Our town square has an historic Lighthouse right in the center, surrounded by specialty shopping and artisans, dining, pier and charter fishing, eco tours, bars, art galleries and a visitors center. Park and spend the day exploring!
As one of the oldest cities in extreme south Texas, Port Isabel, has a long and interesting history dating back to 1519 when it was charted by Spanish explorer Alonzo de Pineda. Port Isabel is located 2.6 miles from South Padre Island and the best beaches in the Gulf Coast. There are tales of pirate treasures still buried on there.
History: visit Port Isabel Historic Museum and the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage for more about the history of the Laguna Madre area. Port Isabel Historical Museum is open Wednesday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There are also a number of historical markers around downtown Port Isabel. This one, located on the Maxan Street entrance to the park reads: “POINT ISABEL LIGHTHOUSE, Built 1852, Retired 1905. Built of brick brought from New Orleans by schooner, the beacon’s 16 mile range guided sips into the harbor and to the Rio Grande bringing commerce to SW Texas. Darkened during the Civil War, it was used as a lookout by both Union and Confederate forces, and again during World War 1. [Placed in honor of The American Merchant Marine, United States Daughters of 1812, Texas Society; Coryne Aston Boggs Choate, State President. 9 February 1992]
There are also a number of historical markers around downtown Port Isabel. This one, located on the Maxan Street entrance to the park reads: “POINT ISABEL LIGHTHOUSE, Built 1852, Retired 1905. Built of brick brought from New Orleans by schooner, the beacon’s 16 mile range guided sips into the harbor and to the Rio Grande bringing commerce to SW Texas. Darkened during the Civil War, it was used as a lookout by both Union and Confederate forces, and again during World War 1. [Placed in honor of The American Merchant Marine, United States Daughters of 1812, Texas Society; Coryne Aston Boggs Choate, State President. 9 February 1992]
Welcome to downtown Port Isabel, where you can Park & Play, ALL Day!