Port Isabel Lighthouse
- October 27, 2000
- Rated 4 of 5 by
Mrs. J from austin, Texas
I like to get a bird's eye view of any area I visit, whenever possible. Sometimes this can be accomplished only with a little effort. In the case of South Padre Island and the Port Isabel area, the effort involves climbing 70 stairs and three short ladders. Built in 1853, it is one of the state's oldest lighthouses. From the top you can see the Queen Isabella Causeway connecting South Padre Island to the mainland. You also have a panoramic view of Laguna Madre Bay, South Padre Island and well out into the Gulf of Mexico. The Keeper's Cottage is now a museum and visitor's center.
This lighthouse can cast its light about 16 miles out into the Gulf and was in constant operation until 1905. It was occupied by both sides in the Civil War and has survived several hurricanes. Admission fees are very small, with a varied menu of prices depending on age and whether you want to explore the lighthouse and the museum, or just the lighthouse. To see just the lighthouse you'll pay $3 unless you are over 55, in which case it's $2; for kids under 4 it's free. They just completed renovations this year, so everything is open for visitors now.
From journal The Tropical Tip of Texas--South Padre Island