Relax and unwind in a heated/chilled pool at this private, fully fenced studio cottage just 1/2 block from the beach! This walkable location in the Historic East End is only minutes to the Strand, cruise port & UTMB. Free on-site parking (rare perk so close to beach), plus a deck, BBQ, beach gear, 2 bikes, heated/chilled cowboy pool! Inside offers a king bed and full kitchen with dishwasher.Stay cool with our new, quiet mini split AC. Ideal for couples, cruise guests, or UTMB visitors. Floor plan 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.
▶ Bringing a Dog?
Your must be listed in your Vrbo reservation at the time of booking to ensure the correct pet fee is applied.
▶Traveling with a larger group?
Additional 3BR home on the property is available to book separately or combined with cottage for extended family or friends.
3BR Bungalow (sleeps 10): Vrbo.com/5263891 or
3BR plus private cottage together: Vrbo.com/5264016
▶ Property Info
Welcome to Realt na Mara Cottage! (“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.
▶ Why Guests Love It!
Just a half-block from the beach and Seawall, this fully fenced Historic East End cottage is perfect for couples, cruise travelers, UTMB visitors and beach getaways. Enjoy a private cowboy plunge pool, king bed and walkable location close to Galveston’s top attractions. Stay cool with our new, quiet mini split AC and ceiling fan.
▶ Parking & Access
Please note: The cottage includes 1 compact off-street parking space via narrow alley access. Large SUVs, trucks, trailers, and RVs will not fit
▶ Sleeping Arrangements (sleeps up to 4)
- Most comfortable for (2) adults; (1) child:
1 King Bed
1 Twin Air Mattress
1 Couch (not a sofa bed)
Please review the floor plan in the listing photos to ensure the layout works well for your group. Probably best suited for 3 adults and 1 child.
▶ Cowboy Plunge Pool & Outdoor Space
Relax in the private cowboy plunge pool—can be heated in cooler months to 104℉ and can be chilled during summer. While not a traditional hot tub (no jets), it’s perfect for soaking and lounging year-round. The fully fenced outdoor space also includes a deck, BBQ grill, and seating area. Please note there is not a traditional grassy backyard.
▶ Perfect for Cruise Travelers
Many guests stay here before or after their cruise to avoid day-of travel stress and start their vacation relaxed and refreshed.
▶ Need More Space?
Traveling with a larger group? We also offer a combined listing that includes this guest cottage plus the larger bungalow at the front of the property—ideal for families and groups wanting extra space while staying close together.
▶ Key Amenities
• Cowboy plunge pool (heated/chilled year-round use)
• King bed
• Full kitchen
• Fast WiFi (850 Mbps)
• Mini Split AC
• Ceiling Fan
• Dedicated workspace
• 40" Roku Smart TV
• Beach essentials
• 2 bicycles
• Pack ’n Play
• High chair available upon request
• Pet friendly
• Self check-in
▶ 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 cottage to yourself. The standalone studio cottage sits behind the main home and features its own private entrance plus a fully fenced outdoor space for added privacy.
• Parking
One free off-street parking space is included directly in front of the cottage via narrow alley access (common in Galveston’s Historic District). Space fits 1 standard-size vehicle only; large SUVs, trucks, RVs, and trailers may not fit. Please do not block the alley.
• Pets:
We welcome 1 well-behaved adult dog. Please keep pets off furniture, clean up after them, and crate if left alone. See House Rules for full pet policies.
• Outdoor Area & Pets
The property does not have a traditional grassy yard. A gravel walkway leads to the entrance, and the fenced outdoor area features a separate deck with a cowboy pool, BBQ grill, and seating. If you're traveling with your dog, please note there is no grass on the property for quick potty breaks. Many guests enjoy walking their dogs along the beach, which is just a half block away.
▶ Other Details:
• Minimum Age to Book:
Booking guest must be 21+ and staying at the property during the reservation.
• No Smoking/Vaping:
For the comfort of all guests, smoking or vaping of any substance is not permitted anywhere on the property, indoors or outdoors. A minimum $500 smoke remediation fee applies for violations. We have cigarette smoke detectors to help us maintain our smoke-free environment for guests.
• Noise
We have outdoor noise monitors to help comply with Galveston’s Quiet Time Ordinance (10 PM–8 AM). These devices do not record conversations - only measure noise levels. Please respect quiet hours and our neighbors.
• Free Parking (1 Vehicle):
One free off-street parking space is included via narrow alley access (common in Galveston’s Historic District). Space fits 1 standard-size vehicle only; large SUVs, trucks, RVs, and trailers may not fit. Please do not block the alley.
• Coastal Environment
As with any coastal location, it is not uncommon for insects to occasionally find their way indoors; especially after heavy rain or weather changes. We perform regular inspections and pest control but you may occasionally spot an insect during your stay.
• Safety Features:
Equipped with smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit.
• No EV Charging:
Charging EVs, e-bikes, scooters, or similar devices using the property’s outlets or extension cords is prohibited.
• Security Cameras:
Exterior security cameras are installed for safety (no indoor cameras). Tampering with cameras is prohibited.
• Photo Staging:
Food/drinks shown in some photos are for staging only. Starter coffee and tea are provided.
