Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site
Categories
Museum / Historical Site
Hours:
Lighthouse - Open Daily 9 a.m.–6 p.m. [Off season]10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Visitor Center - Open Daily 9 a.m
About Us
The Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site stands as a testament to Texas’ maritime history, guiding ships through the Gulf of Mexico since its construction in 1852. Built in response to numerous shipwrecks off Brazos Island, the lighthouse played a crucial role in navigation until its decommissioning in 1905 due to declining maritime traffic. Today, the 72-foot structure remains a striking landmark, drawing visitors who can climb its 75 steps and three ladders to take in breathtaking views of South Padre Island. Adjacent to the lighthouse, a reconstructed keeper’s cottage serves as a museum and visitor center, preserving the rich history of this coastal beacon.
In 2022, the lighthouse regained a piece of its former glory with the installation of a reproduction 3rd Order Fresnel Lens, bringing light to its lantern room for the first time in 117 years. Though no longer an active navigational aid, the illuminated lens honors the site’s past and enhances its role as a historic attraction. The Port Isabel Lighthouse remains the only publicly accessible lighthouse in Texas, offering a glimpse into the state’s maritime legacy and the resilience of a structure that has withstood the tests of time, war, and changing technology.
