Vacation rentals in Jamaica Beach

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Popular amenities for Jamaica Beach vacation rentals

Stay near Jamaica Beach's top sights

Seven Seas Grocery112 locals recommend
Nate's Westend Seafood & Steaks107 locals recommend
Galveston Island State Park104 locals recommend
Way West Grill & Pizzeria37 locals recommend
Rick's Beach Rentals32 locals recommend
Je Mocha Bean Coffee & Wine Bar22 locals recommend

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Jamaica Beach

  • Total rentals

    240 properties

  • Nightly prices starting at

    $60 before taxes and fees

  • Total number of reviews

    8.8K reviews

  • Family-friendly rentals

    240 properties are a good fit for families

  • Pet-friendly rentals

    150 properties allow pets

  • Rentals with a pool

    120 properties have a pool

Your guide to Jamaica Beach

Welcome to Jamaica Beach

Jamaica Beach is a tiny collection of stilt houses in pastel yellows, vibrant greens, and bright blues that sits on a narrow strip of land on Galveston Island in southern Texas. It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it sort of a place bordered on the east and west by the city of Galveston and everywhere else by water.

Just 30 minutes’ drive from downtown Galveston and 90 minutes from Houston, Jamaica Beach was once a weekend vacation destination, but the town was incorporated in 1975 and it’s now a tight-knit community with a relaxed, small-town feel. The northwestern half of Jamaica Beach is carved through with canals that feed into West Bay and are great for kayaking and birdwatching, and the city also boasts a park and a public swimming pool that’s particularly popular during those hot Texas summers. But the main attraction here is the beach itself, with its wide stretches of sand and the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Jamaica Beach

Summer is the busiest time of year in Jamaica Beach, especially on weekends and holidays. Vacationers, as well as daytrippers from Houston, flock to the Gulf Coast to escape the heat and humidity by splashing around in the surf. However, July, August, and September also bring a slight risk of hurricanes, so be sure to check the forecast.

Winters here are mild and lovely, but the best times of year are really spring and fall, when the weather is still warm but not scorching, and the crowds thin out, allowing Jamaica Beach to resume its laid-back pace. These shoulder season months are also when you’ll catch local events such as the annual Easter egg hunt, city-wide garage sale, and beach cleanups, and when birders come to watch the spring and fall migrations along the Central Flyway.


Top things to do in Jamaica Beach

Galveston Island State Park

Immediately adjacent to Jamaica Beach, the 2,000-acre Galveston Island State Park also stretches across the barrier island from the bay to the Gulf and contains long, clean beaches; picnic areas; four miles of hiking paths and boardwalks; and even paddling trails for canoes and kayaks.

Local fishing

Galveston Island is an angler’s paradise, and more than 100 species of fish are regularly pulled from its surrounding waters, including redfish, black drum, tuna, mahi-mahi, and marlin. Fish from the shore, paddle out into the bay to drop a line, or head into Galveston and book a deep sea charter, then grill up your catch at the end of the day.

History of Piracy

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the shores of the Gulf Coast were overrun with pirates, including the infamous French privateer Jean Lafitte, who spent a great deal of time at the eastern end of Galveston Island. Jamaica Beach nods to this legacy, with streets named after real-life seafaring scoundrels and nautical figures from legends. Nearby Galveston also has a themed museum and entertainment venue where you can dig deeper into local piratical lore.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How is the weather in Jamaica Beach?

    Jamaica Beach has a humid subtropical climate. Summers can be hot, with temperatures reaching 90°F (32°C), while winters are mild, averaging around 60°F (15°C). Rainfall is quite evenly spread throughout the year.

  • What are some of the best things to do in Jamaica Beach?

    Visitors to Jamaica Beach often enjoy swimming, fishing, and strolling along the beach. Bird-watching is also popular due to the area's diverse avian population. For a bit of history, exploring the Fort Travis Seashore Park is frequently suggested.

  • What is the best time of year to visit Jamaica Beach?

    The most popular time to visit Jamaica Beach is during the summer months, from June to August. Around this time, the Galveston Island Shrimp Festival, typically happening in September, draws crowds with its seafood cook-off and live music.

  • What are the best places to stay in Jamaica Beach?

    Vacation rentals are popular in Jamaica Beach, with many opting for homes closer to the beachfront. Neighborhoods near Jamaica Beach City Park and Fort Travis Seashore Park also tend to be popular options.

  • What are the best places to visit in Jamaica Beach?

    Jamaica Beach City Park, a family-friendly spot with playgrounds and picnic areas, is often recommended. Fort Travis Seashore Park is a popular historical site. For nature enthusiasts, Galveston Island State Park, just a short drive away, is regularly visited.

  • What are some hiking trails in Jamaica Beach?

    Guests enjoy the trails at Galveston Island State Park, which vary from easy to moderate in difficulty and offer views of diverse habitats like dunes, estuaries, and wetlands. Bay-Side, Duck Lake, and Freshwater Pond trails are commonly explored.

  • What are some family activities to do in Jamaica Beach?

    Families often enjoy beach games and swimming in the gentle waves at Jamaica Beach. A visit to Jamaica Beach City Park, with its playground and picnic areas, is also a popular choice. Exploring the natural beauty of nearby Galveston Island State Park is another family-friendly activity.

  • What are some of the best day trip ideas in Jamaica Beach?

    Day trips could include a visit to the nearby city of Galveston, where you can explore historic neighborhoods, visit the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum, or enjoy a walk along the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier.

  • Do house rentals in Jamaica Beach have a bbq area?

    Absolutely! We offer over 90 house rentals with a bbq area in Jamaica Beach. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • What are the most popular amenities for House Rentals in Jamaica Beach?

    Enhance your stay in our House Rentals with the most popular amenities: over 60 homes with self check-in, over 10 homes with a gym, over 90 homes with a bbq area, and more. Indulge in the ultimate retreat, tailored to your preferences.

Destinations to explore

  1. Airbnb
  2. United States
  3. Texas
  4. Galveston County
  5. Jamaica Beach