A Guide to Iconic Texas Lighthouses
Lighthouses offer more than chic coastal charm and a fun photo op. For more than 2,000 years, long before satellites and GPS systems, they’ve guided mariners safely ashore. Many still stretch along both U.S. coasts — from San Diego to Seattle on the West Coast, and from the Florida Keys to Maine on the East Coast.
But there’s also a smattering of lighthouses in the Gulf along some of Texas’ 3,300 miles of shoreline.
Beacons for a Burgeoning Coast
Throughout modern history, Texas has been known for its challenging, erratic coastline. Shifting sandbars, narrow passages, shallow bays, and hundreds of miles of barrier islands made navigating it a dangerous and unpredictable venture.
So, starting in the early 1850s, nearly 30 lighthouses were built along the Texas coastline. These sentinels of the sea supported Texas’ trading prowess as the Port of Galveston gained worldwide traction. But only a handful still stand today thanks to hurricanes, coastal erosion, and Civil War battles.
5 Must-See Texas Lighthouses
Don’t miss these Texas lighthouses on your next coastal road trip.
Bolivar Point Lighthouse, Point Bolivar
This iron structure has withstood several storms during its 150-plus years, including the great Galveston hurricane of 1900. It kept 125 people safe from the devastating storm, cementing its reputation as a beacon of resilience.
Nearby: Galveston is the ideal weekend getaway with stops at Pleasure Pier and the historic downtown district The Strand.
Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse, Port Lavaca
The hexagonal structure, once standing in the middle of Matagorda Bay, is Texas’ oldest, and only, surviving wooden lighthouse. It now rests near Port Lavaca’s community center, years after being moved and restored as part of an Eagle Scout project.
Nearby: Dig into some fresh seafood after strolling through the Calhoun County Museum.
Lydia Ann Lighthouse, Port Aransas
Formerly known as the Aransas Pass Light Station, this 65-foot structure was built in the 1850s, making it the second-oldest lighthouse on the Texas coast. These days, the lighthouse is privately owned, but visitors can admire it from a kayak or boat. You might even see a dolphin pod!
Nearby: Reel in a redfish or speckled trout while in Port A, the “Fishing Capital of Texas.”
Matagorda Island Lighthouse, Matagorda Island Wildlife Management Area
The cast-iron tower has survived hurricanes, conflicts, and restoration, thanks to the efforts of Houston oilman Dewey Stringer. You can visit the outside of the lighthouse, but it’ll take great effort to get there — involving a boat ride and a nearly 3-mile trek.
Nearby: Enjoy a night under the stars at one of Matagorda’s primitive campgrounds. Pro tip: Bring your own water.
Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site, Port Isabel
Built in 1852, this is the only publicly accessible lighthouse in the state. Visitors can climb its 75 steps to the lantern room’s balcony for a stunning view of Laguna Madre.
Nearby: Stroll along Pirate’s Fishing Pier, the longest pier in Texas, before heading to the Port Isabel Historical Museum, housed inside an old general store.
Honorable Mentions
These lighthouses aren’t functional, but they’re still fun — and pay homage to Texas’ nautical past in their own way.
Frazier Lighthouse, Corpus Christi
Turns out the tallest lighthouse in Texas has no navigational value — but it does help welcome Corpus Christi’s millions of yearly visitors.
The Scott Self Lighthouse at The Harbor, Rockwall
This 38-foot lighthouse sits at the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard in Rockwall Harbor. It’s become a focal point for local gatherings and sunset cruises.
Woodlawn Lake Lighthouse, San Antonio
The 20-foot, candy cane-stripped lighthouse sits in the middle of human-made Woodlawn Lake. What started as a New Deal beautification project in the 1930s has become a core San Antonio landmark and curiosity.
See another type of lighthouse — this time on foot and in the desert — on Palo Duro Canyon State Park’s Lighthouse hiking trail, which leads to a towering, naturally formed limestone rock in the shape of (you guessed it!) a lighthouse.
