Port Lavaca

The Texas Gulf Coast is renowned for its seaside charm, but Port Lavaca offers a unique escape where you can enjoy sun, sand, and surf without the hassle of crowded beaches or traffic jams. With serene stretches of shoreline and comfortable accommodations, Port Lavaca truly feels like a slice of paradise.

Port Lavaca is situated in Calhoun County, a coastal region along the mid-Texas coast where U.S. Highway 87 begins and the Guadalupe River ends. Covering 540 square miles, Calhoun County is bordered to the southwest and southeast by expansive inland bays and the Gulf of Mexico, boasting over 560 miles of scenic coastline. Its diverse landscape of water, coastal prairies, and marshes makes it a premier destination for birdwatchers and photographers. Home to more than 400 bird species, the county features eight designated sites along the Texas Birding Trail, offering exceptional opportunities for wildlife observation and nature photography.

Conveniently located halfway between Galveston and Corpus Christi, just north of Port O’Connor, Port Lavaca is a premier destination for fishing enthusiasts. Anglers flock here for the chance to reel in speckled trout, redfish, flounder, drum, and more—whether casting from the shore, enjoying a lighted fishing pier, or embarking on a guided offshore trip. The Indianola Fishing Marina provides a shaded deck for relaxed fishing, while Bayfront Peninsula Park, Lighthouse Beach, and Magnolia Beach offer public boat launches and fishing piers for serious anglers.

Beyond fishing, Port Lavaca is a haven for bird watchers. Situated within the Calhoun Loop of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, the area is home to hundreds of bird species year-round. Lighthouse Beach features the Alcoa Birding Tower and Formosa Wetlands Walkway ideal for spotting local wildlife, but it’s just one of many excellent bird-watching spots in town. The abundance of waterfowl, including ducks, also makes Port Lavaca a favorite destination for hunters, with public lands accessible for those with the proper permits and equipment.

For history enthusiasts, Port Lavaca is a treasure trove of stories and landmarks. The Half Moon Reef Lighthouse, a century-old beacon, now welcomes visitors at the entrance to town. Around the city, murals and historical markers share glimpses of Port Lavaca’s rich past. The Calhoun County Museum offers a deeper dive, featuring fascinating exhibits on French explorer La Salle’s shipwreck, the Karankawa Indians, the Civil War, and more, dating back to the 17th century.

Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, wildlife encounters, or a step back in time, Port Lavaca and Calhoun County deliver a perfect coastal getaway.