Port Isabel, TX Road Trips

Setting: Port Isabel is on the coast at the southern tip of Texas, 8 mi (13 km) from Mexico (24 mi (39 km) by car). The 2.6-mile-long (4 km) Queen Isabella Causeway across the Laguna Madre connects it to South Padre Island and the Gulf of Mexico. The gated community of Long Island Village is across a short swing-bridge to the south. A few miles westward along the shore of the Laguna Madre is the settlement of Laguna Heights and the Village of Laguna Vista. This group of communities are collectively known as the “Laguna Madre Community” or “Laguna Madre Area.” The four counties at the southern tip of Texas are called "The Rio Grande Valley" (the "Valley"). Commercial-industrial: The Port Isabel-Brownsville shrimping fleet is highest dollar-value commercial fishery on the east coast of the United States. The Port Isabel - San Benito Navigation District (end of Port Road) mainly supports the offshore oil and gas industry and the industrial area on its property. The Subsea-7 “Spoolbase" prepares pipe on 5,000-foot-long (1,500 m) and spools it onto special ships for pipeline installation throughout the Gulf and Caribbean Basin. Sports fishing: The Port Isabel - South Padre Island sports fishing industry directly serves anglers from other parts of the Rio Grande Valley and supports the tourism industry, retirement community, and winter residents. There are several marinas, tackle shops, bait stands, and fishing guides to serve anglers.

The Port Isabel Historical Museum Board administers three museum facilities: Lighthouse, Treasures of the Gulf Museum and Port Isabel Historical Museum. Combination tickets (all three sites) are $9 for adults, $7 for Seniors 55 yrs and older, and $4 for students with ID cards. There are discounted tickets for patrons interested in only one site. There is no admission charge for the Keeper’s Cottage. Port Isabel Historical Museum, 317 E. Railroad Ave. (just south of southwest corner of Lighthouse Square on Tarvana St), ☏ +1 956 943-7602. Housed in the historic Key to the Gulf Champion Building built in 1899 as a dry goods store. The facade features the famous ‘fish mural’ painted in 1906. The first floor interprets Port Isabel history with interactive exhibits and video presentations. The second floor is dedicated to the U.S.-Mexican War with many locally salvaged artifacts. Treasures of the Gulf Museum (just east of southwest corner of Lighthouse Square on Queen Isabella Blvd (TX-100) next door to Cameron County Insurance Company or via wooden walkway from parking area in rear shared with the event center and Port Isabel Historical Museum), ☏ +1 956 943-7602. Last ticket sold at 3:30PM. Interprets three Spanish treasure ships that wrecked 30 mi (48 km) north of Port Isabel in 1554. They are brought to life with murals, artifacts and hands-on activities. Also featured is a Children’s Discovery Lab, Ship theater and Nautical Gift Shop. 1 Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historical site. The Port Isabel Lighthouse was constructed in 1852.

Lighthouse square. It is worth a half-day to stroll around the one-to-two block area of the lighthouse District, visiting the many small shops, cafes, ice cream parlors, bars, fishing pier, the shore at Al’s Restaurant, and the visitor center in the Lighthouse's Keeper's Cottage. Note the large metal medallions embedded in the sidewalks on corners that commemorate the US-Mexican War and Civil War generals who served at the fort that was once on this site. Add another couple of hours by visiting the Port Isabel Historical Museum and the Treasures of the Gulf Museum which are at the southwest corner of the Square. Longest Causeway Run and Fitness Walk, ☏ +1 956 943-2262, toll-free: +1-800-527-6102, [email protected]. These cross-causeway events each include Texas Track and Field Certified 10K races and noncompetitive 5K fun “fitness walks." The causeway run and fitness walks have been held annually for more than thirty years and each event attracts over two thousand entrants. Administered by the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce. Includes tee-shirt for first 1,000 registrants. Second Saturday in January and first Saturday in June annually. $30 run, $25 walk. Extra $5 late registration. Texas International Fishing Tournament, ☏ +1 956 943-8438, [email protected]. First weekend in August. The largest saltwater fishing tournament in Texas with more than 1,500 anglers each event. 2017 marks the 78th year of TIFT. There are both offshore and inshore divisions and TIFT prides itself in its family-oriented tradition.

The Burger Shack & Beer Garden, 413 E Maxan St (north side of Lighthouses Square), ☏ +1 956 433-5370. Very popular, rustic burger place. Outdoor space reflects a vintage environment. Street-side and patio dining. $6-10. Pirate's Landing, 110 N Garcia St (northwest corner of Lighthouse Square in Pirate’s Landing Plaza), ☏ +1 956 943-3663. F Sa 11AM-11PM, Su-Th 11AM-10PM. Pirate-themed restaurant serving sandwiches, seafood and steaks. Sits next to the ocean where a deck and pier are attached to each other. Visible sign "Welcome to Port Isabel" can be seen from the Causeway. A staple for tourists and locals. $11-20. Krispy Krunchy Chicken, 501 E Maxan (north-east corner of Lighthouse Square in Pirate's Landing Plaza at pier), ☏ +1 956 347-1902. Fried Chicken w/biscuit and Combo -- 2 pc up to 25 pc. Family platters, Cajun tenders, Cajun fish 2-piece Mix or White Chicken Combo $7.29. Davy Jones Ice Cream Locker (Lighthouse Square, east side). Ice Cream, sundaes, splits, raspas (shaved ice). Ice cream cups and cones $3 scoop & $5 double. Order inside; tables in patio. (updated Jun 2017) Dirty Al's at Pelican Station on the Bay, 201 S Garcia St (south-east corner of Lighthouse Square, one-half block south on Garcia St. Next to historic Queen Isabella Inn), ☏ +1 956 943-3344. Serves primarily seafood and has a gulf side deck. Bar. Perfect for a weekend night. Wifi. (updated Jun 2017) Yogo, 910 TX-100 Ste 118. Yogurt, shakes, smoothies, raspas (shaved ice). Order and eat outside.

