COVID-19 UPDATE: Treasures of the Gulf Museum and Port Isabel Museums are temporarily closed. For current Port Isabel Lighthouse open/close status: www.portisabellighthouse.com.
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.
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.
TREA
SURES 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 Theater 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.
*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.