Port Isabel, Texas.

Port Isabel sits at the southern tip of Texas, connected to South Padre Island by the Queen Isabella Causeway. That 2.4-mile bridge is one of the longest in the state and serves as the gateway between the mainland and the island's beaches. Port Isabel itself is known for its historic lighthouse (now a museum), its working shrimp fleet, and its role as the quieter, more grounded counterpart to the resort scene across the causeway. The town has a walkable downtown with seafood restaurants, bait shops, and a boardwalk along the Laguna Madre.

Port Isabel is at the southern tip of Texas, connected to South Padre Island by the Queen Isabella Causeway. It's about 15 miles east of Brownsville.

For Hill Country visitors making the longer drive south, Port Isabel offers a more relaxed coastal experience than South Padre Island. You can climb the historic Port Isabel Lighthouse for panoramic views of the Laguna Madre and the Gulf, stroll along the boardwalk and watch the shrimp boats navigate the channel, and eat fresh Gulf seafood at restaurants that have been serving the same family recipes for decades. The town also has several museums and historic sites worth exploring, including the Treasures of the Gulf Museum and the Port Isabel Historical Museum.

The Queen Isabella Causeway makes it easy to spend part of your day on the island and part back on the mainland. South Padre's beaches, water sports, and nightlife are a five-minute drive across the bridge, while Port Isabel offers more affordable lodging and dining. For anglers, the Laguna Madre on the Port Isabel side is one of the best shallow-water fisheries in the state, particularly for speckled trout and redfish. The combination of historic character, working waterfront, and easy island access makes Port Isabel a smart base for exploring the southernmost coast of Texas.

Drive time from Boerne

Port Isabel is approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes from Boerne via I-37 South to Corpus Christi, then US-77 South through the King Ranch and the Rio Grande Valley. The drive is long but scenic, especially through the ranch country south of Corpus Christi.

What to know before you go

• Best time to visit: Fall through spring offers the most pleasant weather. Summer is very hot but the Gulf breezes help near the water.
• Port Isabel Lighthouse: Climb the historic lighthouse for panoramic views. The museum at the base tells the story of the town's maritime history.
• Shrimp fleet: The working shrimp boats are a defining feature of Port Isabel's waterfront. Early mornings are best for watching them return.
• South Padre access: The causeway is a short drive and places the island's beaches, golf courses, and entertainment within easy reach.
• Fishing: The Laguna Madre on the mainland side offers world-class shallow-water fishing. Several guide services operate out of Port Isabel.
• Lodging: Port Isabel offers more budget-friendly and extended-stay accommodations compared to the resort properties across the causeway.