Traveling Texas & Nevada: South Padre Island & Port Isabel TX

Winter In Port Isabel TX

January in Texas, time for a winter
adventure. The mosquitoes are nearly non-existent, any sneakers, the sea breeze moves them along. The drive from Houston to Port Isabel, formally known as Point Isabel, was very scenic. Especially along 77 through Raymondville and Harlingen, loved the Palm tree lined highways. Quite an easy 5 hour drive, maybe six, depending on traffic.

Welcome to Port Isabel!

Coming over the Queen Isabella Causeway from South Padre Island into Port Isabel. The Point Isabel Lighthouse watches over Laguna Madre Bay. Pirates Landing boasts the longest public pier, accessible 24/7. If you did not bring fishing poles, not a problem, you can rent fishing gear from the bait shop located on the pier. The Queen Isabella Causeway is approximately 2 miles long, was constructed in 1954. Prior to the causeway, you either took a ferry or a small swinging bridge near the deep port channel and then drove up the coast line. Port Isabel is a very quaint fishing town that attracts many snowbirds (with wings and without). You will also see pods of dolphin along with many migratory birds and sea turtles. Fishing is world renown within the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.

Point Isabel Lighthouse

The Point Isabel Lighthouse sits at the bottom of The Queen Isabella Causeway and is no longer a working lighthouse. There is a light but not for the purpose of protecting ships from shore. During the American-Mexican War the land was used as a fort, Fort Polk. The building was converted into a small museum and the lighthouse is accessible to the public only during dry weather.

The Point Isabel Lighthouse is in the center of town. The surrounding area consists of residential and commercial property. Across the street you can enjoy a delicious Italian meal at Marcello's. Or down the street, grab a juicy belly busting burger, from the infamous Burger Shack. Wander next door to a small covered courtyard that holds a local flea market. Never know what treasures you may discover!

Stroll down Maxan St, across from the lighthouse. There you will find inviting gift shops and galleries filled with local artist's wares. Further down the street is Pirates Landing. Where you can dine on fresh seafood overlooking the bay, fish from the pier or take a boat ride. Boat rides consist of pirate adventures, dolphin watching, sunset cruises, or you guessed it-fishing.