Spanish explorer Alonzo Alvarez de Peneda first stepped foot in Port Lavaca in 1519. The beachfront town, which is now home to more than 12,000 year-around residents, sits on Lavaca Bay near the center of the Texas Gulf Coast. It is a gateway to beautiful Matagorda Island Wildlife Management Area (formerly a state park) and a popular destination for fishing, birding, swimming and boating.
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Best Port Lavaca Attractions
Calhoun County Museum.
An 1864 jail house once housed this interesting collection of local artifacts; it has since moved to an annex of the county courthouse. Located at 301 South Ann St. Admission is free.
Formosa Wetlands Walkway.
Stretching 3,202 feet into Lavaca Bay, this walkway is popular with birders. The walkway is home to the Alcoa Bird Tower for excellent viewing.
Indianola County Historic Park.
This 300-acre park is located where the town of Indianola once stood. Although Indianola has a few homes and fishing opportunities, today the town is primarily visited by anglers and history buffs on the trail of the historic markers that recall this once busy port.
Indianola Country Historic Park offers picnicking, fishing, boat ramp, and camping with hookups. The park is located 13 miles southeast of Port Lavaca via Texas 238 and 316.
The park is located at the site of the once a bustling port city settled by German immigrants.
Indianola was ravaged by massive hurricanes in 1875 and 1886.
Magnolia Beach
Located between Port Lavaca and Indianola, Magnolia Beach is Texas’s only shell beach. A free park welcomes campers, picnickers and travelers with dogs.
Lighthouse Fishing Pier.
Shortened by a fire in 1999 then destroyed by Hurricane Harvey in 2017, work is underway on a new fishing pier, always a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts.
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For More Information
Port Lavaca Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce
(361) 552-2959