If you want to focus on water and nature in Port O'connor, you can choose between paddling routes, birdwatching and fishing areas. The history of Matagorda Island and local events add further highlights.
Paddling and Finding Your Way on the Water
The Port O'Connor Paddling Trail consists of six connected sections. In total, it runs for more than 40 miles along the shores of Espiritu Santo Bay and Matagorda Bay, as well as through the Mules Slough/Fish Pond salt marsh. If you plan to use the trail, check route conditions before setting out.
The Little Jetties access ramp is on public right-of-way where Washington Street ends at the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. A small parking lot is available. This provides a specific landmark on the water; the ramp and the paddling trail are two separate details to consider when planning.
Birdlife and Natural Areas
Matagorda Island has a strong seasonal connection to birdlife: whooping cranes spend the winter on the side of the island facing Espiritu Santo Bay. The island is also home to 300 bird species and 20 protected species. These figures describe two groups; the protected species are not necessarily all bird species.
For wildlife viewing on site, Boggy Nature Park offers nature trails and a wildlife observation platform. Powderhorn WMA has different conditions: public access is limited. Scheduled birdwatching opportunities and open observation days take place there in spring; group tours are available by appointment. No permit is required for birdwatching at Powderhorn WMA.
The Sunday Beach area on Matagorda Island is open to the public without fees, permits or activity restrictions. Check conditions before your visit. Matagorda Island and the Matagorda Island Lighthouse are accessible only by boat or plane. This access information is an important distinction between the nature experience on the island and the observation opportunities at Powderhorn WMA.
Maritime History on Matagorda Island
The Andrew A. Rasmussen marker commemorates a 60-year maritime career. It also records that after the shipwreck of his schooner Dorio and Doria in 1885, Rasmussen joined the Calhoun County Saluria Life Saving Service. The marker thus connects a long career with a specific event and its aftermath.
The Matagorda Island Lighthouse was built in 1873 as a conical tower made of cast-iron plates, with a brick lining and a black marking. Visitors to Matagorda Island can also see traces of its history during the Civil War and World War II. Together, the lighthouse, marker and historical traces offer different ways to explore the maritime past, without implying a particular tour route.
Fishing, Beach and Local Events
Fishing areas vary by type of water. The shallow waters off Port O'connor are known for trout, redfish and flounder. Offshore waters are home to amberjack, grouper, kingfish, marlin, sailfish, snapper and tuna. A boat is needed to fish at the big jetties, at Pass Cavallo or in the surf at Port O'connor. Check conditions on the water before departure.
King Fisher Beach has covered picnic areas with BBQ grills, showers and restrooms, as well as a volleyball court and a fishing pier. Check the facilities locally before your trip. Tides can leave interesting finds on the sandy beach, so it may also be worth looking along the strandline.
The annual Port O'Connor Crawfish Fest & Cookoff combines vendor booths, food trucks and music with a crawfish cooking competition, an eating contest, crawfish dishes and a People's Choice-style tasting. If you want to include the festival in your trip, check the event dates. The POC Farmers Market is a community event that supports local farmers, artisans and craftspeople; its dates may also change.
Discover more destinations: Port Lavaca.
Return to the main travel overview: Calhoun County.
