Historic Port Lavaca is a charming coastal town with a delightful mix of history, outdoor activities, and unique attractions just a half-hour drive from Palacios. Whether you're a Texas Gulf Coast history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a family-friendly escape, you'll find plenty of ways to spend your time in Port Lavaca!
12 Top Things to Do in Port Lavaca, TX
Historic Port Lavaca is a charming coastal town with a delightful mix of history, outdoor activities, and unique attractions just a half-hour drive from Palacios.
Whether you're a Texas Gulf Coast history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a family-friendly escape, you'll find plenty of ways to spend your time in Port Lavaca!
Best Things to Do in Port Lavaca, Texas
1. Indianola Fishing Marina
Indianola Fishing Marina is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to cast a line. It is known as one of the best fishing spots on the Texas Gulf Coast. This popular Port Lavaca marina offers a fantastic fishing experience with its well-maintained piers, bait shop, and friendly community.
The boat ramp is open during store hours, and daily launch passes are available for $6 per day inside the store. Serious boaters can also purchase a monthly boat ramp pass for consistent access! You can also buy daily fishing passes from 6 AM – 12 AM in-store for $6 per day or snag a monthly fishing pass online. Indianola Fishing Marina also has RV sites with water and electricity hookups, a dump station, a lighted fishing dock, and boat ramp access. Call ahead to reserve a spot.
Indianola Bar & Grill at the marina is the perfect place to grab a great meal on the deck overlooking the water. This grill offers something for the whole family, from delightfully fresh seafood to juicy burgers, extra-cheesy pizza, and handcrafted sandwiches. Regular events with live music and food specials keep the doors at the Indianola Fishing Marina rotating and establish it as a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
2. Historic Main Street Theatre
Port Lavaca’s historic Main Street Theatre was a hub of activity in the 1930s and 40s, and the charming building survived several hurricanes throughout its lifetime. Many residents have fond memories of going downtown to the theatre for movies, plays, and other shows in the beautiful building.
Since the 1990s, the Port Lavaca Main Street Theatre has been artfully restored with a stage, refurbished balcony, and 260+ seats. It’s a popular place to watch fashion shows, concerts, and plays showcasing local talent.
3. Nautical Landings Marina
Nautical Landings Marina is the place to be for those who enjoy boating and water sports. This full-service marina provides everything you need for a day of boating or fishing in Matagorda Bay and offers gorgeous coastal views.
4. Calhoun County Museum
Calhoun County Museum is a bridge from the region's past to the present, with exhibits ranging from Native American artifacts and a lens from the Matagorda Island Lighthouse to displays on early settlers and local industry.
The museum strives to acquire, document, preserve, study, and display artifacts that share the cultural, natural, and maritime heritage and history of Port Lavaca and Calhoun County in Texas.
5. Bayfront Peninsula Park
Bayfront Peninsula Park is a beautiful waterfront space that packs in some serious outdoor fun. With its scenic walking trails, plentiful picnic areas, and splash pad for the kids, it's an ideal spot for a family outing or a relaxing day in nature. Anglers love that the park has a lighted fishing pier with a filet area, restrooms, covered eating tables, and a public boat ramp right into Lavaca Bay.
6. Hatch Bend Country Club
Hatch Bend Country Club has a nine-hole golf course with beautiful fairways and a clubhouse for socializing and catching a bite to eat after your game. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast or simply looking for something fun on vacation — Hatch Bend Country Club is a great spot to get out on the greens.
7. Lavaca Bluffs Winery
A few miles out of Port Lavaca proper lies one of the area's best-kept secrets—Lavaca Bluffs Winery, a local gem that offers wine tastings in a lovely setting overlooking the Lavaca River.
Lavaca Bluffs Winery is known for its “history by the bottle” initiative, which names wines and provides historical or geographical descriptions of the region with every label. This local winery is the perfect place in Port Lavaca to unwind and enjoy the beautiful Texas scenery with a glass of wine.
8. Lighthouse Beach Splashpad
If you're visiting Port Lavaca with kids, be sure to stop by the Lighthouse Beach Splashpad. This fun water play area is a hit with children of all ages and offers a great way to cool off on a hot Texas day. In addition to the splash pad, check out the picnic areas, playgrounds, cabanas, volleyball courts, fishing pier, barbecue areas, restrooms, and other amenities at Lighthouse Beach Park.
9. Magnolia Beach
A short drive from Port Lavaca, Magnolia Beach offers a more laid-back beach experience. This quiet beach is perfect for swimming, beachcombing, or a family day in the sand. The calm waters make it an excellent spot for swimmers, and there are plenty of picnic areas where you can enjoy lunch with a view.
10. Local Dining
No visit to Port Lavaca would be complete without sampling the local cuisine.
From top-quality seafood restaurants serving fresh catches from the Gulf of Mexico to cozy cafes and charming diners, visitors will find plenty to choose from on the dining scene. Try local favorites like fried shrimp, crab cakes, and other seafood dishes while in Port Lavaca. Indianola Fishing Bar & Grill and Bayside Seafood serve up some of the best seafood in town.
11. Boutiques & Shopping
Take some time to explore the local shops and boutiques in Port Lavaca. Expect to find unique items to bring home, from handmade crafts and jewelry to beachwear and souvenirs.
Southern hospitality is alive and well in Port Lavaca, and shop owners will happily chat and share stories about the town. Shopping locally is a great way to support small businesses and find special souvenirs to bring home with you. The Rhinestone Pineapple Boutique and the Outpost Resale Shop, run by the Senior Citizens Association, are fun places to start a shopping spree in Port Lavaca.
12. Local Events and Festivals
Port Lavaca hosts several events throughout the year — check the town's event calendar to see which fun festivals and events will happen during your visit to Port Lavaca!
Experience the Best of Port Lavaca with a Build-Ready Home in Beachside
Want to call the Texas Coast home? Book a tour with Beachside to see our spacious, ready-to-build lots with oceanfront views in the lovely town of Palacios — just a 30-minute drive from Port Lavaca! Come experience the charm and laid-back lifestyle at Beachside. We can’t wait to show you around!