BACKGROUND: As the oldest city in south Texas, Port Isabel has a long and interesting history dating back to 1519 when it was charted by Spanish explorer Alonzo de Pineda and inhabited by pirates and Indians. There are tales of pirate's treasures still buried on South Padre Island. Port Isabel is home to three world class museums which bring our history to life. The Port Isabel Historic Museum, the Treasures of the Gulf Museum, and the 1852 Port Isabel Lighthouse are monuments to our rich past. The Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage, on the grounds of the Port Isabel lighthouse also highlights the maritime history of the Laguna Madre area.
ABOUT US: The population varies from 5,017 to several thousand more during the tourist seasons. Our churches and civic clubs are active in the community. You can become involved as much or as little as you wish. Volunteer activities include the Port Isabel Public Library, the Laguna Madre Humane Society of Port Isabel, the Laguna Madre Boys and Girls Club and the Port Isabel Museum system. The artist will find an inspirational setting for drawing, painting or photography and an active art organization to participate in. Additionally, the Laguna Madre area is a casual setting where quality of life dictates dress code!
WHAT TO DO: For those who like a list, here click here for 101 Things to do in Port Isabel! There are fantastic restaurants specializing in various types of food from Mexican, Italian, Oriental to some of the finest seafood dishes you will ever sample. Port Isabel also features unique shops for that special gift or addition to your collection. Or for those who want to take advantage of the Laguna Madre Bay or the Gulf of Mexico, there are all types of water related sports...fishing, boating, jet skiing, kayaking, shelling, beach combing, or eco-cruises featuring bird, dolphin and wildlife watching. The fishing is excellent all year around...bay offshore or fly fishing guarantees a day’s limit. The bay area and the Gulf offer a variety of species to challenge both novice and experienced anglers alike. Or visit a museum, we have three of them! And of course there is nothing like the feeling of just soaking up the sun!
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