Port O'Connor and Matagorda Island: A Coastal Day Trip Guide

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Port O'Connor is a small coastal town in the southern part of Calhoun County. It's quiet, salty and all about the water. Just across the bay sits Matagorda Island, a wild barrier island with no roads, no stores and miles of open beach.

Put the two together and you've got one of the best day trips on this part of the Texas coast. Here's how to plan it from Port Lavaca.

Getting to Port O'Connor

From Port Lavaca, head south toward Seadrift and follow the highway to the end of the road at Port O'Connor. The drive takes well under an hour and runs through open coastal country, marsh and farmland.

Port O'Connor started out in the late 1800s as a fishing settlement. Back then it went by the name Alligator Head. It took its current name in 1909. Today it's home to fewer than a thousand people, but the town fills up with anglers and families when the weather is nice.

Fill your gas tank and grab snacks before you leave if you want to keep things simple. There are a few local spots in town, but it's a small place.

Along the way, you'll pass through Seadrift, another small bay town with a long fishing history. It's worth a quick stop to stretch your legs and look out over San Antonio Bay before you finish the drive.

Things to Do in Port O'Connor

Fishing is the main event here. The town sits right where the bays meet the passes to the Gulf, so it's a popular launch point for boats of all sizes. Even if you don't have a boat, there's plenty to enjoy.

• King Fisher Beach. This town beach sits at the end of Highway 185. It has covered picnic areas with BBQ pits, restrooms, showers and a fishing pier.
• Shell hunting. Go early in the morning for the best finds along the shoreline.
• Bird watching. Herons, egrets, pelicans and shorebirds are common all around the bays.
• Watching the boats. Grab a spot near the water and watch the fishing boats head out and come back in.

King Fisher Beach doesn't allow glass containers, so pack drinks in cans or plastic.

What Makes Matagorda Island Special

Matagorda Island lies about 11 miles by water from Port O'Connor. There's no bridge and no ferry service today. That's exactly why it feels so wild.

The island is now managed as a wildlife management area. No cars are allowed, so you'll get around on foot or by bike. You can fish, hike, bird watch, look for shells and explore the beach. There's a historic lighthouse on the north end of the island and a few old cemeteries you can visit.

If you want to see more of the lighthouse story, stop by the Calhoun County Museum in Port Lavaca. It has the big Fresnel lens that once shined from that lighthouse.

How to Reach the Island

Since the island is boat-access only, you have three main options:

1. Your own boat. Follow the marked water routes from Port O'Connor. Check the weather and tides before you go.
2. A shuttle boat. The Port O'Connor Chamber of Commerce can point you to boat shuttle options.
3. A kayak. Experienced paddlers can make the trip through the marshes and bayous. It's about 10 miles, so plan for a long day.

The island has primitive campsites, but there are no bathrooms or running water. For a day trip, that means you need to bring everything with you and pack it all back out.

What to Pack for the Day

• Lots of water, more than you think
• Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses
• Bug spray for the marsh
• Snacks or a packed lunch
• A trash bag to carry out what you bring in
• Fishing gear and a valid Texas fishing license
• Binoculars for birding

Keep an eye on the forecast. Weather on the water can change fast, and wind makes a big difference on a boat or kayak. If the wind is up or storms are rolling in, save the island for another day and enjoy the town beach instead. Port O'Connor will still be there, and so will the fish.

Come Back to Comfort in Port Lavaca

After a long day of sun and salt air, it's nice to come back to a full-hookup site. Texas Lakeside RV Resort in Port Lavaca has a swimming pool, hot tub and our own private stocked fishing lake, so you can keep casting right at camp.

See our nightly, weekly and monthly RV site rates, starting at $65 a night. Rates can change, so call (361) 551-2267 to confirm. Want help planning your stay? Contact our office and we'll get you set up.