Canon Bar (Lighthouse Square,,on the dock area of Pirate’s Landing Fishing Pier). 1 Doubleday Bar of Champions, 402 TX-100, ☏ +1 956 943-4992. Popular sports bar with a spacious parking lot. Has a kids arcade room. Serves wings, nachos and burgers. See entry at “museums” for sports memorabilia display. Wifi (updated Jun 2017) 2 American Legion Post 498, 819 S. Garcia (turn south on Garcia St. at the foot of the causeway; it is on the east side of Garcia St shortly before the bridge to Long Island Village), ☏ +1 956 943-3666. Affordable beer, wine and setups. Public welcome. Pool tables. Especially popular during winter months, especially because it is right across the bridge from Long Island Village, which fills with winter visitors. During that period, bingo is held two nights a week, live music, Karaoke, covered dish suppers, etc. Wifi (updated Jun 2017)

1 La Casa Rosa Inn, 761 TX-100 (on TX-100/Queen Isabella Blvd about a half-block east of Port Road on south side), ☏ +1 956 943-2052, [email protected]. 2 Port Isla Inn, 200 Second St. (across from Walgreens/HEB a half-block on Second Street, behind Stripes), ☏ +1 956 772-2020. All Suites feature a full kitchen, living area and full private bath. Sleeper sofas are available in select rooms. 3 Queen Isabel Inn, 300 South Garcia Street (go south on Garcia Street (last street before causeway) two blocks), ☏ +1 956 943-1468, toll-free: +1-800-943-1468 (10AM-6PM). Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Historic hotel built in 1906 as a fishing club. On the Laguna Madre, with docks and boat ramp. One- and two-bedroom suites. Four-night minimum stay. 4 Southwind Inn, 600 Davis Street (from TX-100/Queen Isabella Blvd., turn north on Musina St. (at Plains Bank) and travel north three blocks), ☏ +1 956 943-3392, toll-free: +1-866-250-1642, [email protected]. 5 White Sands Restaurant & Bar Motel & Marina, 418 TX-100 (in the north side of the entry bridge, across from R&R Bait and Marina), ☏ +1 956 943-2414, [email protected]. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. On-site dining, marina, bar, tackle shop, bait and fuel

Brownsville/South Padre Island Airport (BRO IATA), 700 Emilia Earhart Dr, +1 956 542-4373. Take Minnesota Avenue (FM 313) from FM-48 and follow it south for two miles. It is serviced by the following airlines: American Eagle (non-stop service between Dallas and Brownsville) United Express (non-stop passenger service from Houston) Valley International Airport (HRL IATA), 3002 Heritage Way, Harlingen, +1 956 430-8600. Take Ed Cary Drive exit from US-77/83/69E and follow it north. It is served by the following airlines: Southwest Airlines (non-sptop service from Austin and Houston-Hobby) United Express Airlines (Non-stop service to/from Houston-Intercontinental) 1 Port Isabel–Cameron County Airport (FAA LID: PIL), 27617 Buena Vista Blvd, Los Fresnos, ☏ +1 956 233-4424. No commercial airline service. Metro Connect Blue Line (Connects with Island Metro across Highway 100 from HEB southeast of Church's Chicken), ☏ +1 956 681-3550. Provides service to Brownsville - South Padre Island Airport and connects in downtown Brownsville to routes extending to Harlingen and McAllen. South Padre Shuttle, toll-free: +1-877-774-0050. Provides door-to-door, non-stop service to/from Harlingen International Airport. Per person, $35 (one-way); $50 (round trip) Highway 100 - This is generally the preferred highway access from the north. It connects to US Highway 77/83/69E about 13 mi (21 km) south of Harlingen. It is 30 mi (48 km) long and passes through the City of Los Fresnos and Village of Laguna Vista (6 mi (9.7 km) from Port Isabel).

Ample parking is usually available at nearly all locations. Traffic is light to moderate most of the time, but Highway 100 through the city and across the causeway can be extremely slow during holidays and summer week-end afternoons. Rental car services are limited. Island Metro (formerly "The Wave.") (connects with Metro Connect Blue Line service to Brownsville downtown and airport across TX-100 from H.E.B. supermarket), ☏ +1 956 761-3864. Provides free rides on three different routes to multiple locations in Port Isabel and South Padre Island every half-hour from about 7AM to about 9PM, depending on location. The town is relatively small, so taking a bicycle would get you around most of the area within minutes. There is much to see and do in the few square blocks of the Lighthouse District. The Island Metro buses (free) make it convenient for visitors on foot to move between districts and to South Padre Island. Some Island Metro buses have bicycle racks. However, bicycle racks for parking bicycles are found at only few locations.