Entire home

Beachfront3BR•Steps to Sand•Sleeps 10+Pet Friendly

Family-friendly beachfront location with water park

Photo gallery for Beachfront3BR•Steps to Sand•Sleeps 10+Pet Friendly

Beachfront view from the spacious outdoor deck!
Front deck with all the comforts for a great experience.
Breath taking view so the beach from the front deck.
Cushioned & shaded patio furniture.  Dog not included :) but pet friendly.
Outdoor shaded couch & loveseat.

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Bolivar Peninsula, TX
  • Place, Crystal Beach
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Gilchrist Beach
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal
    ‪58 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Twin Beds and 2 Queen Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Garden

About this property

Beachfront3BR•Steps to Sand•Sleeps 10+Pet Friendly

Summary:
Lazy Gator is a beachfront 3BR/2BA retreat in Gilchrist! Sleeps 10 with 2 king beds & custom bunk room . Enjoy ocean views, outdoor shower , Smart TVs , gourmet kitchen , games , Wi-Fi & pet-friendly vibes. Just steps to the sand & minutes to Crystal Beach + Galveston Ferry . Perfect for families & groups — book your beach escape today!

The Space:
Welcome to Lazy Gator , your family’s beachfront oasis on the Bolivar Peninsula! This colorful, coastal escape blends comfort, convenience, and beachy fun — just steps from the sand.

The Primary Suite is your private retreat, featuring a luxurious King bed, 55” Smart TV, private deck access, and an ensuite bathroom with double sinks and a tiled walk-in shower.
Bedroom 2 offers another plush King bed and 55” Smart TV.
Bedroom 3 is kid-approved with custom Queen/Queen + Twin/Twin bunks (sleeps 6!) and its own Smart TV.

The open floor plan is perfect for families — lounge in the cozy living area, stream your favorite shows, or whip up meals in the fully stocked gourmet kitchen with stainless appliances and a coffee bar (Keurig + drip ).

We’ve loaded Lazy Gator with everything for family fun and comfort:
• Beach toys, board games, cards
• Pack ‘N Play, high chair, kids’ plates + sippy cups
• Smart TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi, and charging stations in every room
• Washer/dryer, beach towels, linens, and starter supplies provided
• Outdoor picnic area & charcoal grill under the house
• Covered stairs and private outdoor shower to rinse sandy toes

Just a quick walk to swimming, shelling, fishing, or driving right on Crystal Beach — and less than 10 miles to shops, restaurants, and golf cart rentals. Take a scenic ferry to Galveston for Moody Gardens, the Pleasure Pier, and unforgettable seafood feasts.

Minimum booking age: 24
Contactless check-in for peace of mind

Book your stay at Lazy Gator today — and start making beach memories that last a lifetime!

Guest Access:
Your Exclusive Beach House Experience Awaits!

Enjoy full private access to the entire home — no shared spaces, just total comfort and peace. You'll have access to a full-sized washer and dryer, and there’s ample parking for up to 4 vehicles beneath the house and in the driveway. Additional guest parking is available along the private road that serves this quiet row of 5 charming beach houses.

We offer seamless, contactless check-in and check-out for your convenience and peace of mind.

Please note: During peak season (April–September), early check-ins and late check-outs are very limited due to high guest volume and our commitment to top-tier cleaning and prep. However, we’re happy to consider requests based on availability for a small fee — this helps support our cleaning team and ensures a smooth, stress-free stay for all guests.

The Neighborhood:
Located in the peaceful Gilchrist area of the Bolivar Peninsula , Lazy Gator offers the perfect blend of tranquility and convenience. You’re just minutes from The Big Store, local restaurants, and ferry access to Galveston.

Enjoy quiet, uncrowded beaches, friendly neighbors, and wide-open skies — the kind of place where relaxation comes easy and memories are made.

Getting Around:
• Just 10 minutes to the heart of Crystal Beach, where you’ll find golf cart rentals, great restaurants, shopping, local coffee shops, snow cones, and even a water slide for the kids!
• Just one scenic ferry ride away from historic Galveston Island, where you can explore top attractions like Moody Gardens, the Pleasure Pier, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, and some of the best fresh seafood on the Texas coast.

Other Things to Note:
At Lazy Gator, we’ve thoughtfully stocked the home to ensure your comfort and convenience:
• Premium linens, cozy blankets, and plush towels + beach towels
• Docking & charging stations in every room
• Gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances
• 2 blow dryers, tower fan, and a starter supply of cleaning essentials & paper products
• Smart TVs, cards, and family board games

Don't forget to pack your sunscreen and bug spray for coastal living!
We recommend bringing your own toiletries for a personalized touch.

