Backyard Retreat w Pool • Steps to Beach! • 2 Kings • Sleeps 10
Beautifully restored beach bungalow with private backyard retreat featuring a heated/chilled cowboy plunge pool, BBQ, fire pit, and lounge seating. 1/2 block to the beach in the Historic East End, minutes to the Strand, cruise port, and UTMB. Inside: 2 king bedrooms, a fun kids’ bunk room, full kitchen, and washer/dryer. Includes beach gear, 2 bikes for cruising the Seawall, and free street parking with passes. Ideal for families, group trips, and cruise travelers. Floor plan in photos.
▶ You can watch the the property video walk-through for a full tour (click 2nd image in photos).
Welcome to Realt na Mara (“Star of the Sea” in Gaelic). You can save this property to your Wishlist by clicking the heart in the top right corner of the listing.
▶ Traveling with a larger group? The private cottage on the property may also be booked separately or together for extended family or friends. Send us a message for details: Cottage (sleeps 3): Vrbo.com/5263866 or cottage and 3BR combined: Vrbo.com/5264016.
▶ Sleeping Arrangements (sleeps up to 10) • Primary Bedroom: King bed • Second Bedroom: King bed • Third Bedroom (Bunk Room): Twin-over-full bunks (top: 100lb limit, bottom: 300lb limit) • Living Room: Twin trundle sofa bed • Living Room: Full air mattress
Please review the floor plan in the listing photos to ensure the layout works well for your group.
▶ Need More Space? Traveling with a larger group? We offer a combined listing that includes this Bungalow plus the separate studio Guest Cottage (rear of property). The cottage is a stand-alone unit with its own private entrance and parking spot. Perfect for families, friends, or cruise travelers who want to stay close but with added space and privacy - Message us for details!
▶ Cruise Travelers: Guests choose this home to avoid day-of-cruise travel stress, enjoy a night in Galveston, and start (or end) their cruise rested and refreshed.
▶ Why you’ll love it! Only ½ block walk to the beach and Seawall, this beautifully restored bungalow offers the perfect walkable beach location getaway in the historic East End.
▶ Beach Backyard Retreat! Fenced, private backyard designed for relaxing and gathering. It features a temperature-controlled, 10-person large cowboy pool (chilled in summer, heated in cooler months), fire pit, BBQ, and comfortable lounge seating—perfect for unwinding after a day at the beach. Start your mornings with coffee, spend the afternoons cooling off in the pool, and enjoy a BBQ under the shade sail. Wind down fireside as the sun sets and stargaze.
▶ Key Amenities: • Cowboy plunge pool (year-round – chilled summer/heated winter • 2 King bedrooms • Fun kids bunk room • Fully-equipped Kitchen • Fast WiFi (750 Mbps) • Washer/Dryer • Dedicated workspace • Roku Smart TVs • Beach Essentials • Bicycles (2) • Pack n Play & high chair • Pet Friendly • Easy self check-in - flexible arrival time
▶ Cowboy Plunge Pool: Enjoy relaxing in the cowboy pool—perfect for soaking and lounging. While not a traditional hot tub (no jets), it is chilled in summer and heated in cooler months for year-round enjoyment.
▶ Location Highlights: • Beaches & Seawall: 2 min walk • Murdoch's: 4 min walk (0.7 miles) • Bishop's Palace: 2 mins (0.5 miles) • Cruise Ship Terminal: 8 mins (2.2 miles) • Univ Texas Medical Branch (UTMB): 4 mins (1.6 miles) • The Strand shopping, restaurants: 4 mins (1.4 miles) • Pleasure Pier Amusement Park: 3 mins (0.9 miles) • Texas Seaport Museum: 7 mins (1.4 miles) • Moody Gardens Theme Park: 18 mins (6.5 miles) • Schlitterbahn Water Park: 16 mins (6.1 miles)
▶ Local Recommendations: We’re happy to share all our favorite local spots—just ask! We even have gluten free suggestions! A few of our favorites are listed below:
• Saltgrass Steakhouse – 4 min walk (0.1 miles) • Mod Coffeehouse – 4 mins (1.3 miles) • Shykatz Deli – 2 mins (0.4 miles) • The SPOT! – 5 mins (1.5 miles) • Galveston Bagel – 4 mins (1.1 miles) • Sunflower Bakery & Café – 4 mins (1.3 miles)
▶ Guest Access: You'll have the entire bungalow to yourself
▶ Other Details to Note: • Minimum Age to Book: We require the booking guest to be at least 25 years old and actually be staying at the property each night of the reservation.
• Noise We have outdoor noise monitors to help comply with Galveston’s strict Quiet Time Ordinance (10 PM–8 AM). These devices do not record conversations - only measure noise levels. Please respect quiet hours and our neighbors.
• Property Information: The beach is just steps away from both homes. Please note the homes are not beachfront and do not offer direct ocean views. Enjoy your morning coffee on the front porch with beautiful Gulf sunrises or take a short stroll to the beach to watch from the sand. The fully fenced backyard features a private retreat with a cowboy pool, BBQ, fire pit, and paver patio (no grass). A designated pet relief area with artificial turf is also provided.
