Port Lavaca

Port Lavaca is a two-to-three-hour drive from Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. But it seems like another world! As you pass each mile marker and the view of the big city fades from the rear-view mirror, you feel your stress melt away. Whether relaxation and rejuvenation top your list, or outdoor activities and live entertainment call your name, Port Lavaca is an idyllic coastal getaway.
The town of Port Lavaca and the surrounding Calhoun County claim 560 miles of scenic coastline. To say it is a beach lovers’, anglers’, or birdwatchers’ paradise is the understatement of the year! Bayfront Peninsula Park bustles with activity with a fishing pier, playground and splash pad, covered picnic areas, and a free summer concert series. At Lighthouse Beach Park, along with sandy beaches, playgrounds, and a lighted fishing pier, you’ll find RV camping sites with full hookups. Both parks are in town, so you don’t have to go far to have some fun in the sun. Two more gorgeous beaches — Indianola Beach Park and Magnolia Beach — are just a short drive away. Here camping, beachcombing for shells, watersports, and fishing take center stage. 
And speaking of fishing, Port Lavaca is a mecca for anglers. You can cast your line from shore or one of the fishing piers, fish from a kayak in shallow waters, or take a guided offshore trip. No matter what you decide, the water teems with speckled trout, black drum, redfish, snapper, and flounder.
Birds are just as abundant as fish. Birdwatchers flock to Port Lavaca, especially during the spring and fall migration when more than 400 resident and migratory species can be spotted. Along with the Formosa Wetlands Walkway and Alcoa Bird Tower at Lighthouse Beach Park, the Calhoun Loop of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail promises to reward birders and nature photographers with views of wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Nature’s abundance not only draws modern day visitors to Port Lavaca, but it encouraged human settlement over 10,000 years ago. The Calhoun County Museum displays artifacts used by early residents, as well as those from the European explorers who plied the waters in the 16th century. In addition to touring the museum, history enthusiasts should add the refurbished Half Moon Reef Lighthouse to their list. It tells its160-year-old tale through photos and artifacts. This is just one of the city’s historic structures. National Historic Landmarks, the restored Port Lavaca Theatre, and various historic markers are scattered throughout Port Lavaca and allow you to step back in time as you explore the nooks, crannies, and peaceful pocket parks this quaint town has to offer. 
Clearly, Port Lavaca caters to outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs. Beyond the beaches, parks, and historic attractions, Port Lavaca’s quaint downtown bustles with boutique shops, restaurants, microbreweries, and a lively entertainment scene. 
Whether you’re scoping out a family-friendly vacation, a gal pals’ weekend, or a father/son fishing expedition, put Port Lavaca at the top of your list. It’s the whole package!