Port Lavaca Chamber of Commerce

Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse

This historical landmark has been around since 1857 and was placed at the southern tip on the Half Moon Reef in Matagorda bay. It served as an aid to ships trading in Port Lavaca and Indianola. It still stands and is now located at the Bauer Community Center. Learn more on their web site.

Matagorda Lighthouse

This lighthouse was first constructed in 1852, standing 92 feet tall, made entirely of cast iron with no masonry support and was originally painted with horizontal red, white and black stripes. Learn more on their web site.

La Salle Monument

This granite monument dedicated to the French explorer La Salle is located on the western shore of Matagorda Bay, between Indian Point and Indianola. Learn more on their web site.

Zimmerman Cemetery

Texas Historical Marker, learn more on their web site.

Indianola “The ghost town”

It has been written, “Of the many ghost towns in Texas, none died as tragic a death as Indianola.” Founded by German immigrants in 1844, the town was second only to Galveston as a Texas port city at one time. Learn more on their web site.

Historical Marker Tour

There are over 40 historical markers and places to see in Calhoun County. Learn more on their web site.

Lighthouse Beach Fishing Pier

Some people pick this beautiful campground in order to be close to Port Lavaca State Fishing Pier. Port Lavaca State Fishing Pier is a good location to visit on a delightful day; since you might be in a lake visiting mood you can always stop at close by Mud Lake.

Calhoun County Port

Located in Point Comfort,Texas. Port Lavaca was an active fishing port in the first half of the 20th Century. The Gulf Intracoastal waterway reached Matagorda Bay in 1942, connecting Calhoun County to the thousands of miles of channels in the nation’s inland waterway system. Learn more on their web site.

Calhoun County Industry

Here in Calhoun County we have 7 or more industries up and running. For more history … Calhoun County Industry

Magnolia Beach

Magnolia Beach and Indianola Beach are “all in one.” Indianola is steeped in Texas history once being an inland seaport that rivaled Galveston in size. Many German Immigrants landed at Indianola eventually settling in New Braunfels and Fredericksburg, Texas. Driving along Ocean Drive you will see about 50 blue signs that tell the story about how Texas was settled from this once huge seaport. There is a large granite marker where the town of Indianola once stood and a statue of the explorer LaSalle that first landed here. Learn more on their web site.

Lighthouse Beach RV Park

From TX 35: 1 block E on TX 238. On Lavaca Bay. Wheeled-camper sites w/elec, water, sewer & cable TV 55, 1 has no sewage; 19 have adj covered picnic shelters. Tent sites 8. Rec bldg, dump sta, fl toilets, showers, bathhouse. Lighted fishing pier, playground, BBQ pits, covered picnic tables, boat ramp, bird-watching tower, nature trails, scenic views. Learn more on their web site.

Formosa Bird Sanctuary

The 245-acre Formosa-Tejano Wetlands habitat was dedicated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the chairman of the Wildlife Habitat Council on November 17, 1999. Located halfway between Houston and Corpus Christi on land owned by Formosa Plastics Corporation, Texas (Point Comfort, TX), the site provides a “wildlife sanctuary for indigenous wetland species, opportunities for wildlife education, and viewing access for birders and other enthusiasts,” reports Formosa Plastics. Stop by the chamber for your birding check list.

City Parks

Our town has many parks located throughout the area with picnic areas, walkways, ponds, duck feeding, birding areas, and lots more.

Crabbing

Magnolia beach is the place to be for crabbing and we have our very own crabbing bridge. It is a very popular place for all ages to enjoy. There are several other places along the waterfront to crab but be sure to visit the bridge.

Community Garden

We have a very large community garden that residents can RENT a small tract of land which is then theirs for the season to grow what you please. This allows people from the city a chance to grow their very own veggies and share the experience with your children. We usually have such a great results and the crops are prolific so the folks then have a farmers market and sell the goods grown.

Wildflowers

TX 238 heading towards Magnolia beach is a wonderful site to enjoy some Texas wildflowers and take some pictures to add to your memory book or scrap booking pages. This stretch of highway is flush with Bluebonnets, Indian Blankets and so many more.

Art Guild

Our art guild has some great local talent. They have art classes, art shows, and much more. These walls are climbing with works of art.

Port Lavaca Peninsula

A large area great for fishing, picnicking, sightseeing, bird watching and enjoying the harbor area, this area is known for its great view of the ocean.