We welcome 1 dog under 20 lbs with a non-refundable $125 pet fee (sorry, no cats).

You’ll have direct access to the owners during your stay — we're here if you need us!

As a thank-you for staying at Lazy Gator, please feel free to take home a custom Bolivar Lazy Gator koozie or coffee cup from the kitchen — a small gift from us to you!

Interaction with Guests:
We want you to have an amazing stay! If anything comes up during your visit, don’t hesitate to call or text — we're just a message away and happy to help.

Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor Space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 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 less than 20 lbs per pet (limit one pet total)
Charge may apply
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
**Important** Please make sure you read and comply with these rules: NO BURNING ITEMS OF ANY KIND ON THE TOP DECK. Items includes by are not limi...

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
This property accepts cash
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
Property # 2868673

About the neighborhood

Port Bolivar

Located in Port Bolivar, this vacation home is on the beach. Fort Travis Seashore Park and Pink Dolphin Monument are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Hooks Woods Bird Sanctuary and Smith Oaks Bird Sanctuary.
Map
Bolivar Peninsula, TX

What's nearby

  • Crystal Beach - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Gilchrist Beach - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal - 58 min drive - 50.9 km
  • Galveston Seawall - 59 min drive - 52.4 km
  • Port of Galveston - 59 min drive - 51.3 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Jayla’s Bar & Grill - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Fanta Sea BBQ & Grill - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Curtis jam session - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Mamma Mia’s Italian Bistro - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Beach Dreams - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Beachfront3BR•Steps to Sand•Sleeps 10+Pet Friendly pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 20 lbs per pet.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Beachfront3BR•Steps to Sand•Sleeps 10+Pet Friendly?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Beachfront3BR•Steps to Sand•Sleeps 10+Pet Friendly?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Beachfront3BR•Steps to Sand•Sleeps 10+Pet Friendly located?

Nestled on the beach, this Port Bolivar vacation home is within a 5-minute walk of Gilchrist Beach and Crystal Beach. High Island Beach and Stingaree Marina are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 23 out of 23 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 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

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lexy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hosts are great, very responsive. Access to beach is fantastic, great place to visit with littles. no need for a Golf cart. but we rented one to tote beach items and Grandma, it was very convenient!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sherri T.

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

Great Location

We loved the location- so close to the beach! We also love that the beach was not crowded, the kids flew kites and played in the sand.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maria T.

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

4th of July Getaway

Great stay, beautiful couldn’t ask for more clean house, great location and best 4th of July fireworks
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

James W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was fine. Just a note: you may want address the front door knob. It works fine, just loose from naturally being used.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

christin f., Huntsville Texas

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

We loved this house

We absolutely loved this house check in and check out smooth directions will smooth there's not enough good things to say about our experience here and we will definitely be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Craig P.

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

Beautiful property

Beautiful property sitting right on the beach. Owners are great. Very attentive and responsive. Highly recommend to anyone wanting a beach getaway.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ang S.

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

Beautiful, clean property steps from beach!

My family had a wonderful time! House was clean and had everything needed on hand.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

steven m.

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

Lazy Gator

Really enjoyed my stay at the Lazy Gator this weekend! The place was exactly as advertised and the hosts were so gracious and accommodating. This beach front property is immaculate and the amenities were perfect! I definitely recommend a stay at this place for a nice getaway!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Angela C.

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

Amazing property 🐊

We had the best time!! Beautiful location-beautiful home-everything new and clean-comfy beds, abundance of amenities! Not a party scene on beach-relaxing and family friendly! We will def be returning!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lois Y.

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

Lazy Gator Weekend

This property was great. It was just as described. Decor was so pretty and we had everything we needed. Love this area of the beach! It was less crowded and the beach combing was so nice!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Richard B.

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

Easter Getaway

We have stayed in Bolivar Peninsula/Crystal several times and loved the location (steps from the beach) and space we had at the Lazy Gator. Communication was fantastic and the house had everything we needed for a fun weekend with family. Amanda and Josh were superstar hosts!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristen J.

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

Peaceful Retreat

Our family of four enjoyed The Lazy Gator. The owners pay attention to detail with this property and our trip was everything we hoped it to be. Great location, quiet stretch of beach, and comfortable home with everything you need. They even have a sweet little ornament and branded coffee mugs to keep as souvenirs. Make sure to bring plenty of mosquito spray with you though! Thank you for a wonderful vacation - we will return!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

mike t.

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

Awesome

The house was Right on the beach it was so clean it had that new house smell. The hosts were very responsive and easy to communicate with. This house is A 5 Star home !I will definitely stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Beverley S.

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

The perfect Get away for relaxing and visiting with love ones. Listening to the waves were calming.

