Where is Port Lavaca, Texas, USA?

Written and Fact-checked by | Last Updated On: March 11, 2026

Where is Port Lavaca, Texas Located in the United States? - Port Lavaca is a city located in the Calhoun County of Texas, United States. Port Lavaca lies between 28.615 Degrees North latitudes and -96.6261 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Port Lavaca in Calhoun County, Texas

Where is Port Lavaca, Texas

About Map: The map shows the location of Port Lavaca in the state of Texas, United States. Port Lavaca is a city in Calhoun County, Texas.

Port Lavaca Map, Texas, USA

About Port Lavaca Map: This interactive Google Map shows the exact location of Port Lavaca in Texas, United States. You can zoom in or out, switch to satellite view, and explore nearby cities, roads, and local landmarks around Port Lavaca.

About Port Lavaca, Calhoun County, Texas

Port Lavaca is a city located in Calhoun County in the U.S. state of Texas, United States. The city was established in 1840 and developed as an important coastal port and commercial center along Lavaca Bay on the Gulf Coast. Port Lavaca serves as the county seat of Calhoun County and has long been connected to fishing, shipping, and maritime activities in the region.

Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Port Lavaca is 11,668 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 760 people per square mile.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Port Lavaca covers a total area of approximately 14.1 square miles (about 36.5 square kilometers), including about 10.4 square miles (26.9 square kilometers) of land and about 3.7 square miles (9.6 square kilometers) of water.

Location and Surroundings

Port Lavaca is located in southeastern Texas and lies within Calhoun County along the shores of Lavaca Bay on the Gulf Coast. The city is situated northeast of Corpus Christi and serves as a gateway to the coastal communities and fishing areas of the region.

Top Attractions

Port Lavaca offers waterfront parks, fishing piers, and recreational areas that highlight its coastal setting and maritime heritage. Residents and visitors enjoy boating, birdwatching, and outdoor activities along the bay and surrounding coastal environments.

Transportation

Port Lavaca is served by State Highway 35 and State Highway 87, providing connections to Victoria, Corpus Christi, and other coastal communities in South Texas. The nearest major airport serving the region is Victoria Regional Airport.

Explore more cities and counties across Texas or view the complete USA States Map for additional geographic information.

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General information referenced from local and regional government resources.

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Port Lavaca, Texas Quick Facts

AttributeDetails
CityPort Lavaca
CountyCalhoun County
StateTexas
State CapitalAustin
US RegionSouthern United States (West South Central Region)
Latitude28.6144° N
Longitude96.6261° W
Elevation10 ft (3 m)
Land Area13.58 sq mi
Water Area2.68 sq mi
Total Area16.26 sq mi
Population (2020 Census)11,557
Population DensityApproximately 851 people per sq mi
ZIP Code77979
Area Code361
Time Zone StandardCentral Standard Time (CST, UTC−6)
Time Zone DaylightCentral Daylight Time (CDT, UTC−5)
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD)
FIPS Code48-59084
Congressional DistrictTexas' 27th Congressional District

Transportation and Connectivity in Port Lavaca

CategoryDetails
Airport NameVictoria Regional Airport
IATA CodeVCT
PortPort Lavaca–Point Comfort Port
Major HighwaysU.S. Route 87, State Highway 35, State Highway 238
Train/Amtrak ServiceNearest Amtrak service in Victoria
Local Bus/Transit ServiceRegional transportation services
  • U.S. Route 87 – Major highway connecting Port Lavaca with Victoria and other South Texas communities.
  • State Highway 35 – Coastal route providing access to Rockport, Port Aransas, and Gulf Coast destinations.
  • State Highway 238 – Regional highway connecting Port Lavaca with surrounding Calhoun County areas.

Top Places to Visit in Port Lavaca, Texas

Landmark NameType
Bayfront Peninsula ParkWaterfront Park
Indianola Fishing MarinaFishing and Recreation Area
Calhoun County MuseumHistory Museum
Half Moon Reef LighthouseHistoric Landmark
Magnolia BeachBeach Recreation Area
Lavaca BayNatural Attraction
Alamo BeachBeach Area
Port Lavaca Nature TrailNature Trail
Fishing Center ParkCommunity Park
Chisholm Trail Heritage MuseumHistory Museum

Driving Distances from Port Lavaca, Texas to Nearby Cities

CityStateDistance (mi)Approx. Drive Time
VictoriaTexas3035 minutes
PortlandTexas701 hour 15 minutes
Corpus ChristiTexas901 hour 30 minutes
RockportTexas751 hour 20 minutes
San AntonioTexas1202 hours
HoustonTexas1502 hours 30 minutes
AustinTexas1502 hours 30 minutes
GalvestonTexas1803 hours
BrownsvilleTexas2504 hours
DallasTexas3004 hours 45 minutes

Colleges and Universities Near Port Lavaca, Texas

Institution NameTypeLevelNotable For
Victoria CollegePublicCommunity CollegeCareer training, workforce programs, and transfer education
University of Houston–VictoriaPublicUniversityBusiness, education, nursing, and liberal arts
Texas A&M University–Corpus ChristiPublicUniversityMarine science, coastal research, and professional programs
Texas A&M University–KingsvillePublicUniversityAgriculture, engineering, and sciences
Coastal Bend CollegePublicCommunity CollegeTechnical education and workforce development
Calhoun County Independent School DistrictPublicK–12 DistrictPrimary and secondary education

Waterbodies in Port Lavaca, Texas

Lavaca Bay, Matagorda Bay, Gulf of Mexico, Lavaca River, Chocolate Bay, and nearby coastal wetlands and waterways.

Golf Courses Near Port Lavaca

Palacios Golf Course, Victoria Country Club, Riverside Park Golf Course, and River Hills Country Club.

Port Lavaca, Texas — Key Historical Facts

  • Port Lavaca was founded in the nineteenth century and developed as a coastal trading and fishing community along Lavaca Bay.
  • The city was originally known as Port Lavaca, meaning "cow port" in reference to early cattle shipping activities in the region.
  • Port Lavaca played a role in Texas history during the Civil War because of its strategic location on the Gulf Coast.
  • The community rebuilt and expanded after major hurricanes, including the devastating 1942 hurricane that affected the coastal area.
  • Today, Port Lavaca is known for fishing, shrimping, coastal recreation, wildlife areas, and its connection to the petrochemical industry in Calhoun County.

References

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