Port Isabel Lighthouse
The Point (Port) Isabel Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located in Port Isabel, Texas, United States that was built in 1852 to guide ships through the Brazos Santiago Pass to Port Isabel. The lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 30, 1976.
On September 28, 1850, the United States Congress authorized an appropriation of $15,000 for “a lighthouse and beacon light” at Brazos Santiago Pass. Work began in February 1852. When complete, the lighthouse was an 82-foot-high brick tower and had four lights. By 1854, it had 15 lamps and 21 reflectors. A third order fresnel lens was installed in 1857 and the fixed light was varied by flashes.
The Texas State Park Board began restoring the lighthouse in 1951, and it was opened to the public in 1952. Today the lighthouse is operated as Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site. In September 1996, a new visitors center was completed.
Where it is:
Take Highway 100 into Port Isabel. The lighthouse is located alongside Highway 100 just before the causeway leading to South Padre Island.
Maps:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.
GPS:
26°4’39.8676″ N 97°12’26.7249″ W
Cost:
Ticket prices are $5.00 (adults); $4.00 (seniors 55+); $3.00 (children4 – 12 yrs.) Purchase tickets at the Keeper’s Cottage Visitor Center or at the Lighthouse. (956-943-2262)
Children must be 4 years old and 38” tall to tour the lighthouse. A child may not be carried by an adult.
Hours:
The historic Port Isabel Lighthouse is open to the public, weather permitting. Tuesday – Thursday 10am-6pm and Friday – Monday 9am – 7pm. Last ticket sold 30 minutes before closing.
The park at the Lighthouse is open to the public. The Keeper’s Cottage Visitors Center/Chamber of Commerce is open Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s Day.
Port Isabel Lighthouse Photo Gallery
Click Here for full page gallery
More Photographic Destinations in Texas
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.
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