Things to Do in Port Lavaca

Midway along Texas’ Gulf Coast, Port Lavaca flies under the radar. The area has been inhabited for tens of thousands of years, but it remains the best kept secret of the Texas Coast. It is paradise for beach lovers, sportsmen, birdwatchers, and historians.

Free from the crowds and traffic jams of some of its coastal neighbors, this quaint getaway invites you to relax and unwind at the beach, to play in the water, to discover the past, and to thoroughly enjoy the present as you stay and play in this bayside retreat.

Head to the Beach

Port Lavaca and Calhoun County’s scenic beaches welcome you to leave your cares behind, kick off your shoes, and sink your toes into the sand. But with 560 miles of coastline, where do you begin? In town, Bayside Peninsula Park and Lighthouse Beach Park offer fishing piers, playgrounds, splash pads, and unforgettable views of Lavaca Bay. For those with an RV, the Lighthouse Beach Park has 55 full hookup sites. Just out of town, Indianola Beach Park and Magnolia Beach both offer seaside camping. At Indianola, you’ll find a marina with a bait shop, boat ramp, restaurant, and bar, while Magnolia Beach is the go-to for shell hunting. No matter which park you choose, pristine beaches, a fresh ocean breeze, and the gentle lapping of waves are sure to welcome you.

Make Some Waves

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of watersports or just dipping your toe in for the first time, Port Lavaca’s protected water is an ideal place to make some waves. You’re invited to try stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, and kitesurfing. Kayaking, too, provides a perfect way to explore nature, photograph birds, and quietly fish the calm waters.

Catch Your Supper

Long-time anglers and first-time fishermen are in for a real treat at Port Lavaca. Along with shallow water kayak fishing and deep-water fishing on a chartered boat, shore and pier fishing await. In fact, public beaches, piers, and marinas make angling in Port Lavaca a piece of cake. Interested in some night fishing? Head to the lighted piers at Lighthouse Beach Park, Bayfront Peninsula Park, or Indianola Marina. Black drum, speckled trout, redfish, flounder, and snapper are likely to nibble, while crab pots yield blue crab year-round. Port Lavaca’s waters literally teem with fish and seafood!

If poultry rather than fish is on your menu, Port Lavaca once again delivers. With plentiful habitat for waterfowl, winter duck hunting is a popular activity. Grab your hunting license and hire a local guide to make the most of your day.

It’s for the Birds

More than 450 species of resident and migratory birds make Port Lavaca a must-see for birders. In fact, two major migratory pathways — the Central and Mississippi Flyways — converge over Port Lavaca.  Whether you’re a casual birdwatcher or someone chasing a real-life Big Year, you’ll find plenty of birdwatching options along the area’s Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail.

In town, stroll along the Formosa Wetlands Walkway and visit the Alcoa Birding Tower at Lighthouse Beach Park. Within Calhoun County, head to the Guadalupe Delta Wildlife Management Area, Magic Ridge, Magnolia Beach, and Powderhorn Lake to check shorebirds, wading birds, and migratory songbirds off your list.

Step Back in Time

Calhoun County Museum, Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse, and dozens of historic markers highlight the long and storied past of Port Lavaca. The museum shares the stories of the European explorers and the Karankawa Indians who greeted them in the 16^th century. Displays showcase artifacts from the ill-fated ship of French explorer, Rene-Robert Cavelier — Sieur de La Salle, and a diorama recreates the once bustling town of Indianola. You’ll also find the lens from the 1852 Matagorda Island Lighthouse.

Near the entrance to Port Lavaca, you can tour the hexagonal Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse. After being damaged by a hurricane, the 1858 lighthouse that once stood in Matagorda Bay, found a permanent home on land. Inside you’ll find its history highlighted through photos and memorabilia.

Truly, history abounds here. As you explore the quaint downtown area in search of historic landmarks, and enjoy the great food, local hospitality, and the scenic waterfront, you’ll know why Port Lavaca is a destination that draws visitors back time and again.