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City in Texas, United States
Photo: lfwlfw / Bevo at English Wikipedia, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
The City of Port Isabel, population 6,300 in 2019, is the southernmost city and port on the Texas coast. It is a tourism, retirement, sports fishing and commercial fishing destination and the gateway to South Padre Island.
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Housed in the historic Key to the Gulf Champion Building built in 1899 as a dry goods store. The facade features the famous ‘fish mural’ painted in 1906. The first floor interprets Port Isabel history with interactive exhibits and video presentations. The second floor is dedicated to the U.S.-Mexican War with many locally salvaged artifacts.
Last ticket sold at 3:30PM. Interprets three Spanish treasure ships that wrecked 30 mi north of Port Isabel in 1554. They are brought to life with murals, artifacts and hands-on activities. Also featured is a Children’s Discovery Lab, Ship theater and Nautical Gift Shop.
The Port Isabel Lighthouse was constructed in 1852. It was opened to the public in 1952 as a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department state historical site. Lighthouse summer hours are Sunday-Thursday, 9AM-6PM (Saturday until 7PM). On Friday Movie Night (see in “Events”) it closes at 5PM. During the winter, the Lighthouse is open 10AM-5PM.
In addition to interpretive exhibits, the Keeper’s Cottage houses the Port Isabel Visitors Center and the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce. Free admission.
Popular tourist attraction featuring aquaria and touch tanks of various sea animals like turtles and starfish.
Non-profit gallery and outlet for 21 local artists. Provides a venue for art education, workshops, demonstrations, and other fine art activities, including music, theatre, and dance.
Extensive collection of sports memorabilia. Original portraits of sports legends by owner, Manuel Hinojosa. Most portraits signed by the athlete. See separate listing in "Drink" section
These cross-causeway events each include Texas Track and Field Certified 10K races and noncompetitive 5K fun “fitness walks." The causeway run and fitness walks have been held annually for more than thirty years and each event attracts over two thousand entrants. Administered by the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce. Includes tee-shirt for first 1,000 registrants. Second Saturday in January and first Saturday in June annually.
First weekend in August. The largest saltwater fishing tournament in Texas with more than 1,500 anglers each event. 2017 marks the 78th year of TIFT. There are both offshore and inshore divisions and TIFT prides itself in its family-oriented tradition. Registration is usually done in advance, but late registration begins on Wednesday night. Thursday is devoted to boat preparation and a Playday for juniors. Fishing is on Friday and Saturday. The awards ceremony is Sunday afternoon. Registration includes dinner parties on Friday and Saturday night.
First Sunday in November annually in the parking area across from the Highway 48 approach to Port Isabel. 2017 marks the 24th year of the event. The skills of amateur and professional chefs from around the Valley are judged on appearance, aroma and taste of their specialty dishes. Live music is provided. Tickets are available for purchase of dishes. Organized by the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by area and Valley businesses and organizations.
Every Friday night beginning at 9:30PM during June and July. Free, family-friendly movies are projected onto the lighthouse. Sponsored by the Museums of Port Isabel.
Fishing pier, tackle shop and bait stand. Oct-Mar: Su-W 7AM-2AM, Th-Sa 24 hrs. Apr-Sep: 24 hrs.
Capts. George & Scarlet Colley
Small group birding, dolphin watching and photography tours for education and conservation.
A modern day replica of a 17th-century galleon. Pirates entertaining with Pirate stories, face painting, treasure hunt, water pistol battle, sword fighting, booty, music and loads of family fun for all ages. Available for purchase on the ship: sodas, snacks, beer, and wine.
Afternoon dolphin watch & marine ecology cruises (12:30PM-2PM. Adults $16), evening dolphin watch (adults $13. Sunset cruises May-Sept (adults $13), fireworks cruises. Children up to 2 years free, ages 3-12 $13. See also "Fishing trips."
Sailboat charters and classes. Two-hour to all-day trips.
Stiletto 27' Catamaran. Sailing trips with and without swimming or snorkeling. For 2 people for two hours or Friday fireworks cruise $120. Half-day trips $200. See website for all day trips, dinner cruises, charges for additional people etc.
