Is it, or isn’t it? There seemed to be some confusion as to whether or not Port Isabel Lighthouse was still an official Texas State Park at the time of our visit in June 2018, or not. The evidence pointed both directions at the same time. Whether it was, or wasn’t, an official State Park at the time of our visit (and this blog), it was listed as one of the 99 Texas State Parks, so we included it.
Nestled on less than an acre of land, surprisingly Port Isabel Lighthouse is not the smallest Texas State Park (you know, if it was one). It consists of the lighthouse proper (which is supposedly only 50 feet above the ground, but my shaking legs and fragile resolve to climb to the top reckoned it closer to 500′), and a replica of the original lighthouse keeper’s cottage (complete with an adorable white picket fence). That’s it. The cottage contains some pretty interesting information on the lighthouse, how lighthouses work, etc., but the big attraction at PILSHS is the lighthouse, so let’s get to that.
It’s small. Intimate, if you will. As such, the State Park (you know, if it is one) cannot accommodate hoards of people climbing up and down the winding, see-through stair case all at once, or perching on the narrow outside “balcony” near the top, or packing into the round “room” at the tippy top. Thankfully. Because neither could I.
I somehow managed to keep it together enough to ascend the metal stair case after The Man & Kinder Frau left The Manling and me at the bottom. Like this would be nothing but sunshine and happiness. As we climbed, trying desperately not to look through the holes in the beautifully intricate metalwork under our feet, the Manling and I provided a mini-concert of moans, punctuated occasionally by breathy prayers of desperation that may have sounded like hyperventilation, and hugged the wall in what could be considered a semi-inappropriate way if taken out of context. In other words, this charming, unassuming lighthouse that looks super do-able from the ground somehow morphs into the Eiffel Tower on Halloween Night shortly into your ascent, so if you are wary of heights this will be a challenge. But a challenge well worth the cost of admission with beautiful 360 degree views of the surrounding area, the Gulf of Mexico and South Padre Island! Take a page out of Nike’s playbook on this one – Just Do It!
Why We Love Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site
- Lighthouse. There just aren’t too many of these gems left, especially in Texas along the coast. It was worth the drive to plan a trip to experience a part of our history that may not be around too much longer.
- Views. Beautiful!
- Location. It’s the tip of Texas! It’s where the Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, and Texas all converge. That’s pretty special!
Must Do’s
- Climb. It was hard. I’ll admit it. But I am also glad that I sucked it up and faced my fear of heights because the views were spectacular.
- Learn. The Chamber of Commerce (located in the keeper’s cottage) has a great display to learn all about lighthouses. And being on site while you’re learning about it makes a more lasting impression than just reading about it in a book.
- Visit. If you’ve never seen what the hype about South Padre Island is, then drive across the bridge. You’re right there. We chose to go geocaching, but there is shopping galore, restaurants, a water park, learning centers, and more.
We’d love to hear about your experiences at Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site! Please share your thoughts on this piece of history on the tip of Texas in the comments.