Susan Brown
Gulf Coast to Golf Course
Laguna Vista Area Guide
Welcome to the serene coastal community of Laguna Vista, Texas! Home to a variety of exotic wildlife species and devoted communal residents, Laguna Vista has grown from a salt mine into one of modern Texas’ best kept secrets! As of late, it has experienced a surging real-estate trend, as tropical developments spring up and flourish alongside the best recreational and vocational opportunities in South Texas!
History
The area of Laguna Vista consists of several beloved South Texas cities built upon a proud history dating back thousands of years to the original habitation of the area by Coahilitecan Indians in the 1500’s.
By the 1800’s, Mexican traders began to explore the lush shores of the Laguna Madre in search of fish, furs, and other cash crops to export from the resource rich shoreline.
Laguna Vista is named for the “Mother Bay” of Laguna Madre, and its sea salt has been an economic staple for centuries.
By the early 20th Century, the Point Isabel Land Company had purchased a majority of the surrounding area for use in hunting and fishing before gradually turning the land into ranch and farmland.
The Laguna Vista enjoys its proximity to the most beautiful beaches in the country, but still retains its undisturbed small-town feel. The population has grown steadily over the past half-century leading to community developments.
Today, the Laguna Vista community is a refined, professional community of residents and business owners who enjoy its safe, high-quality public municipalities and refined local services and attractions.
Port Isabel Historical Museum
This state-of-the-art facility was built in 1899 as a dry goods store before being renovated and utilized as a prestigious historical museum consisting of two floors of exhibits, a theater, gift-shop, and one of the world’s most extensive collections of artifacts from the US-Mexican War. Enjoy a one-hour walking tour detailing Port Isabel’s rich history or grab a photo from outside the Champion Building’s iconic façade! http://portisabelmuseums.com/mopi/
Attractions and Activities
South Padre Island Golf Club
With every bend and dip of their pristine fairways, Landmark Land’s South Padre Island Golf Club demonstrates their reputation as one of the finest clubs in the Rio Grande Valley. Offering special vacation packages, membership benefits, and years of proven leadership and innovation, this outstanding recreational oasis nestled amongst naturalistic splendor has attracted enthusiasts from across the region for more than thirty-five years!
Black Dragon Cruises
Climb aboard the dreaded Spanish Galleon Black Dragon in pursuit of hidden treasure and bountiful plunder on this authentic twelve-knot cruise of the Laguna Madre fitted with realistic cannons! The Dragon’s crew of trained performers seeks to replicate 17th Century pirating expeditions of the seven seas aboard the fully operational galleon supporting four restaurants, shopping boutiques, and much more! The Black Dragon encircles the legendary Port Isabel lighthouse in addition to providing dolphin watching tours, fishing expeditions, and educational lessons on the area’s diverse marine biology. http://www.blackdragoncruises.com
Port Isabel Lighthouse
The iconic south Texas monument known as the Port Isabel Lighthouse has guided wayward sailors since its construction in the mid-19th Century and today serves as a communal meeting place fitted with legendary museums and attractions. Take a guided tour of this outstanding historic site, pace through the exhibits of two on-site museums, or catch a flick at the Lighthouse cinema! http://portisabellighthouse.com/lighthouse/
Dolphin Docks
Hop on a fishing charter and troll the legendary flats of the Laguna Madre with this esteemed crew of seasoned veterans while being ushered through South Texas’ pristine waterways by pods of leaping dolphins!
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
This dune-crested wildlife preserve rests at the southernmost tip of Texas giving credence to its reputation as the nation’s “last great habitat.” Temperate weather patterns overlap atop marshes, coastal prairies, beaches, and mudflats in this one-of-a-kind habitat populated by diverse swathes of mammalian, reptilian, and bird species. The refuge is also a fantastic place to view alligators, the endangered ocelot, and other exotic creatures from well-maintained trails or trams extending across the park. http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=21553
Parks and Recreation
Cameron County is arguably the fastest growing metropolitan area in Texas, and goes to great lengths to extend a warm welcome to both its seasonal visitors and permanent residents.
The Laguna Vista Parks and Recreation Department works to advise and maintain local public parks and historic sites according to a Master Parks Plan designating certain activities to appropriate facilities.
Cameron County Parks and Recreation
33174 State Park Road 100
South Padre Island, TX 78597-6409
Phone: (956) 761-3704
Isla Blanca Park
Widely considered the crowned jewel of the immaculately maintained South Padre Island system, this one mile stretch of white sand beach offers a plethora of water front facilities, amenities, and opportunities including jetty fishing, surfing, boating, and swimming. Cameron County offers webcam views of the pristine beaches to allow guests to check conditions before visiting, and also includes the esteemed Las Cabanas residence cabins which feature air conditioning, ceiling fans, bunk beds, kitchens, and patios. http://www.co.cameron.tx.us/parks/isla_blanca.htm
Andy Bowie Park
This campsite located near the South Padre Convention center borders the Laguna Madre Nature Trail and offers camping, rental facilities, group rentals, private beaches, as well as horseback riding, beachfront access, and off road adventures! The bayside of the park offers water-front activities from fishing, to parasailing, to windsurfing. http://www.co.cameron.tx.us/parks/andy_bowie.htm
Roloff Park
This enthusiastically maintained public park is currently undergoing major renovations and improvements including the addition of athletic fields, basketball courts, picnic pavilions, and playgrounds!
Laguna Seca Park
Camp the rolling hills of the Salinas Valley either on an RV or tent plot in a refined atmosphere just a short drive from the jutting Peninsula of the South Texas coast. The park also includes a gun range, pavilions, picnic tables, and gorgeous sprawling yards ideal for festivals, ceremonies, events, picnics, events, and much more!
1338 Texas 100, Laguna Vista
Phone: (956) 943-6578
Events
http://www.lvtexas.com/calendar.php
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