• Parking: City permits 2 vehicles to park on the street. Free street parking directly in front of the house (rare perk this close to the beach). Parking passes will be issued upon check in and must be displayed in vehicles at all times. Please remember to return the passes at checkout. Lost or unreturned passes will result in a $1,000 replacement fee charged by the city.
• Historic Homes: This is a lovingly restored circa 1911 property—expect a blend of old-world charm and modern updates. Original floors in main home with a slight “wiggle” reflect the home’s character.
• Beach Access: The homes are only ½ block to the Seawall and Galveston’s beaches.
• Heating/Cooling: Main home has central air conditioning/heating and ceiling fans. Cottage has wall AC unit and portable heaters if needed.
• Pets: We’re happy to welcome well-behaved dogs! We allow 2 adult dogs. The pet fee is included in the nightly rate when you add your pets to the reservation. Please see our House Rules/Pet Policies and the following so we can continue offering pet-friendly stays: • Dogs only; max 2 (1+ year old, no puppies) • Fully housebroken; please clean up after your dog • No pets on beds or furniture • In crate if left alone at property
• Safety Features: Homes equipped with smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers and first aid kits.
• Security Devices: For your security the property is equipped with exterior security cameras (no cameras inside). Tampering with, disabling, or obscuring cameras is prohibited and against Vrbo Policies.
• No EV Charging: Use of extension cords to charge vehicles/devices is prohibited due to safety and insurance requirements. This includes e-bikes, scooters, hoverboards, etc. Public EV charging stations are available nearby.
• Starter Supplies: We provide starter supplies of coffee, tea, laundry detergent and dishwasher pods. For longer stays, guests may need to purchase additional items.
• Food and beverages staged in some photos for inspiration only – not provided during your stay. We do provide a starter supply of coffee and tea.
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Turn Pool Heater back to TIMER. Replace pool cover.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
▶ No Smoking/Vaping of any kind anywhere on the property, including indoors and outdoors. We have cigarette smoke sensors on the property ($500 fine)
▶ Galveston Quiet Time Ordinance is strict - 10PM-8AM. We have noise monitors that record noise levels (not conversations) to comply with ordinance.
▶ Pets: must be in a crate if left alone at property
▶ Children: must be supervised at all times and may not be left alone at the property
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number GVR16278
Property # 5263891vb
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Galveston
Located in San Jacinto, a neighbourhood in Galveston, this holiday home is near theme parks and near the beach. Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal and Port of Galveston are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier and Galveston Schlitterbahn Waterpark. Travelling with kids? Consider Moody Gardens and Texas Seaport Museum. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and power boating nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and cycling.
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier - 18 min walk - 1.6 km
Galveston Seawall - 20 min walk - 1.7 km
Restaurants
McDonald's - 16 min walk
Circle K - 14 min walk
Wendy's - 18 min walk
ShyKatz Place - 6 min walk
Saltgrass Steak House
Frequently asked questions
Does Backyard Retreat w Pool • Steps to Beach! • 2 Kings • Sleeps 10 have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.
Is Backyard Retreat w Pool • Steps to Beach! • 2 Kings • Sleeps 10 pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much is parking at Backyard Retreat w Pool • Steps to Beach! • 2 Kings • Sleeps 10?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Backyard Retreat w Pool • Steps to Beach! • 2 Kings • Sleeps 10?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Backyard Retreat w Pool • Steps to Beach! • 2 Kings • Sleeps 10?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Backyard Retreat w Pool • Steps to Beach! • 2 Kings • Sleeps 10 located?
This family-friendly Galveston holiday home is located near the beach, within 1 mi (2 km) of Seawall Beach, Galveston Seawall and Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. Port of Galveston Cruise Terminal and Port of Galveston are also within 2 miles (3 km).
About the host
Hosted by Natalie Brooks
I’m a nurse practitioner in a busy ER by day and an interior designer by passion! I’ve always loved creating welcoming spaces and restoring historic homes. Galveston stole our hearts — from its rich architecture to its laid-back coastal charm. We love welcoming guests at Shamrock on the Shore Vacation Homes, where historic charm and modern comfort come together. We love to travel, but nothing means more to us than hearing our guests say they "felt right at home" staying with us!
Why they chose this property
When we found this spot in Galveston just 1/2 block to the beach, we knew it was the perfect place for a vacation home. The neighborhood combines everything we love about the island: quiet, residential charm with easy access to beaches, dining, and historic attractions.
From here, you can be on the sand in just minutes, stroll through The Strand Historic District, or enjoy family-friendly favorites like Moody Gardens and the Pleasure Pier. At the same time, the street itself feels peaceful and welcoming — the kind of place where you can relax on the porch with a morning coffee or unwind after a day of exploring.
We chose this neighborhood because it offers the best of both worlds: a calm retreat with all the excitement of Galveston right at your fingertips.
What makes this property unique
1/2 block to the beach plus fantastic backyard retreat with cowboy plunge pool, firepit, BBQ, beach gear and bicycles for pedaling the Seawall.
Guests love how close they are to everything: walks on the shore, exploring The Strand’s historic shops, fresh seafood dinners, and family attractions like Moody Gardens. Yet when you return, you’ll find a quiet retreat where you can kick back on the sofa, cook a meal in the modern kitchen, or enjoy a peaceful night’s rest with family and friends.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family trip, or a long weekend escape, this home is more than just a place to stay — it’s a place to make memories with your family or friends.