General-

Small, picturesque village on Laguna Madre, the body of water between the Texas mainland and Padre Island.  Seaside atmosphere with accommodations, RV parks, and a shrimp boat fleet.

The area was a supply base for General Zachary Taylor's Army in Brownsville during the Mexican War, 1846-48.  In 1848-49, the port saw a flow of gold seekers from the East, landing here to begin their overland trek to California.

Fishing-

In the Port Isabel-Padre Island area, anglers can fish from the beach, piers, and jetties where catches may include redfish, speckled and sand trout, sheepshead, flounder, croakers, skipjack, and drum.  Group boats provide bay and deep-sea fishing for half and full days; charter cruisers are available for offshore sport.  Offshore species may include tarpon, sailfish, marlin, kingfish, mackerel, ling, pompano, bonito, red snapper, warsaw, and others.  Marinas provide fuel, bait, tackle, launching ramps, and boat rentals.  Small boats with guides are available for bay fishing.

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge-

Located about 17 miles northwest

Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site-

Built in 1853, remained in use until 1905.  Always a popular subject with photographers, visitors may climb the spiral staircase to the top, overlooking the flat coastal plain, with a fine view across Laguna Madre to South Padre Island.  It is located off of Texas 100 downtown.

Visitor Center-

The latest tips about fishing-boat schedules, bay fishing guides, tackle rental, restaurants, and all kinds of accommodations at the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce.  Open Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m; Sat. 9 a.m. - noon.  213 Yturria St. Tel (210) 943-2262.