Port Isabel is a coastal city in southern Texas, located in Cameron County near the Gulf of Mexico. It sits at the entrance to Laguna Madre and is about 4 miles from South Padre Island and 25 miles east of Brownsville. The city is known for its fishing heritage, historic lighthouse, waterfront setting, and access to beaches and outdoor recreation.
Location Map of Port Isabel, Cameron County, Texas
About Map: The map shows the location of Port Isabel in Cameron County, in the U.S. state of Texas.
Port Isabel Map, Texas
About Port Isabel Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Port Isabel in Cameron County, Texas. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.
Where is Port Isabel Located?
Port Isabel is a city located in Cameron County, Texas, the United States. It lies near the southern tip of Texas along the Gulf Coast, at the entrance to Laguna Madre and across the Queen Isabella Causeway from South Padre Island. Brownsville is around 25 miles west, while Harlingen is about 35 miles northwest. Port Isabel is positioned near 26.073° North latitude and 97.208° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 4,931 residents. The city covers about 6.70 square miles, or 17.35 square kilometers. Port Isabel was established as a port community in the early 19th century and became an important center for shipping, fishing, ranching, and coastal trade. The city played a role in the American Civil War because of its strategic position along the Gulf Coast. The Port Isabel Lighthouse is the city's best-known historic landmark. Built in 1852, it is one of the few remaining lighthouses on the Texas coast open to visitors. The surrounding Laguna Madre is one of the world's largest hypersaline lagoons and provides important habitat for birds, fish, sea turtles, and other wildlife. A unique feature of Port Isabel is its close connection to South Padre Island, with the two communities linked by the Queen Isabella Causeway. The city was incorporated in 1928. Today, tourism, fishing, boating, and marine recreation are important parts of the local economy. State Highway 100 provides the main road connection between Port Isabel, South Padre Island, and the Brownsville area.
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Port Isabel City Facts
| City | Port Isabel |
| State | Texas |
| County | Cameron County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | South Texas and Gulf Coast |
| Incorporated | 1928 |
| Founded | 1846 |
| Total Area | 6.70 sq mi (17.35 sq km) |
| Land Area | 6.64 sq mi (17.20 sq km) |
| Water Area | 0.06 sq mi (0.16 sq km) |
| Elevation | 7 ft (2 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | About 4,900 |
| Population (2020 Census) | 4,931 |
| Population Density | 743 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Central Time (CST/CDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 78578 |
| Area Code | 956 |
| Major Highways | TX-100, TX-48, and US-77 nearby |
| Public Transit | Brownsville and South Padre Island area transit services |
| Major Attractions | Port Isabel Lighthouse, Port Isabel Historical Museum, Laguna Madre, and Queen Isabella Causeway |
| Official Website | https://www.portisabel-texas.com/ |
Distance from Port Isabel, TX to Nearby Cities
- South Padre Island, TX – 4 miles (6 km)
- Laguna Vista, TX – 8 miles (13 km)
- Los Fresnos, TX – 12 miles (19 km)
- Brownsville, TX – 25 miles (40 km)
- San Benito, TX – 30 miles (48 km)
- Harlingen, TX – 35 miles (56 km)
- Raymondville, TX – 60 miles (97 km)
- Weslaco, TX – 55 miles (89 km)
- McAllen, TX – 75 miles (121 km)
- Edinburg, TX – 75 miles (121 km)
- Mercedes, TX – 50 miles (80 km)
- Port Mansfield, TX – 70 miles (113 km)
- Corpus Christi, TX – 165 miles (266 km)
- Laredo, TX – 190 miles (306 km)
- Victoria, TX – 200 miles (322 km)
- San Antonio, TX – 290 miles (467 km)
- Houston, TX – 330 miles (531 km)
- Monterrey, Mexico – 200 miles (322 km)
Top Attractions in Port Isabel
- Port Isabel Lighthouse – A historic 1852 lighthouse and one of the most recognizable landmarks on the Texas Gulf Coast.
- Port Isabel Historical Museum – A local museum featuring exhibits about Port Isabel's maritime history, the Civil War, fishing, ranching, and regional development.
- Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site – The state historic site preserves the lighthouse and provides panoramic views of Port Isabel, Laguna Madre, and South Padre Island.
- Laguna Madre – A large hypersaline lagoon supporting important coastal wetlands, fish, birds, sea turtles, and other wildlife.
- Queen Isabella Causeway – A major bridge connecting Port Isabel with South Padre Island and one of the most important transportation links in the area.
- Port Isabel Fishing Pier – A popular waterfront destination for fishing and enjoying views across the Laguna Madre.
- South Padre Island – A nearby barrier island known for its beaches, boating, fishing, birdwatching, and coastal recreation.
- Sea Turtle Inc. – A South Padre Island conservation and education center dedicated to sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation, and research.
Airports Near Port Isabel, TX
- Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport (BRO) – 25 miles
- Valley International Airport (HRL) – 40 miles
- McAllen International Airport (MFE) – 80 miles
- Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP) – 170 miles
- Laredo International Airport (LRD) – 190 miles
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Port Isabel city website and local government records.
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