Port Isabel is the gateway to South Padre Island and the Gulf of Mexico. It is a small fishing village home to a group of museums that offer a learning experience sure to enhance your vacation to South Padre Island. During your stay on South Padre Island, you definitely won’t want to miss a visit to the mainland. In the 3-block historical district of Port Isabel, you’ll be able to visit the Lighthouse and Keeper’s Cottage, the Treasures of the Gulf Museum, and the Port Isabel Historical Museum.
About
Visiting the Port Isabel Historical Museum is one of the most fun things to do on South Padre Island’s mainland neighbor, Port Isabel. It promises a fascinating afternoon for the whole family. The Port Isabel Historical Museum was built more than 100 years ago in 1899 and originally served as a dry goods store and private residence. The building is known as the Champion Building and has tons of history all on its own!
Today, the building houses two levels of exhibits, a theater, and one of the biggest collections of Mexican artifacts from the Mexican-American War. If you want to get an in-depth look at the South Padre Island area’s history, this is one South Padre Island attraction you simply can’t miss!
The Historical Sites
Port Isabel offers three different historical sites for visitors to visit: the Treasures of the Gulf Museum, the Port Isabel Historical Museum, and the Port Isabel Lighthouse and Keeper’s Cottage. At these partnered museums, you’ll learn about the history of the founder of South Padre Island, the native peoples that populated its shores, as well as the history of the local shrimping industry. You also won’t want to miss the exhibits featuring artifacts from local sunken ships as well as the Mexican-American War.
You’ll also want to check out the Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Park in South Padre Island. The lighthouse was first constructed in 1852 and was officially opened as a state park in 1952. To this day, it’s the sole lighthouse along the Texas gulf coast that’s open to the public to enjoy. While you’re here, be sure to stroll through the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage!
General Information
A self-guided tour of the Lighthouse is $5.00 per person, $4.00 for seniors, and $3.00 per child. You can also enjoy running up and down the lighthouse hill, visiting the art shops across the street, picking up some geodes or shark teeth at the open air market, grab a bite to eat at the world famous Pirate’s Landing Restaurant, then finish up with an ice cream cone at Davey Jones Ice Cream Locker.
The Port Isabel Historical Museum is open from Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. An individual ticket to the Museum (or any of the three attractions on their own) costs just $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, $2 for students, and admission is free for children. For admission to all three attractions, tickets cost $9 for adults, $7 for seniors, $4 for students, and admission is free for children.
Where to Stay
After you’ve explored the Port Isabel Historical Museum and the other fascinating historical sites nearby, you can head to the South Padre Island beach, grab some delicious food at a local restaurant, or simply go back to your South Padre Island rental to relax and unwind. Padre Island Rentals is proud to be your premier source for comfortable, perfectly equipped beachfront vacation rental properties. Whether you’re bringing the whole family or just your partner, and whether you’re looking to stay right on the beach or prefer a more lowkey rental, Padre Island Rentals has the selection of South Padre Island vacation rentals you are looking for. Contact us today for more information on all of our properties!
