Port Isabel, Texas is a unique coastal community perched on the edge of the Laguna Madre Bay that it shares with South Padre Island. Approximately 14,000 people reside in this port city which is so full of historical places that trolley tours are offered to share the sights and adventure of its fascinating past and present.
Some people refer to Port Isabel as the “oldest city in South Texas”. Its prominent lighthouse, still the tallest structure in town, was built in 1852 and has been used in a myriad of ways for different purposes. The shipping industry used it prominently in its early years. Confederate soldiers and Union soldiers manned it at different times during the War Between the States. In the present century the restored interior is climbed by tourists and it is regularly used as a giant screen for showing movies on some balmy weekend nights to locals and visitors who relax on its surrounding green hill.
Out of the 2.2 square miles that Port Isabel covers, about three quarters of one square mile is waterways which are traveled by fishing boats, shrimp boats, and other recreational vehicles. These water vessels are soon to be invaded by a lifesize Pirate Ship replica that will offer lots of onboard entertainment. In the meantime, when you are in Port Isabel, there is shopping for everything to do with the ocean and beach décor, museums, festivals, lodging, dining… especially great seafood, golfing, antiquing, ecotours, and, of course, you can fish from the pier day or night! The pier lounges out into the Laguna Madre from the shores of Port Isabel like a shorter fishing buddy next to the arc of the Point Isabel Causeway.
About Laguna Vista (from SPI Chamber website)
Laguna Vista is a short twenty minute drive west of South Padre Island on State Highway 100 and Farm Road 510. It lies five miles northwest of Port Isabel overlooking the Laguna Madre. Mexican salt traders were the first to walk the shores of the Laguna Madre and it was their stories of a delta-land full of fish and game that inspired settlers to follow. One of the first ranches was known as Los Mogotes, or wooded hills, because of the dense chaparral. Another ranch, known as Buena Vista, (named for the old Spanish land grant of the same name) first established in the 1800s, was operated through the early 1900s.
Legend has it that the famous buccaneer Jean Lafitte, who was a frequent visitor along these shores, filled his casks with fresh water from a well dug just west of the Laguna Madre. (To visit Lafitte’s Well from South Padre Island turn right off of State Highway 100 onto FM 510. Then turn left on Taylor Ave., left on Fernandez and go to the end of the street.)
In 1928, the Point Isabel Land Company purchased much of the area now known as Laguna Vista with the idea of making a country club for their Point Isabel buyers. Hunting and fishing camps were established and sportsmen from all over the country came to hunt Javelina and Jaguarondi, a small cat known for its shyness.
In July 1958, the citizens of the community voted forty-four to zero to incorporate and the Town of Laguna Vista was born. The South Padre Island Golf Club, built in 1994, is a 1,800 acre community of homes, townhouses and casitas, meandering through a 27-hole golf course. By the year 2000 the population was 1,658 and by 2008, the population has grown to just under 5,000.
Article written by Steve Hathcock. Hathcock is co-owner of the Beachcomber’s Museum of Local and Natural History located at 104 West Pompano, South Padre Island, TX. Hathcock serves as Chairperson of the South Padre Island Historical Preservation Committee and is co-founder and current President of the South Padre Island Historical Foundation. He has published several books about South Padre Island and his current book, Behind the Third Dune is available locally. stevehathcock@islandtraders.biz Website: http://padre islandtraders.com/steve.htm
About South Padre Island (from SPI Chamber website)
South Padre Island, a town with style — a folksy, warm, inviting style that welcomes visitors from all walks of life — is located on the tropical tip of Texas just 25 miles north of the Mexican border and is THE premiere resort in Texas.
This 34 mile long stretch of white sand is bordered to the east by the Gulf of Mexico and to the west by the Laguna Madre bay. The conveniences and attractions of a modern resort coupled with miles of pristine island terrain is what draws thousands of visitors to the area each year, and has brought many back to live. The natural beauty of its beaches, its vibrant business climate and the friendly people that call the Island home matches South Padre’s rich history. The white, sandy beaches of South Padre are known throughout the United States (ranked as one of America’s top 10 beaches), with the emerald water of the Gulf of Mexico serving as the perfect backdrop for spectacular sunsets. From sunrise to sunset, the Island is the perfect playground for sailing, fishing, windsurfing, dolphin watching, horseback riding, shopping and golf, just to mention a few. As the day winds down with spectacular sunsets over the bay, the evenings come alive with dining, dancing and music. Large selections of fine restaurants are available for your choosing, and many will even cook your catch.
While its many amenities make South Padre the premiere vacation spot in the state, the location of the Island also makes it one of the premiere spots in the state to observe wildlife in its natural state, and to find that allusive bird to add to your list. One of the best spots in the United States to see all of the regularly occurring rails, South Padre has over 300 recorded species to date, and the list continues to grow, as do the bird watchers.
With year round moderate temperatures, South Padre is the ideal vacation spot for everyone. Whether you are a family looking for a week long get away, a winter visitor looking for a warm spot during the cold months in the northern states, or a college student looking for the best spot to relax during Spring Break, South Padre Island is your choice. Welcome to the Tropical Tip of Texas!