The unincorporated area of High Island, Texas, is situated along the borders of the Anahuac National Wildlife Reserve. This island features sandy beaches and four bird sanctuaries. For active visitors, you will often see individuals playing beach games, such as beach volleyball, or splashing around in the calm waters breaking onto the shore. This beach area is very remote, and it requires you to drive along the beach sand to access most of the 27 miles of beach.
Features
High Island lies inland from the Gulf of Mexico on the eastern side of Texas' Galveston Bay. On the island is a large salt dome, which makes this island the highest elevation on the Gulf coast from Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula to Mobile, Alabama. This beach is popular with tourists and locals alike for swimming, beach combing, shelling and bird watching.
Beach
The beach at High Island begins at the start of the Bolivar Peninsula, and it is suggested that individuals have a 4X4 vehicle to access the majority of the beach. High Island beach features grassy, low dunes, shallow water and gentle waves. The beach is popular for swimming, relaxing and camping. The first part of High Island beach is frequented by fishermen. After this point, the beach--especially 4 to 5 miles after the roadblock--is popular with topless beach goers and nudists.
Neighboring Beaches
Located 19 miles northeast from the town of High Island, at the far end of High Island Beach, is Crystal Beach. This beach is seven miles long, and it's a popular family beach destination. This beach is similar to High Island in that it has calm waves, grassy dunes and sparkling sand. Crystal Beach also includes the largest town along the Bolivar Peninsula.
History
High Island first got its name in 1845 when Anson Jones, president of the Republic of Texas, referred to the island as High Island, due to the salt dome. This area was already home to Native Americans due to the natural mineral springs. The area of High Island was official recognized by the United States government in 1897, when the first post office was established.
The bird sanctuaries on High Island are popular tourist destinations during peak bird watching season, which runs from mid-March to mid-May. When out walking through the bird sanctuaries, expect to see a variety of wildlife, including baby gators, ribbon snakes and a wide array of birds. Additionally, the walks through these sanctuaries will allow for you to see nests, eggs, chicks and a variety of native plant life.
In 2008, Hurricane Ike directly hit High Island, and the entire island was covered with water, except for the salt dome. After the water receded, most homes and roads on the island were destroyed.
Considerations
If you are looking for a family-friendly beach, be aware that High Island beaches may have topless women before arriving. If you are looking for a family-friendly beach, you may want to consider heading to Crystal Beach. On High Island, individuals can access the beach from Highway 87 and the High Island Public Boat Ramp.
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