Fishing in Port Lavaca

Matagorda Bay, Espiritu Santo Bay, San Antonio Bay, Lavaca Bay and Caranchua Bay are full of redfish, shark, trout, flounder, pompano, gafftops, whiting, croakers, sheepheads, drum, jack crevalle, Spanish mackerel and the silver king of game fish, tarpon. Calhoun County also offers the best natural passes or entries to the Gulf on the Texas Gulf Coast.

Six Mile

Where 6 Mile creek empties into the bay is a prime fishing area as well as a hundred yards either side. This area also has a wadeable bottom and is a good place to find flounder bedded up at night. If fishing at night for trout, throw worm jigs, live bait under popping corks or plastic baits, with or without a popping cork. If reds or drum are your target, dead shrimp or cut bait (mullet, croaker, squid, crab) is good fished on bottom. Live mullet, croaker, perch, fished on bottom are also good for reds and drum, and possibly and occasional trout. If you bring a cast net, the boat slip is a good place to pick up live bait as well the shorelines are also a good spot. A prime spots is on either side of the road over the little creek seen just as you enter the park area. Learn more on their web site.

The Harbor

A harbor of refuge was also created at Port Lavaca for the protection of boats during storms. In 1963 the Port of Port Lavaca-Point Comfort was designated a United States customs port of entry.

Calhoun County Museum

The Calhoun County Museum was established in 1964 by the Calhoun County Commissioner’s Court. Originally housed in the 1896 Jail building it eventually moved to the Courthouse Annex Building and then to its present location. Learn more on their web site.

Downtown Theatre

Port Lavaca Main Street Theatre is a great showcase for local talent. A small group of passionate and dedicated people keep live theatre available in Port Lavaca. Five plays are performed throughout the year, including a Children’s Production during June.

Main Street

Port Lavaca Main Street, Inc. is a nonprofit organization formed in September of 1989 to revitalize and preserve the historic downtown area of Port Lavaca. Due to the efforts of the Main Street Committee, the downtown area is once again beginning to thrive. The area hosts a variety of businesses and is home to the oldest business in Port Lavaca, Melcher’s Hardware, which has been serving customers since 1917 and has been proclaimed a historic landmark. Learn more on their web site.

Downtown Murals

Click on to see some of our art downtown

Historical Downtown

There are many buildings and lots of history in our downtown area. There are even reports of ghost in some of these buildings.

Shopping

You will enjoy your stroll through many of our locally owned shop, we have what you are looking for. From TX 35 to downtown there are so many stores to choose from.

Dining in Calhoun County

Whatever you are in the mood for, you will find it in our area. You will find cuisines from seafood to Mexican, it’s all good here in our town. Most all of our restaurants are locally owned and operated to give you that hometown hospitality.

Walking Track

Our lighthouse beach park has a mile long walking track. This track is along the water scenes and the boardwalk for birding view also. While you are out walking you will get to see the historical half moon reef lighthouse.

Fishing Tournaments

Here in Port Lavaca we hold many tournaments each year. We look forward to our anglers coming to town. It’s a great thrill to watch what comes off the boats and everyone has a blast! Stop by the Chamber office for more info on these.

Guided Fishing

Our local guides are by far the best around; they know all the hot spots! Stop by our Visitor’s Center at the Bauer Center and pick up a flyer for all the information.

Kayaking

If you are in the mood for an adventure, you won’t want to miss this. We have guided trips for whatever you are in the mood for: Fishing, Kayaking Lessons, Eco Nature Trails, Dolphin Watching and Sunset or Full Moon tours. You name it our guide can make it happen. Stop by the Visitor’s Center for more info.

Beachcombing

Many of our locals and tourist love to just roll up their pants and walk along the beach. There are many findings along the beach. The fun will never end in the many things and stories people tell of their adventure of beachcombing.

Sunrises and Sunsets on the beach

This is an experience in itself, looking out over the ocean and it seems the water touches the sun. No buildings, no cars, nothing for miles and miles, just you and serenity.

Golfing

The 9-hole “Hatch Bend” course at the Hatch Bend Country Club facility in Port Lavaca, Texas features 3,054 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 36. Hatch Bend golf course opened in 1957. Mary Piwetz manages the course as the General Manager. Learn more on their web site.

