Public Tours
Guiding Lights: Exploring Port Isabel Lighthouse
Capacity: 1–25 people
Timing: 1–1.5 hours, Visitor Center open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lighthouse open daily (weather permitting), 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. in summer.
Cost: Seniors $4, Adults $5, Military $2.50, Children ages 5 and up $3
On a guided tour of Port Isabel Lighthouse, you’ll learn about the important role that lighthouses and their keepers played in guiding military and commercial ships along Texas’ coastline in the mid-1800s. You’ll learn about area shipwrecks that necessitated the building of this structure, see the exhibits in the Keeper’s Cottage Visitor Center, and climb to the top of the historic lighthouse tower (weather permitting) to take in the beautiful coastal views and see the 3rd Order Fresnel Lens.
Historical Horizons
Timing: 1-1.5 hours, Visitor Center open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lighthouse open daily (weather permitting), 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. in summer.
Cost: Seniors: $4; Adults $5; Military $2.50, Children ages 5 and up $3
The Keeper’s Cottage Visitor Center features a historical timeline of the lighthouse and visitor information. The cottage was replicated using original 1855 floor plans and would’ve housed the lighthouse keeper, assistant keeper, and their families in four rooms. Guests may also climb the winding stairs to the top of the lighthouse tower to view the coastal sights and the 3rd Order Fresnel Lens.
School Tour
Navigating History at the Port Isabel Lighthouse
Grades: K-12
Capacity: 10-60 students
Timing: 1–1.5 hours, Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $2 per student, $4 per chaperone; one chaperone required for every 5 students in grades K-1, one chaperone required for every 10 students in grades 2-12
During their visit to the Port Isabel Lighthouse, students will learn about the important role that lighthouses and their keepers played in guiding military and commercial ships along Texas’ coastline, and they’ll imagine what life would have been like for a lighthouse keeper and their assistant nearly 150 years ago. Students will take a guided tour of the Keeper’s Cottage Visitor Center and can climb to the top of the historic lighthouse tower (weather permitting).
Adult Group Tour
Guiding Lights: Exploring Port Isabel Lighthouse
Capacity: 10–50 adults
Timing: 1–1.5 hours, Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Seniors $3, Adults $4, Military $2
During a visit to Port Isabel Lighthouse, your group will learn about the important role that lighthouses and their keepers played in guiding military and commercial ships along Texas’ coastline in the mid-1800s. You’ll learn about area shipwrecks that necessitated the building of this structure, go on a guided tour of the Keeper’s Cottage Visitor Center, and climb to the top of the historic lighthouse tower (weather permitting) to take in the beautiful coastal views and see the 3rd Order Fresnel Lens.
Tour Reservations
Tour reservations should be made two weeks in advance by calling 956-943-0735, emailing museumcoordinator@copitx.com, or completing this tour request form.
Children must be 5 years old and accompanied by a guardian to tour the lighthouse. A child may not be carried up and down the lighthouse stairs by an adult.
If your group is looking for a specialized tour experience, contact the site directly to inquire about customizing your tour.
Port Isabel Lighthouse is operated by the city of Port Isabel. For more information, including admission and tour fees, go the city of Port Isabel - Port Isabel Lighthouse website.