Lighthouse Beach Park
Port Lavaca, TX
Lighthouse Beach Park anchors Port Lavaca's Lavaca Bay waterfront with a replica of the 1850s Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse and a 2,200 foot boardwalk over the wetlands. It's built up in a way most Calhoun County beaches aren't, with a splash pad, a fishing pier, and full RV hookups alongside the sand.
The lighthouse, boardwalk, and splash pad make it Port Lavaca's signature family spot, though the no dogs rule and the parking fee are the two things locals mention most.
How we score beachesWalk the full length of the Formosa Wetlands Walkway boardwalk even if swimming isn't the plan. It's one of the better birdwatching spots on this stretch of bay.
Parking runs around five dollars per car, with a twenty five dollar annual pass option.
Paved paths and the boardwalk connect the parking area to the beach and wetlands, among the more developed access points in the county.
Dogs are not permitted on the beach.
Summer draws the biggest crowds for the splash pad and swimming, water in the low 80s, while the boardwalk and birding are better in the cooler months. Hurricane season runs June through November.
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