A Weekend Getaway in Port Isabel Brims with Seaside Treasures

Located on the tip of South Texas, the quiet town of Port Isabel has long charmed visitors looking for a relaxing seaside getaway. With a population under 6,000, the community is ideal for anyone looking for a change of pace from the touristy bustle of its neighbor across the Queen Isabella Memorial Bridge, South Padre Island. Incorporated in 1928, the city is still dotted with signs of a history that dates to Spanish explorers, pirate treasure, and the Mexican-American War. Though the town stays lively most of the year as travelers make their way to SPI, the busiest time for the region is August, when anglers come in for some of the best fishing in the country during the annual Texas International Fishing Tournament. Decompress while visiting seaside shops and eateries and enjoy a friendly community that underscores just how nice it is to unwind and take it easy.

1 / Lighthouse Boutique Hotel
Situated across from the city’s landmark lighthouse, the hotel has quickly become a favorite of Port Isabel visitors since its grand opening in 2022. The bright, coastal-chic space includes a French-inspired café, a gift shop, and 10 luxury suites. The hotel also offers sunset yoga classes by the lighthouse with a new selection of wine and cheeses each month. Rooms start at $195/night.

2 / Port Isabel Historical Museum
Built in 1899 as a general store, the Charles Champion Building has a seafoam green exterior that looks like something out of a Wes Anderson film. Inside
are two stories of displays that span centuries of the region’s past, from Native American settlements to the Civil War. You’ll also find one of the largest collections of artifacts from the Mexican-American War.

3 / Mercado Faro​
With an array of local vendors, this welcoming open-air market is the perfect place to pick up a handmade souvenir or keepsake to remember your trip. Spend some time wandering through the stalls in search of crystals, textiles, custom jewelry designs, home décor, and unexpected finds like fossils and shark teeth. The vendors are well versed in and passionate about their various crafts.

5 / Hopper Haus
A new addition to downtown Port Isabel, this friendly bar and grill features an alternative to the area’s Tex-Mex and American fare. Its signature dishes have a Bavarian flair, with menu items that include bratwurst, hand-breaded schnitzel, and sauerkraut. Unwind in the biergarten with a drink from an extensive selection of craft beer or one of the weekly cocktail specials.

6 / Pirate’s Landing
For beautiful views of the Laguna Madre Bay, this eatery—open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—­offers a themed dining experience that goes all in on the region’s swashbuckling history. Serving fresh local seafood, the restaurant also has an outdoor cannon bar that houses its main draw: beautiful views and a refreshing breeze coming in from the Gulf.

7 / Pirate’s Landing Fishing Pier
The longest pier in Texas, the Pirate’s Landing Fishing Pier brings anglers from all over the world down to the Laguna Madre. The pier is located at the entrance to the Queen Isabella Causeway, which leads to South Padre Island. Rent a pole at the on-site bait and tackle shop. If you’re not one for fishing, head to the snack bar and relax.

To the Lighthouse

Every June and July, Port Isabel’s Lighthouse Establishment Cinema hosts movie screenings projected onto the side of the historic lighthouse. Guests of all ages, as well as leashed pets, are welcome to enjoy family-friendly films like Grease and Beetle­juice for no admission fee. The tradition began in 2004 for the community to enjoy the pleasantly warm weather after 9 p.m.—the movies’ start time. Before each screening season, guests can vote on what movies they’d like to see. The park also hosts special events around Halloween and other holidays. portisabellighthouse.com/lighthouse/lighthouse-establishment-cinema