar Peninsula. Here are some highly recommended options:
Southern Wave– 3BR/2BA home will sleep up to 12. Bunk room, perfect if traveling with younger kids. Private fenced yard, perfect for dogs. Beachfront with private path to the beach. 1200sq/ft deck with plenty of lounge chairs. Bar area with more seating lower level outside. Outdoor shower. Fish cleaning station.
Summer Lovin’– 3BR/3BA beachfront home that sleeps up to 12. Private access to beach. Extra large, partially covered deck with tons of chairs and even has hammocks! Tons of windows and bright interior colors are beachy and inviting. Elegant bedding and tasteful decor. Well stocked kitchen with everything you would need.
Flip Flop Paradise– Need some extra space? This 5BR/5BA home sleeps up to 14. Three minute walk to private beach access. Huge wrap-around deck. Tiki bar, fire fit, extra large ground floor patio, swinging outdoor bed, hammock. Game rook with darts and foosball. This house has it ALL!
From the same owner as Summer Lovin! She really knows how to put together a quality vacation rental. This four bedroom home will sleep up to 14 guests. Just like Summer Lovin’, this home is bright and inviting. The home is filled with bright colors and a beach vibe. The spacious deck is perfect for your morning coffee or an evening drink. The lower patio is great for cooking out and relaxing. This is a front row, beach front home with a fenced yard! Great if you have young ones!
Click here for more info on Panoramic Beach.
View more Bolivar beach homes HERE.
Still Looking for a Galveston Beach House to Rent? Then book NOW!
This area gives you so many different options and varieties of stay. From condos to city cottages to beachfront to bayside, there is a home type for you. From luxurious to basic and from small to large, the Galveston area has got you covered.
If one of the recommended homes we have listed on this guide doesn’t meet your needs, simply use one of the search boxes we have located throughout this page to find your perfect Galveston beach house to rent!
Not looking for a Galveston beach house to rent? Interested in other beach vacations? Check out our Santa Rose Beach, FL review HERE, Gulf Shores, AL HERE, or Isle of Palms, SC HERE.
