History
Welcome to Port Lavaca — a delightful coastal town rich in Texas history, lively events, local talent, exquisite seafood, and hidden gems. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a passionate angler, or a beachgoer, Port Lavaca offers something unique for all who visit this charming seaside destination.
Port Lavaca has a colorful history that dates back to 1815, when Spaniards first settled the area. The town was initially known as Lavaca, which means "cow" in Spanish, likely referring to the bison that once roamed the area. The United States Census Bureau reports that 14,303 people lived in Port Lavaca during the last census in 2020.
Community Overview
Port Lavaca is a welcoming bayside community that offers an interesting history, plenty of outdoor activities, and lively local events.
Schools
Port Lavaca is part of the highly regarded Calhoun County Intermediate School District that consistently wins championships and awards for its prestige in academics and sports.
Parks
Port Lavaca boasts beautiful parks ideal for recreation, relaxation, fishing, and fun. Port Lavaca also offers beautiful beaches, birding opportunities, covered picnic tables, playgrounds, boat ramps, and several scenic nature trails.
Hospitals
Port Lavaca delivers outstanding healthcare with a state-of-the-art hospital and a warm, compassionate medical team.
Airport
Located just half an hour from Port Lavaca, the Palacios Municipal Airport makes traveling a breeze. Plus, with Houston’s two international airports only two hours away — international destinations are always within reach!
Library
Port Lavaca's libraries are treasure troves of resources, programs, and other amenities to provide the perfect quiet spot for reading and relaxing.
Fishing
Cast a line or venture into deeper waters from a boat ramp at Nautical Landings Marina or via a fishing charter for an exciting fishing adventure on the Texas Gulf Coast.
Beach
Unwind on the sandy beaches in and around Port Lavaca and enjoy Gulf Coast living at its finest.
Hunting
Head out for an authentic hunting experience in Port Lavaca and the surrounding area, where you can track ducks and other wild game.
Kayaking
Kayak through the calm waters of the Lavaca River or on Matagorda Bay and enjoy the area's natural beauty.
Paddle Boarding
Appreciate the beautiful scenery of Matagorda Bay from the water with a SUP.
Golf
Tee off at the Hatchbend Country Club, a spectacular nine-hole golf course in Port Lavaca.
Bird Watching
Spot hundreds of bird species in the protected wetlands across the Texas Gulf Coast! Port Lavaca is renowned worldwide for its location on the Central Flyway, a major migratory bird path.
Hiking
Get out in nature by walking and hiking at Bayfront Peninsula Park and on other local trails.
Museums
Learn about the region’s long-standing roots at the Calhoun County Museum, which displays a collection of artifacts, exhibits, and the Fresnel Lens from the original 1852 Matagorda Island Lighthouse.
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Events
Tourist Events
From long-standing festivals to holiday events, visitors say there's always something to do in historic Port Lavaca. One popular event that draws tourists in from around the country is Iguana Fest. Iguana Fest is a block party held on Main Street each spring, complete with dancing, live music, vendors, and more.
Community Events
Port Lavaca hosts events throughout the year, including farmers’ markets, craft fairs, and holiday festivities that foster the town's close-knit spirit. One of the most popular community events is the Bayfront Beats Summer Concert Series. This summer festival lights up Saturday nights at the Bayfront Peninsula Park. Even better — the event is free and family-friendly!
Restaurants
Cafe Jalisco
Cafe Jalisco serves delicious Tex-Mex favorites like tacos and enchiladas, quesadillas, and menudo. Choose from a changing menu of house-made salsas and swing by for cocktails during happy hour.
Texas Traditions Bar & Grill
Texas Traditions Bar & Grill prides itself on its fine comfort food and fully loaded bar with draft beer and mixed drinks. Come here for down-home Southern cooking, including fried chicken, country fried steak, a 12-ounce ribeye, and savory mushroom Swiss burgers.
Lighthouse Cafe
Lighthouse Cafe in Port Lavaca serves up American food at its best. Think big, hearty plates with made-from-scratch pancakes and sizzling bacon for breakfast and mouthwatering burgers and premium steaks for dinner.
Attractions
Calhoun County Museum
Travel back in time to the beginning of Port Lavaca at the Calhoun County Museum. This museum offers an inside look at the region's past via curated artifacts, photos, and collected works from Native Americans and early settlers.
Historic Main Street Theatre
Historic Main Street Theatre offers a variety of performances, from live theater productions to musical performances. The theatre dates back to the 1930s, but it has been beautifully restored to become a vibrant part of Port Lavaca’s past and present.
Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse
Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse is one of the many screw-pile lighthouses built on the Texas Gulf Coast, but it is the only one still standing. Be sure to catch the trademark red beam created when the light shines through its red glass chimney.
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Become Neighbors with the Friendly Locals in Port Lavaca on the Texas Gulf Coast
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Located in the nearby town of Palacios, our welcoming community is only half an hour away from the fun attractions and things to do in Port Lavaca. Palacios also offers plenty of fun things to do, including beaches, fishing, shopping, dining, and more. Come and join the laid-back lifestyle at Beachside!