There is so much to do in Port Isabel. This historic community right on the Laguna Madre Bay is home to the Port Isabel Lighthouse and Lighthouse Square. Here you can take a historic trolley tour, do some shopping, enjoy a great meal, go on a dolphin watch, fish off the pier or go out for some deep sea or bay fishing. Or just walk from Southwind Inn and explore this coastal town with lots of character!

The sturdy lighthouse tower at Port Isabel has survived war damage, coastal storms, and years of abandonment. Built in 1853 on the grounds of a military depot left after the war with Mexico, the lighthouse was also a strategic prize for Confederate and Federal troops during the American Civil War.

During the last half of the 19th century, its light projected 15 miles out to sea to help guide ships to the safety of the Brazos Santiago harbor.

Since 1952, it has been the focal point of a state park.

It stands today as a well known landmark for the recreational industry of Port Isabel

...from Texas Parks and Wildlife signage at the lighthouse.

The Lighthouse is available for tours via the Port Isabel Museums.

Port Isabel's historic cemetary is an interesting glimpse in to the past of this unique coastal community.