Very easy and stress . All my questions were answered. I would stay again and most definitely recommend it to our friends . Thank you for sharing your beach home with us. Beverley Swink
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amy T.

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

Wonderful location

We came to crystal beach for its proximity to the boy scout park/bird migration. It was perfect for us, about 10 minutes to the park one way and the other direction was all of the restaurants/bars and stores. We had a wonderful time. The home was new, well decorated, clean and the view on the back deck is fabulous. Lazy Gator had everything we needed and more. We will definitely be back and will choose the same home if available.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carol F.

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

Family Beach Time

Property well maintained. Kitchen well stocked with just about everything you would think of needing to cook for a large group. Bed in master extremely comfortable. Loved that the beach was just a few steps away and since it is further up from Crystal Beach not crowded. If you are a shell seeker this beach is great for collecting. Enjoyed 6 days here and only left the place once to explore Fort Travis. Great choice for family time.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Drew D., McKinney

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

Wonderful House

The house is amazing. New. Clean. And the most well stocked home I e ever stayed in from VRBO or AirBB. The hosts were great. Honestly, I can’t say enough. We’ll be back. This is our Galveston house every time.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Elissa T.

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

Lazy Gator review

This beach house was everything we could have asked for & more! It was clean, had everything we needed for the stay and plenty of room for my two wild boys to do their own thing. The outdoor deck was our favorite part! Just being able to sit outside and drink a cup (or 3 😜) of coffee in the mornings & watch the sunrise was absolutely amazing. Also, settling down in the afternoons, listening & watching the waves come in, there’s just nothing better! We will without a doubt be booking this beach house in the future for our annual summer vacations ☀️🌊🏖️🦀
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amanda V.

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

Great Relaxing Stay

We had a great experience booking with this family. They thought of everything we might need on our stay. There are sand buckets, boogie boards, beach towels, and chairs. Everything you might need for your beach trip. All the furniture was super comfortable and the place was spotless clean. We love that they allowed a pet for a small fee. Going to the beach is so much more enjoyable when your able to enjoy it with your furry friend. My kids absolutely loved the bunk room. They even thought to provide board games and little cubbies on the top bunks for electronics such as tablets. If you book with this family you will not be disappointed!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Barbara C., Fort Worth, Texas USA

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

Amazing Rental on Bolivar Peninsula

We are frequent vacation renters and we were very impressed with this one! We had a full house for the entire week! The house is well-designed, excellently decorated and well-equipped. I feel like they thought of everything and I must be honest they didn't skimp on anything. Lines were lovely, towels were quality and all of the kitchen equipment was in great condition. Beds were comfortable with plenty of pillos and blankets to go around. They had a pack n play and a high chair, dishes for your littles and sippie cups as well! We enjoyed the upstairs porch and the downstairs area as well. This end of the peninsula is less crowded - which we loved...many days there were just a few people on the beach with us! The beach is lovely here, thick sand and most days gentle enough for the littles to be able to swim. There are not a lot of restaurants or activities around so be prepared to cook and have quality family time, which we prefer! The hosts were amazing. Quick to respond to any questions and genuinely interested in making our stay amazing! We will definitely stay here again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Roland B.

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

Great place to stay

We enjoyed our stay and this will be a preferred choice for future visits. The property is located on the eastern, more rural end of the peninsula: shortest of the two ingress routes, close to nature/wildlife attractions, and has the least populated beach. The house was clean, well furnished, and comfortable. Most appreciated was the large beach-facing deck: the front half is open to the sun with excellent deck chairs and lounges, the back half is covered and furnished with tables and upholstered sofas. All rooms have large panel TVs and USB chargers. Each bedroom had foldable suitcase stands; very useful and much appreciated, yet something seldom seen in rentals. There is plenty of parking under the house, plus a privacy shower, charcoal grill, picnic table, and water hoses for washing off equipment. Detractions were minor. None of the plates were microwaveable. Food was microwaved in coffee mugs (excellent proprietary mugs), glass baking dishes (too large to turn on the microwave turntable), or on paper towels. The property is equal distance from the beach and the highway. Louder-than-normal passing vehicles were heard over the ocean waves, particularly at night in the highway-facing bedroom. Finally, the house sways in the winds to a degree we have not encountered with other beach rentals. Water moves in bowls, hanging items sway, and blinds occasionally clack against the window pane. No one got seasick but those extremely sensitive to motion might take note.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

David C.

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

Relaxation

This place was just about perfect the gator just relaxes your day away it is clean chrisp. It is a true delight to rest at the gator. The there are the views the sounds.. an ocean experience that's really outdone by none
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Frances P.

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

5+++

Beautiful House, Wonderful location, Great communication and an unforgettable time spent with family and friends!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

About the host

Hosted by Amanda Corrigan

Host profile image
Welcome to the Bolivar Lazy Gator, your ultimate Crystal Beach getaway, from our family to yours.

At the Lazy Gator, we embrace Cajun hospitality, because you deserve to 'Laissez les bons temps rouler' or 'Let the good times roll!!'

Consider yourself part of our extended family. We've anticipated your every need and desire, ensuring your 5-star beach vacation is worry-free.

Curious about how the Bolivar Lazy Gator came to be? My husband Josh and I, married for over 18 years with 3 beautiful children, we call Monroe, LA home (Geaux Tigers! 🎉). But our hearts belong to the beach!

About three years ago, we acquired our first beach house and decided to share our love for beach living. We dove into short-term rentals, adding a touch of Louisiana culture to our properties.

Our property has so much to offer, but our favorite part is bringing families and loved ones together, just like yours!

Thank you for choosing Bolivar Lazy Gator!

Check out our other homes on VRBO by Roux⚜️ 87 Vacations!
Coral Crawdad 🦀VRBO ID: 3285436 | sleeps 10 | 3br / 2bt next door to Lazy Gator
Lazy Gator 🐊VRBO ID: 2868673 | sleeps 10 | 3br / 2bt next door to Coral Crawdad
Family Tides 💙 VRBO ID: 3192120 | sleeps 22+| 5br / 4bt
Purple Pelican💜 VRBO ID: 2752900 | sleeps 18 | 5br / 3bt
Salt & Light Shores ☀️VRBO ID: 3285436 | sleeps 12 | 4br / 3bt





Why they chose this property

At the Lazy Gator, we believe in Cajun hospitality because you deserve to “Laissez les bons temps rouler” or “Let the good times roll!!”

And we’ve thought of every detail, so you don’t have to. But, as your host, please know I’m readily available to you by text or phone to ensure outstanding service and a fantastic experience for you.

This beautiful beach home is a beachfront property, so you get to wake up and fall asleep to the sound of the waves. Grab your swimsuit because the sand, surf, and sun are only steps away from this gem.

Feel free to bring Fido (no cats, please, due to allergies) as long as your dog is under 20 lbs. and you’re willing to pay a $100 non-refundable pet fee.

Check out our other homes on VRBO by Roux⚜️ 87 Vacations!
Coral Crawdad 🦀VRBO ID: 3285436 | sleeps 10 | 3br / 2bt next door to Lazy Gator
Lazy Gator 🐊VRBO ID: 2868673 | sleeps 10 | 3br / 2bt next door to Coral Crawdad
Family Tides 💙 VRBO ID: 3192120 | sleeps 22+| 5br / 4bt
Purple Pelican💜 VRBO ID: 2752900 | sleeps 18 | 5br / 3bt
Salt & Light Shores ☀️VRBO ID: 3285436 | sleeps 12 | 4br / 3bt

What makes this property unique

Your vacation rental comfortably sleeps 10 and has a 3 bedroom/2 full bathroom layout with tons of amenities just for you. Your Primary Suite features a King-sized bed, 55” Smart TV, and access to a private deck. The ensuite has double sinks and a tiled stand-up shower.

Bedroom 2 also has a King-sized bed and a 55” Smart TV to enjoy your streaming service of choice when you log in. While bedroom 3 boasts beautiful, custom-made bunk beds for your kids to enjoy. There's a Queen/Queen bunk and a Twin/Twin bunk, so this room sleeps 6. It also has a Smart TV. Your second bathroom has a shower/tub combo in case the kids (or your dog!) need a bath after a fun day in the sun.

You get all linens provided– yes, including beach towels too!! Your bed is made fresh for your arrival, and you get a starter supply of cleaning + paper products.

Beat the Texas heat with COVERED stairs that lead up to the top deck. Enjoy ample seating and the craftsmanship of sturdy wooden furniture on the deck. Plus, a shaded sitting area with plush patio furniture, including a sofa, loveseat, and coffee table. So breathe deeply as you sip your coffee each morning in one of the tall captain’s chairs and take in those beautiful, unobstructed Gulf views!

There’s lots of parking– up to 4 cars under the house/driveway. Additional parking is available on both sides of the private road in front of this small row of 5 cheery beach houses where The Lazy Gator is located. For groups larger than 10, ask us about renting one of these other homes nearby.

Enjoy shaded picnic tables and the bar below the house. It’s the perfect place to call your loved ones and tell them to come to the beach for a small get-together! And get rid of any grit before you go upstairs by taking a rinse in the outdoor shower.


Languages:

English

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