About / Hours
The Museums of Port Isabel is a complex consisting of three diverse facilities, the Port Isabel Historic Museum, the Treasures of the Gulf Museum, and the Point Isabel Lighthouse. All three are within walking distance of each other and are open year around to the public.
PORT ISABEL
LIGHTHOUSE
Constructed in 1852, the Point Isabel Lighthouse was built to
protect and guide ships through Brazos Santiago Pass and the barrier
islands. In 1952, the Lighthouse was opened as a State Park and remains the
only lighthouse on the Texas Gulf coast open to the public. The Lighthouse
Keeper’s Cottage which is on the grounds of the Lighthouse, is open to the
public and houses the Chamber of Commerce and the Port Isabel Visitors
Center. There is no admission charge to the
Keepers Cottage. Lighthouse tickets can be purchased at the Keepers Cottage
or at the Lighthouse. A combination ticket is available. Last ticket sold at
4:30 p.m. or 1/2 hour before closing.
Summer Hours Announced for LIGHTHOUSE!
Saturday June 1-Saturday August 17
Port Isabel Lighthouse OPEN
Sunday -Thursday 9am-6pm
Friday 9am-5pm (June & July)
Saturday 9am-7pm
Keepers Cottage Hours (Visitor Center & Chamber of Commerce): Monday – Friday 9a – 5p. Saturday 10a – 4p. 421 E. Queen Isabella Blvd., Port Isabel. 956/943-2262.
PORT ISABEL HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Port Isabel Historical Museum is a state-of-the-art facility
located in the Champion Building. Built in 1899 as a dry goods store and
residence, it now houses two exhibit levels, a theater, gift shop and one of
the largest collections of Mexican artifacts from the U.S.-Mexican War. The
facade features the famous ‘fish mural’ painted in 1906 by a local
fisherman. Last ticket sold at 3:30 p.m. 317 E. Railroad Ave., Port Isabel.
956/943-7602.
- Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10a – 4p.
- Summer Hours*: Tuesday – Saturday 9a – 5p.
TREASURES OF THE GULF MUSEUM
Treasures of the Gulf Museum spotlights three 1554 Spanish
shipwrecks. Meeting their fate just 30 miles north of Port isabel, they are
brought to life with murals, artifacts and hands-on activities. Also
featured is a Children’s Discovery Lab, Ship theatre and Nautical Gift Shop.
Last ticket sold at 3:30 p.m. 317 E. Railroad Ave., Port Isabel.
956/943-7602.
- Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10a – 4p.
Individual Site Ticket:
to the Port Isabel Lighthouse OR the
Treasures of the Gulf Museum
OR the Port Isabel Historical Museum.
- Adults: $4.00
- Senior Citizens*: $3.00
- Students**: $2.00
- Children 4 & Up (must be at least 38″ and 4 years old tall to climb the lighthouse): Free
- Museum Member***: Free
Combination Site Ticket:
to the Port Isabel Lighthouse AND the Treasures of
the Gulf Museum
AND the Port Isabel Historical Museum.
- Adults: $9.00
- Senior Citizens*: $7.00
- Students**: $4.00
- Children 4 (must be at least 38″ tall to climb the lighthouse): Free
- Museum Member***: Free
Planning a Tour? For rates and information regarding organization and school group tours call Jeannie Marie A. Flores at 956/943-7602 or email: museumdirector@copitx.com. Tour form here> 2017_tour-form.
*Senior Citizens (55 & over); **Students (K – College with ID); ***Museum Member (with Membership Card)
All ticket sales are final. Tickets can be purchased at any of the Museum facilities or at the Visitors Center in the Keepers Cottage and need not be redeemed in the same visit.