With its scenic beaches and relaxed feel, all the charm of the Texas Gulf Coast can be found in Port Lavaca. Go beyond the sandy shores and you’ll discover Port Lavaca is full of surprises. Fascinating historical sites, a performing arts theater, and a variety of museums can be found in this Texas coastal retreat. The following are just a few of the top attractions in Port Lavaca.
Bayfront Peninsula Park
Bring the family and make a day of it at this lovely waterfront park. Kids will love the playground, splash pad, and sandbox. The park also has a shaded pavilion, boat ramp, lighted fishing pier, and covered picnic tables.
501 East Main Street
Port Lavaca, TX 77979
Calhoun County Museum
Recovered items from the ship of famed explorer Robert La Salle, the lens from the 1852 Matagorda Island Lighthouse, and an eight-foot diorama of the once-thriving town of Indianola are some of the fascinating artifacts you’ll find on display at the Calhoun County Museum. The museum has been in operation for more than 50 years, telling the stories of La Salle, the Karankawa Indians, the Civil War, and other important parts of local history. Open Tuesday through Saturday.
301 South Ann Street
Port Lavaca, TX 77979
(361) 553-4689
Half Moon Reef Lighthouse
Fans of history will want to take a look around this piece of Port Lavaca lore that was built in 1858. For nearly a century, the lighthouse’s 12-mile beacon guided mariners away from shore before being damaged by a hurricane. Visitors can walk inside the salvaged (perfectly safe) remains at its new inland location and see pictures of the lighthouse in its heyday.
2300 North Highway 35
Port Lavaca, TX 77979
Hatch Bend Country Club
Not every round of golf has to be a costly affair. This semi-private nine-hole course features two sets of tees to accommodate players of all skill levels. Besides being well-kept, Hatch Bend’s strongest selling points are light traffic and inexpensive green fees.
579 Meadowview Lane
Port Lavaca, TX 77979
(361) 552-3037
Indianola Fishing Marina
Many an angler has held up a photo-worthy fish for a snapshot on the pier of this Port Lavaca attraction. Grab a chair and try your luck at snagging redfish, trout, and flounder from the lighted and covered deck, or launch your boat for the jetties. With on-site cabins, RV hookups, restaurant with frequent specials and live music performances, and fishing licenses for sale, the Indianola Fishing Marina is a destination of its own.
8 Bell Street
Port Lavaca, TX 77979
(361) 552-5350
One of the best ways to enjoy your time here is with sand between your toes at this Port Lavaca beach, a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. With its shallow water, the beach is especially good for families with young kids. It’s also a fantastic spot for birding, as it’s the home of a bird sanctuary, complete with the Alcoa Birding Tower and the Formosa Wetlands Walkway.
RVers will also enjoy the tropical comforts that this RV site has to offer. With 55 full hook up sites, you’ll agree this is the best of living on the Gulf Coast! Check out these other amenities:
Magnolia Beach
The only natural shell beach on the coast, Magnolia Beach offers something for everybody: a public boat launch and fishing pier, restrooms and picnic tables, a playground, and a volleyball court. You can drive right up on the beach and the shallow water makes for good surfing or wade-fishing.
North Ocean Drive
Port Lavaca, TX 77979
361-552-9242
Main Street Theatre
A thriving hub for arts and entertainment in the ’30s and ’40s, the iconic Main Street Theatre fell vacant for 30 years after hurricanes and shifting economics took their toll. But thanks to extensive renovations, visitors and residents of Port Lavaca can once again watch live theater on Main Street, from the annual children’s production to takes on classic stories like Little Women and Alice in Wonderland. Watch for more productions coming soon.
315 East Main Street
Port Lavaca, TX 77979
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