Heritage Center

Our center holds too many events to list. This center is packed full of events for seniors: Bingo, church, exercising, country opry, singing, dancing, dominos and more. If you are a senior looking for fun, this is the place to be for year round entertainment.

Aransas Wildlife

The Refuge Complex is comprised of over 115,000 acres including the Blackjack Peninsula (Aransas proper), Matagorda Island, Myrtle Foester Whitmire, Tatton, and Lamar units. These areas provide vital resting, feeding, wintering, and nesting grounds for migratory birds and native Texas wildlife.
The Refuge is world renowned for hosting the largest wild flock of endangered whooping cranes each winter. Other native species you can see on the Refuge include the American alligator, javelina, roseate spoonbill, white-tailed deer, armadillo, and spectacular wildflowers. Learn more on their web site.

Goose Island State Park

Bounded by the waters of the St. Charles, Copano, and Aransas bays, 314-acre Goose Island State Park is a coastal delight. Visitors to the Island engage in a variety of activities, including camping, birding, fishing, boating, water sports, wildlife observation and picnicking. A leisurely 1-mile hiking trail is available. Approximately 500 bird species have been recorded in the area, including the endangered whooping cranes which spend each winter in the coastal marshes of nearby Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Learn more on their web site.

Texas State Aquarium

The mission of the Texas State Aquarium is to provide educationally enriching and entertaining programming to a diverse audience; to develop entertaining interactive exhibits that engage and inspire; to promote and practice environmental conservation and wildlife rehabilitation; to provide first-class guest services; and to operate as a private, self-supporting, not-for-profit organization. Learn more on their web site.

USS Lexington

Imaginations run wild aboard the USS LEXINGTON. The sights and sounds are so real and so intense you become a part of the story the second you step foot aboard this World War II era aircraft carrier. There’s an adventure around every corner as you make your way through the maze of tunnels and ladders. Your seat becomes a cockpit in our Flight Simulator and you can get behind the controls at our all-new Virtual Battle Stations. And the three story tall MEGA Theater…well you’ll just have to see that for yourself. Learn more on their web site.

Picnicing

We have many scenic places to just throw out a blanket and enjoy lunch. The weather is almost always perfect here.

Whooping Crane Tours

Just 45 minutes away is a boat waiting to take you on the birding adventure of a lifetime. This tour takes you right upon the island where our famous whooping cranes live. With a captain to give you all the history on our feathered friends, you don’t want to miss this. Bring your binoculars and join the fun. Learn more on their web site.

The Gallery

This gallery features so many pictures of the true history of Calhoun County, there are walls and walls of pictures featuring all you want to know about the area.

Our Lady of Gulf Catholic Church

This church has so much history behind it: The first church building was erected in 1865 on South Guadalupe Street. It was destroyed by a storm in 1886 and rebuilt in 1894. Father W. G. Henderson was on hand to bless this edifice under the title of “Our Lady of the Gulf”.

Calhoun County Airport, Calhoun Air Center

The airport was recently named the states most improved by the Texas Aviation Conference. It has been completely renovated and is up and running, stop in and check them out. Learn more on their web site.

Froggies Bait Dock

Froggies is located in Port O’Conner on the Gulf’s Intercoastal Waterway, right at the end of Byers Street. This is one of the best places in the universe to get pictures of pelicans,gulls and dolphins. Froggies is a very busy boat ramp and many anglers clean their catch on the cleaning tables here, which attracts pelicans and dolphins by the score.

Falcon Point Ranch

Falcon Point is a wildlife photographers dream. The diversity of habitat and wildlife borders is beyond belief, with deer, quail, exotic wildlife in abundance. Learn more on their web site.

Indianola Fishing Marina

Tucked away at the very end of Highway 316 is a fisherman’s Paradise. The marina sits between Powderhorn Lake and Matagorda Bay and is a prime spot for trout, redfish, flounder and even duck hunting. The lighted pier and covered patio are open 24 hours a day for anyone wishing to fish in the wee hours of the morning or even during a rainstorm. Learn more on their web site.

Public Boat Ramps

We have 10 public boat ramps in our area located all over Calhoun County to better serve our tourist and locals. Olivia, Point Comfort, Six mile, Lighthouse Beach, Bayfront Peninsula, Harbor, Chocolate Bayou, Magnolia Beach, Port O’Connor and Seadrift Bayfront Park.

Just relax and enjoy the weather!