"Bolivar Peninsula" Port Bolivar by sherita

I love lighthouses but had never seen the one that was practically in my own back yard. So while we were in Galveston we took the ferry over to the Bolivar Peninsula to see the lighthouse.

The ferry is free and is run by the Texas DOT. On the day we were there they had three running and we had a one ferry wait so it took us about 45 minutes to cross.

The Bolivar Point Lighthouse

The lighthouse is just off 87, you have to pass it when you leave the ferry. Unfortunately, it appears to be privately owned and therefore we couldn't get very close. It also appears to need a new paint job.

Battery Ernst

While we were on the Bolivar Peninsula we also stopped by Fort Travis, the first fort established by the Republic of Texas in 1836 to protect Galveston Harbor. Unfortunately what is left today is in very bad shape. In fact, most of the batteries are fenced off and overgrown.

• Pros:On the bay, lots of room for kids to play
• Cons:weather-beaten