Port Isabel Lighthouse was constructed near sites of Civil War Battle of Palmito Ranch and the Mexican War Battles Resaca de la Palma and Palo Alto, hence it had to be renovated in 1880. In the early 20th century, Texan lighthouses declined in importance and the Port Isabel light was extinguished in 1905.

The Texas State Parks Board rescued the 72-foot Port Isabel Lighthouse in 1947, providing the funds for its restoration, opening its doors as a historic landmark and state park in 1950. During the 1990s the Parks and Wildlife Department turned over the lighthouse operation to the city of Port Isabel completing a major restoration in 2000 and becoming the greatest attraction of this city.

Other historical and cultural attractions include the Confederate Air Force Rio Grande Wing, a historic display of aviation memorabilia, including vintage aircraft, and the Port Isabel Historical Museum, housed in the historic Champion Building, one of the oldest structures in the city of Port Isabel.

Port Isabel Historical Museum is considered a state-of-the-art facility which was built in 1899 as a residence and dry goods store. This museum features on the south end of the building a famous mural painted by a local fisherman in 1906, and two exhibit levels housing one of the largest collections of Mexican artifacts from the U.S. Mexican War, as well as hands-on exhibits.

Other South Padre Island attractions include a visit to Wells Point in Isla Blanca County Park, where the statue Cristo de los Pescadores (Christ of the Fishermen) is a memorial to all fishermen who lost their lives at sea. The Dolphin and Nature Research Center, is an educational and recreational interactive experience.

Providing education on dolphins native to the Gulf of Mexico, the Dolphin Center is committed to develop eco tourism awareness, implementing programs such as "Adopt a Dolphin", in which people are entitled to adopt a dolphin for $25.00 each, receiving a certificate of their dolphin, a dolphin looking like the one people choose or a framed photography of the real one, and a descriptive booklet.

South Padre Island's Gravity Park is the world’s tallest reverse bungee, featuring also a skycoaster, trampoline, climbing wall, and multi-level go-kart track, kiddie go-carts. However, if you prefer something not as extreme, the Island Cinema is for everyone, including matinees before 3:00 pm for children 11 and under.

Gladys Porter Zoo, is another featured attraction, listed as one of the top 10 small zoos in the United States, closer to South Padre Island. Gladys Porter zoo is only a 26-acre habitat for preserve with more than 1,300 birds, reptiles, and mammals, in a setting with lush tropical plants and a programs like "Adopt an Animal" similar to that of the Dolphins.

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Reserve is the largest protected area in the lower Rio Grande Valley, encompassing 45,000 acres of natural wildlife, two roads for sightseeing by bike or car, in addition to five hiking trails including an alligator pond, while Laguna Madre Nature Trail provides four acres of wetlands.

At Laguna Atascosa there are designated sites for camping, boating, fishing and hunting. People who prefer a mixture of nature and beach can enjoy the unique attraction of the Island Equestrian Center, which facilitates horseback riding on the beach for beginners and advance riders along the north of city limits.

Just 30 minutes from South Padre Island, there are many other attractions in Matamoros, México, including historic sites, traditional dining, and bargain shops for leather goods, silver, and handicrafts at the Mexican markets.

Attractions Directory:

* Confederate Air Force Rio Grande Wing, Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport, Brownsville.

* Cristo de los Pescadores, Isla Blanca County Park, southernmost point.

* Dolphin and Nature Research Center, 105 W. Pompano, South Padre Tel. (956) 761-7178

* Gladys Porter Zoo, Ringgold and Sixth Streets, Brownsville, Tel. (956) 546-7187

* Gravity Park, 106 W. Marlin Street, South Padre, Tel. (956) 761-8588

* Island Cinema, 4700 Padre Blvd., South Padre, Tel. (956) 761-7828

* Island Equestrian Center, one mile north of South Padre Island Convention Centre, Tel. (956) 761-HOSS (4677)

* Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Reserve, 14 miles northeast of San Benito, South Padre, Tel. (956) 748-3607

* Laguna Madre Nature Trail, accessed through the circle driveway leading up to the Convention Centre

* Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site, 421 E. Queen Isabella Blvd., Port Isabel, South Padre (956) 943-2262, 800-527-6102

* Port Isabel Historical Museum, 317 E. Railroad in Port Isabel, South Padre, (956) 943-7602

* South Padre Island Convention Centre, 7355 Padre Blvd. Tel. 1-800-SO-PADRE

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