Top 16 Things To Do In Port Lavaca, Texas

1. Have fun and de-stress at the Lighthouse Beach

This beautiful, small beach with walkways out into the bay is a serene place to spend some quality time. This man-made beach is an ideal spot to enjoy a peaceful walk, windsurf, revel in a fishing experience and enjoy the scenery. While kids will love playing with sand, water and splash pads, there are also some cabanas for shade. Other highlights include a bird observation walkway and RV camping spots.

Lighthouse Beach

Address: 700 Lighthouse Beach Rd, Port Lavaca, TX 77979

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

2. Visit Indianola Fishing Marina for a great fishing experience

Your Port Lavaca vacation is incomplete without a fishing experience at the Indianola Fishing Marina. Try your luck at catching a redfish or a trout. You can also enjoy an awesome meal at the restaurant with live music, drink beer, kayak and meet and greet people here. One of the places where you can enjoy the local feel, Indianola Fishing Marina should be a must-visit place on your list.

Indianola Fishing Marina

Address: 8 Bell St, Port Lavaca, TX 77979, USA

Website: Indianola Fishing Marina

Opening hours: Sun - Thurs: 5.30am - 10pm; Fri & Sat: 5.30am - 12pm

3. Enjoy a trek on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail

Bird lovers cannot find a greater destination than Port Lavaca. If you are in this coastal town during spring, you will be delighted to see hundreds of bird varieties here. With eight birding sites on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, Calhoun County is a perfect vacation spot for birders. It is also a well-known destination for waterfowl hunters.

Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail

Address: Texas Gulf Coast in the United States

Website: Central Texas Coast

4. Visit the Half Moon Reef Lighthouse, a historical delight

Once functioning as a safe passage to mariners sailing from the Gulf of Mexico, the Half Moon Reef Lighthouse was partly destroyed by a hurricane in 1942. Later, it was donated to the Calhoun County Historical Commission. Today, it is situated next to the Port Lavaca community center and functions as a museum. The octagonal-shaped building serves as a historical stop for visitors and a perfect backdrop for some great photographs. This is a must-visit place in Port Lavaca.

Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse

Address: 2300 TX-35, Port Lavaca, TX 77979, USA

Website: Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse

5. Browse through the artifacts at Calhoun County Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Learn about the maritime history and natural history of Calhoun County by visiting the Calhoun County Museum. From an 8-foot (2.4-meter) diorama of Indianola town to the famous Fresnel lens once used in the lighthouse, shipwreck collections and exclusive items dating back to the life and times of the County, many interesting exhibits can be found here.

Calhoun County Museum

Address: 313 Butler St, St Matthews, SC 29135, USA

Website: Calhoun County Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 9am - 4pm (closed on Sat - Mon)

6. Head down to Port Lavaca Bird Sanctuary

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

One of the important landmarks in the city is Port Lavaca Bird Sanctuary. With a diverse species of birds, the sanctuary is a bird lover’s paradise. A great spot for watching winter birds and migratory birds during April and May, you will never get bored here.

Port Lavaca Bird Sanctuary

Address: 700 Lighthouse Beach Rd, Port Lavaca, TX 77979-5460

Website: Port Lavaca Bird Sanctuary

7. Catch a show at Port Lavaca Main Street Theatre

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

While you are in Port Lavaca, do not miss the Port Lavaca Main Street Theatre. A great place to enjoy and appreciate local talent, five plays are performed throughout the year. During the ‘30s and ‘40s, the theatre was a successful hub for arts and entertainment. However, it lost its glory following the hurricanes and changing economies. Today, a group of theatre enthusiasts keeps it going.

Port Lavaca Main Street Theatre

Address: 315 E Main St, Port Lavaca, TX 77979, USA

Website: Port Lavaca Main Street Theatre

8. Experience the superb view of the sea from Fishing Pier Park

If you want to enjoy a scenic view of the sea, then head to Fishing Pier Park, located on State Highway 35 at Lavaca Bay. The view of the blue sea is enough to soothe your senses. The main attraction is a 3,200-foot (975-meter) fishing pier, which is a favorite destination of fishermen for catching fish including drum, trout, sheepshead and so on.