Bay fishing head-boat trips on the double-deck 70' "Fish Tales". Offshore and tarpon charter trips (half day to overnight) on "Reel Madness."
Inshore head-boat. Daily bay fishing trips: 8AM-noon, 2PM-5PM & 7PM-11PM.
Capt. Gencho Buitureira, Jr.
Bay fishing charters. 24' Carolina Skiff, roomy for up to 6 people. 5-8 hr trips. Bait and tackle provided. 26 years experience. Pronounced "Hencho."
Very popular, rustic burger place. Outdoor space reflects a vintage environment. Street-side and patio dining.
Pirate-themed restaurant serving sandwiches, seafood and steaks. Sits next to the ocean where a deck and pier are attached to each other. Visible sign "Welcome to Port Isabel" can be seen from the Causeway. A staple for tourists and locals.
Fried Chicken w/biscuit and Combo -- 2 pc up to 25 pc. Family platters, Cajun tenders, Cajun fish
Ice Cream, sundaes, splits, raspas (shaved ice). Ice cream cups and cones $3 scoop & $5 double. Order inside; tables in patio.
Serves primarily seafood and has a gulf side deck. Bar. Perfect for a weekend night. Wifi.
Yogurt, shakes, smoothies, raspas (shaved ice). Order and eat outside.
Real Pit BBQ. BBQ Brisket, links, pulled pork, chopped beef, chicken. Entrees w/2 sm. sides ($10-$13), sandwiches ($7-$8) & by the pound ($7-$9). Wifi.
Mexican restaurant serving seafood, sandwiches and burgers.
Shares half its building with Gulf Seafood Market. Serves seafood and also operates as a mini-mart. Local family owned and operated.
Popular seafood eatery in a cozy, home-style setting. Blends traditional Mexican-style meals with seafood options. Local family owned and operated, including family fishing boat.
Papa's Restaurant
Popular eatery serving Mexican meals, seafood and homemade-style foods. Has a pool and beer selection as well as live music on the weekends.
Popular sports bar with a spacious parking lot. Has a kids arcade room. Serves wings, nachos and burgers. See entry at “museums” for sports memorabilia display. Wifi
Affordable beer, wine and setups. Public welcome. Pool tables. Especially popular during winter months, especially because it is right across the bridge from Long Island Village, which fills with winter visitors. During that period, bingo is held two nights a week, live music, Karaoke, covered dish suppers, etc. Wifi
All Suites feature a full kitchen, living area and full private bath. Sleeper sofas are available in select rooms.
Historic hotel built in 1906 as a fishing club. On the Laguna Madre, with docks and boat ramp. One- and two-bedroom suites. Four-night minimum stay.
On-site dining, marina, bar, tackle shop, bait and fuel
Must be born before 1993. Ask for Chente.
Pricey boutique selling paintings, jewelry, scented candles and other accessories. Each piece of jewelry is hand-crafted from Venice, Italy.
Indoor flea market, gifts. About a half-dozen independent businesses. Jewelry, crafts, imports, geodes, rocks, and Misc.
Chain mail creations.
Thousands of stones to choose from: Larimar, Turquoise, Sonoran Sunrise, African Turquoise, Rhodochrosite, Lapiz Lazuli and Opals.
Gift shop selling beautiful outdoor lanterns and ceramics made in the shape of shells.
Shop selling a variety of decor for yachts. Photo post cards.
Book store.
Specializes in custom-framing and sells handcrafted jewelry from around the world and unique chainsaw-carved pelicans in various sizes.
Extravagant castle-shaped souvenir store selling wind chimes, bracelets and other decor. Most of their inventory is influenced by the ocean theme.
Inshore and offshore boating and fishing supplies and tackle. Kayak supplies.
Live, fresh dead and frozen bait. Fresh local seafood market. Fishing tackle. Fishing & boating apparel inc. Guy Harvey. Family owned and operated since 1983.
By bus
By foot or bicycle
The town is relatively small, so taking a bicycle would get you around most of the area within minutes. There is much to see and do in the few square blocks of the Lighthouse District.
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Brownsville · Regional · BRO
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