Coastal Sites: 4 Lighthouses in Texas

Sandy Allen

Sep 15, 2024 — 2 min read

Photo: Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse (Facebook)

Lighthouses in Texas play a vital role in guiding ships along the Gulf of Mexico's coastline, a key maritime area known for its busy shipping routes and historical significance. While the state's coast is long, stretching more than 350 miles, there are a few notable lighthouses that have been instrumental in ensuring safe passage for vessels over the centuries.

Keep reading to discover a few to check out from private boat lifts for rent along the coast.

Bolivar Point Lighthouse

Located near Galveston, the Bolivar Point Lighthouse is one of the most iconic lighthouses in Texas. First lit in 1872, it guided ships into the port of Galveston, one of the busiest ports in the state. The lighthouse survived numerous hurricanes, including the devastating 1900 Galveston hurricane. It was decommissioned in 1933, but the structure still stands as a historical landmark, though it's no longer operational. It’s a terrific photo op to check out from marinas or private boat docks for rent.

Port Isabel Lighthouse

Photo: Wikimedia/Billy D. Wagner/CC by SA 4.0

Built in 1852, the Port Isabel Lighthouse is one of the most famous in Texas and the only lighthouse in the state open to the public. It was built to guide ships through the treacherous waters of the Brazos Santiago Pass, which leads to the Port of Brownsville. The lighthouse was used during the Civil War and has since become a symbol of the local community. Visitors can climb the 75-foot structure for panoramic views of the area.

Aransas Pass Lighthouse (Lydia Ann Lighthouse)

Photo: Wikimedia/Jon Lebkowsky/CC by SA 2.0

The Lydia Ann Lighthouse, also known as the Aransas Pass Lighthouse, near Corpus Christi Bay, was first lit in 1857. It guided both Union and Confederate ships during the Civil War. Located near the town of Rockport, the lighthouse was decommissioned in 1952, but its structure remains intact and is a popular site for history enthusiasts and tourists to visit from private boat slip rentals.

Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse

Located off Matagorda Bay, the Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse was built in 1858 to help ships navigate through shallow waters and around treacherous reefs. This lighthouse was designed in the screw-pile style, elevated on stilts to protect it from storms and waves. It was moved in the 1940s to Port Lavaca, where it now serves as a museum exhibit showcasing Texas maritime history.

The next time you’re fishing, sailing or cruising along the Texas coast, take some time to check out these Texas lighthouses. Let us know your favorites!

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