Fishing Pier Park

Address: Port Lavaca, TX 77979, USA

Website: Fishing Pier Park

Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)

9. Unwind at Bay Front Peninsula Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you have kids with you, a visit to the Bay Front Peninsula Park will spice up the mood. A waterfront park, a splash pad, picnic facilities, and a boat ramp can be found here. The park also has a lighted fishing pier. Relax, rejuvenate and have fun here.

Bayfront Peninsula Park

Address: 501 E. Main Street, Port Lavaca, TX 77979

Website: Bayfront Peninsula Park

Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)

10. Golfing time at Hatch Bend Country Club

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you are an avid golfer or an enthusiast, you will never be disappointed at Port Lavaca. The peaceful Hatch Bend Country Club offers a great place for golfers at all skill levels. The helpful staff will offer you tips to play the best round at this nine-hole course. So, ensure you enjoy your best at this semi-private golf course.

Hatch Bend Country Club

Address: 579 Meadowview Ln, Port Lavaca, TX 77979, USA

Website: Hatch Bend Country Club

Price: 28 USD (Weekdays) and 30 USD (Weekends)

11. Spend time at Magnolia Beach

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

A beautiful, serene beach with fine sand is what Magnolia Beach is all about. From picnic shelters to playground for kids, this is an absolute family beach. Indulge in a match at the volleyball court on the beach and spend some quality time here.

Magnolia Beach

Address: 1707 N Ocean Dr, Port Lavaca, TX 77979

Website: Magnolia Beach

12. Do not miss the seafood at Miller's

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Once you are in Port Lavaca, do not miss buying seafood from Miller’s Seafood. Apart from selling the freshest seafood, they are known for the best prices and great service too. Fresh shrimp, lobsters, crabmeat, oysters and varieties of fresh fish, the choices are aplenty. Do not miss this absolute treat!

Miller's Seafood

Address: 1102 Broadway Street, Port Lavaca, TX 77979, USA

Website: Miller’s Seafood

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sun)

13. Go check out La Salle Monument

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you have time, do not forget to visit the magnificent La Salle Monument on the peninsula between Matagorda Bay and Blind Bayou. La Salle first visited the place and wanted to make it a French colony. The spot where he landed is where his statue stands now. For more information on this French explorer, you can visit the museums in the city.

La Salle Monument

Address: Texas Highway 316, Port Lavaca, TX 77979

Website: La Salle Monument

14. Have some beer at Harvey's Tavern

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

To add some fun and entertainment to your trip, visit Harvey’s Tavern, one of the oldest taverns in town, for sipping a beer. Games, musical nights, good service and great company add to the drinking experience and you will definitely visit again.

Harvey's Tavern

Address: 2000 Lighthouse Beach Rd, Port Lavaca, TX 77979, USA

Website: Harvey’s Tavern

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 12am; Sat: 11am - 1am (closed on Sunday)

15. Enjoy movie time at Twin Dolphins Cinemas

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Bored with all the activities and need a break? Book your tickets at the Twin Dolphins Theater and enjoy a movie with your family or friends. The comfy seats, refreshments and cool ambiance of the theatre will definitely ensure a great movie experience.

Twin Dolphins Cinemas

Address: 152 State Highway 35 N, 77979 Port Lavaca, Texas

Website: Twin Dolphins Cinemas

16. Head to Beau's Billiard Bowling & Arcade for a great bowling experience

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

One of the activities you can readily indulge in once in Port Lavaca is bowling. Head straight to Beau’s Billiard Bowling & Arcade and enjoy billiards and arcade games other than bowling. You can also enjoy the game with your family as there is a family bowling alley. With six billiard tables, you and your group can spend quality time here.

Beau's Billiard Bowling & Arcade

Address: 100 Village Rd, Port Lavaca, TX 77979, USA

Website: Beau’s Billiard Bowling & Arcade

Opening hours: Sun - Tue: 2pm - 11pm; Thu - Fri: 11am - 12am; Sat: 11am - 1pm (closed on Wednesdays)

Have a great time at Port Lavaca

With 16 great activities listed out for you during your Port Lavaca visit, planning a trip to this city should not be a hassle. Enjoy the sun, sea, sand and every aspect of nature at its best here. Go home with lots of memories and some beautiful pictures to treasure forever. Happy vacationing!