
Pleasure Island Port Arthur
A man-made island in Port Arthur, offering a peaceful escape with fishing, birdwatching, and a glimpse into its grand past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ideal for birding & fishing

Pleasure Island Port Arthur
Best Time
Ideal for birding & fishing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A man-made island in Port Arthur, offering a peaceful escape with fishing, birdwatching, and a glimpse into its grand past.
"Discover this hidden gem for a peaceful retreat, but beware the mosquitos at dusk!"

🦟 Mosquito Defense is Key!
Mosquitos are fierce at dusk. Bring strong repellent and consider leaving before sunset to avoid their swarm!
🎣 Angler's Delight
Pack your fishing gear! Pleasure Island is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities, especially for speckled trout.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.3 · 54 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fishing Paradise
Throughout the island
Cast a line and reel in speckled trout and other catches from piers and shorelines. A true angler's dream!

Birdwatching Blind
New birding site
Spot migratory birds and local wildlife from a newly constructed blind overlooking the water. A serene nature experience.

Historic Island Charm
Various locations
Explore the remnants of a once-grand entertainment island, now a peaceful escape with a rich, albeit faded, history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Island Escape
History Meets Nature
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🦟 Mosquito Defense is Key!
Mosquitos are fierce at dusk. Bring strong repellent and consider leaving before sunset to avoid their swarm!
🎣 Angler's Delight
Pack your fishing gear! Pleasure Island is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities, especially for speckled trout.
🐦 Birding Hotspot
Discover the new bird blind, perfect for observing migratory birds during spring and fall.
🚗 Access via Bridge
Reach the island by crossing the Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge from Port Arthur.
Tips
from all over the internet
🦟 Mosquito Defense is Key!
Mosquitos are fierce at dusk. Bring strong repellent and consider leaving before sunset to avoid their swarm!
🎣 Angler's Delight
Pack your fishing gear! Pleasure Island is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities, especially for speckled trout.
🐦 Birding Hotspot
Discover the new bird blind, perfect for observing migratory birds during spring and fall.
🚗 Access via Bridge
Reach the island by crossing the Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge from Port Arthur.
🚶♂️ Explore the Park
Enjoy the family park, marina, and recently cleaned-up disc golf course.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pleasure Island is a surprisingly peaceful, man-made escape in Port Arthur, offering great fishing and birdwatching. While its past grandeur is gone, its current serene atmosphere is appreciated by many. However, visitors consistently warn of aggressive mosquitos, especially at dusk, and some note missed opportunities in its development.
"Who would have thought that Port Arthur could be this peaceful and look so serene. NOT Me!!! Well, not at first but I discovered this little hidden gem called Pleasure Island. I was first amazed by the history of the birth of this place. This entire island (from what I read) is man made. 18miles in length. I was like OK Army Corps of Engineers!! Just amazing to think that we as humans made an island. Not like is some new technology or anything.. It's just cool actually seeing first hand the ingenuity of what we can do if we put our minds together. Anyways, reading the history of Pleasure Island tells the tale of grandure on the island. At one point this Island held the Largest roller coaster in the south. This was taken from the pleasureislandtx.com website "In 1913 a dance hall and roller coaster were constructed. In 1941 a private investor built the Pleasure Pier Ballroom, a midway, an Olympic-size swimming pool, and the largest roller coaster in the south. A fine 18-hole golf course was enjoyed for years. Pleasure Island was Port Arthur's playground for decades until the Pleasure Pier bridge, which opened in 1931 and was frequently hit by ships, was taken out of service in 1967, making it difficult to reach the island. Storms, fires, and erosion eventually destroyed all of the existing facilities." Now, the island is no where close to what it once was and may never be for that matter. To be honest, I like it that way. The island is an excape for me. It's my go to spot to just get away where it peaceful and quite. Great little spot if you love fishing. They have a nice little family park and of course water as far as thee eye can see. So, it's a great place for water enthusiasts and boat lovers. My only complaint is the fuc*ING mesquitos. These creatures are like monsters. So, word of advise when the sun starts go down run to your cars and don't roll the windows down because they will attack and in full army force. I was attacked by so many mesquitos once that I almost cried because the itching was bad. Other than that enjoy the island but bring some off if you plan to stay until the evening."
Roman Angel
"Pleasure Island Port Arthur Texas,
Easter Sunday, April 20,2025"
Jenelyn Buenaventura
"A great place to relax, enjoy the weather, the sun , the great and helpful people and non stop fishing adventure."
Mundo Trevino
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can access Pleasure Island by driving over the Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge from Port Arthur, Texas. This bridge connects the mainland to the island, making it easily reachable by car.
Information on direct public transportation to Pleasure Island is limited. It's generally recommended to drive your own vehicle or use ride-sharing services to reach the island.
The best way to explore Pleasure Island is by car, as it's a relatively spread-out area. Some sections are also accessible by walking or biking, especially around the park and fishing areas.
Currently, there are no tolls reported for crossing the Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge to access Pleasure Island.
While parts of the main road on the island are showing signs of wear and erosion, most areas are accessible by car. Be mindful of the road conditions in certain sections.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is generally no entrance fee to access Pleasure Island itself. It's a public area managed by the city, making it free to visit for recreation.
Pleasure Island is typically open to the public during daylight hours. Specific facilities like parks or boat ramps may have their own hours, but the island itself is generally accessible from dawn till dusk.
No advance booking is required for general visits to Pleasure Island. It's a public space for fishing, birdwatching, and enjoying nature.
While generally open for recreation, be mindful of local regulations regarding fishing, boating, and park usage. Respect the natural environment and any posted signs.
Absolutely! Pleasure Island is a fantastic destination for a day trip, offering a variety of outdoor activities like fishing, birdwatching, and relaxing by the water.
🎫 🎣 Fishing & Outdoors
Anglers frequently catch speckled trout, and other saltwater species are common in the surrounding waters. It's a popular spot for both pier and shore fishing.
Yes, Pleasure Island offers accessible fishing spots from piers and shorelines that are suitable for beginners. The marina area and various points along the island provide good opportunities.
Early mornings and late afternoons are often the most productive times for fishing. Consider the tides as well, as they can significantly impact fish activity.
Yes, Pleasure Island has a marina, which is convenient for boaters and provides access to the Intracoastal Waterway and Sabine Lake.
Besides fish, Pleasure Island is a haven for birdwatchers, especially during migration seasons. You might also spot other coastal wildlife.
🎫 🦟 Dealing with Mosquitos
Yes, visitors frequently report significant mosquito activity, especially during warmer months and around dusk. They can be quite aggressive.
The most effective advice is to use a strong insect repellent containing DEET. Consider wearing long sleeves and pants, especially in the evening.
Mosquitoes are most problematic during the warmer months and tend to swarm aggressively as the sun begins to set.
Yes, but it requires preparation. Visit during cooler months, stick to daytime hours, and be diligent with insect repellent.
While mosquitos are prevalent, some visitors find slightly less intense activity in more open, breezy areas during the day. However, always be prepared.
📸 📸 Photography & Scenery
Capture scenic views of the Intracoastal Waterway, the Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge, and the natural coastal landscape. The bird blind also offers unique photo ops.
While sunsets can be beautiful, be aware of the intense mosquito activity that typically begins at dusk, which might limit your ability to stay for extended photo sessions.
Nature photography, particularly birdwatching and fishing scenes, is popular. The bridge and water views also make for great landscape shots.
While the grand structures of the past are gone, you can photograph the remnants of its history and the ingenuity of its man-made origins.
The 'golden hours' of early morning and late afternoon offer beautiful light for photography. However, be prepared for mosquitos during the late afternoon.








Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit