Fort Travis Seashore Park: Crystal Beach's Coastal History, Up Close
Fort Travis Seashore Park sits on the western tip of the Bolivar Peninsula, near the ferry landing in Port Bolivar. It is free to visit, open daily, and holds more than a century of military history across 60 acres of grass, bunkers, and coastline.
Here is what makes it worth the stop.
A Brief History
Early Fortifications
The site has been used for defense since long before the current fort existed. In 1816, a Spanish military expedition built earthworks here. During the Civil War, Confederate forces occupied the site under the name Fort Green.
The Fort You See Today
Construction on the present-day Fort Travis began in 1898 and finished in 1899, part of a larger federal effort to defend the Port of Galveston. It was named for William Barret Travis, commander at the Alamo.
The fort sustained damage during the catastrophic 1900 Galveston hurricane, and a seawall was built afterward to protect it from future storms. The fort was expanded during both World War I and World War II, at its peak housing as many as 2,500 soldiers with a range of artillery, from anti-aircraft guns to long-range rifles.
The fort was decommissioned after World War II and sold into private ownership in 1949. It was later acquired for public use with support from the Moody Foundation and is now maintained by Galveston County.
Hurricane Carla
In 1961, Hurricane Carla pushed through the region, and local residents rode out the storm inside the fort’s concrete bunkers, some bringing their livestock along with them. Those stories are still part of the area’s oral history today.
What’s There Now
The bunkers and gun batteries remain, and many are open to walk through and explore. An interpretive trail runs through the site, with signs explaining both the fort’s military history and the local wildlife, including blue crabs and brown pelicans.
Beyond the historic structures, the park has wide grassy fields, a seawall, and picnic areas with tables and cooking facilities. It’s also a good spot to watch cargo ships pass through Bolivar Roads on their way to and from the Port of Houston, and to catch the sunset over the water.
The Point Bolivar Lighthouse, built in 1872, stands just north of the fort and is visible from the park grounds.
Visiting Information
Fort Travis Seashore Park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The gates close automatically at closing time, so plan your visit to leave before then.
Admission is free. The park is located at the west end of Highway 87 near the ferry landing in Port Bolivar.
Plan Your Stay
Casago Bolivar Vacations manages vacation homes across Crystal Beach, Gilchrist, and Port Bolivar, several within a short drive of Fort Travis and the ferry landing.
Browse homes near Port Bolivar
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fort Travis Seashore Park free to visit?
Yes. There is no admission fee. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and the gates close automatically at closing time.
What is the history of Fort Travis?
The site was used for coastal defense as early as 1816. The current fort was built between 1898 and 1899 to help defend the Port of Galveston, and it was expanded during both World Wars before being decommissioned after World War II. It is named for William Barret Travis, commander at the Alamo.
Can you go inside the bunkers at Fort Travis?
Yes. Many of the historic bunkers and gun batteries are open for visitors to walk through and explore as part of a self-guided visit.
How big is Fort Travis Seashore Park?
The park covers about 60 acres, including the historic fort structures, open grass fields, a seawall, and picnic areas.
Where is Fort Travis located?
Fort Travis Seashore Park is on the western tip of the Bolivar Peninsula in Port Bolivar, near the Galveston-Bolivar ferry landing. The Point Bolivar Lighthouse is visible just north of the park.
