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Adventures

Port Isabel Lighthouse State Park

This lighthouse seems small compared to others we’ve seen (it is the smallest state park in Texas) but it has seen quite a bit of history. Built in 1852 this beacon witnessed action during the Civil War and the Mexican War but was extinguished in 1905. Thankfully, the 72’ tall lighthouse has been restored and it is the only one of Texas’s 16 lighthouses open to the public, so it is quite a gem. There is a fee to climb to the top but the view is wonderful. Afraid of heights? Stop in at the Lighthouse Keeper’s House which also serves as a small museum and visitor’s center for the area. You’ll be able to pick up lots of helpful information and its free!

Phone: (956) 943-2262
Address: 421 E Queen Isabella Blvd, Port Isabel TX 78578

Treasures of the Gulf Museum

This small museum mainly deals with the sinking of three Spanish ships in 1554. They aren’t the only shipwrecks in the area but they are the most famous because of what they had onboard when they sunk. Treasure and lots of it! So richly loaded were the ships that Spain sent several of its best men to recover what they could. Of course bits and pieces still wash ashore and are found, wouldn’t that be cool? Its not all about treasure though as Port Isabel saw action in both the Civil and Mexican Wars. You might recognize some of the men stationed here: Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, Jefferson Davis, Zachary Taylor, and Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson.

Phone: (956) 943-7602
Address: 317 E Railroad, Port Isabel TX 78578

Roosts

Traveler Rest RV Park

This small RV park has been around for years and looks it. Many of the sites are occupied with seasonal units and some are a bit worse for wear. The excellent location and price more than make up for its appearance. I didn’t like having to pay for the showers but it was only a quarter or two. You can fish right from the park and a boat dock is available. The WAVE shuttle stops right across the street, hop on for a free ride around Port Isabel or over the causeway to South Padre Island.

Phone: (956) 943-3373
Address: 504 Hwy 100, Port Isabel TX 78578

Miscellany

Wave Shuttle

This free shuttle makes several stops in Port Isabel before crossing over the Queen Isabella Causeway to South Padre Island. With very few exceptions the shuttle covers most of both communities. The schedule can be picked up at several locations around town. What a great way to tour the area!