Thomas McConnell would purchase a section of land from Isidro Benavides, and establish the town using this land[7] Port Lavaca is located in northern Calhoun County on the west side of Lavaca Bay, an arm of Matagorda Bay.

[8] In 2004, Port Lavaca, including the South Texas Area, recorded up to 12 inches (300 mm) of snowfall.

During Hurricane Harvey in August 2017, Port Lavaca was the location of the peak of the storm surge, which was measured at 6 ft (1.8 m).

[10] Tropical Storm Beta also made landfall on Port Lavaca on late September 2020, causing flooding.

The city is centrally located between several large manufacturing facilities including Alcoa, Formosa Plastics, and DuPont, where many Port Lavaca residents work.

"Winter Texans" from colder states and Canada stay in the city's many RV and camping parks between October and April.

In 2006, two new fishing piers with lighting for night fishermen were constructed in Port Lavaca and one at the 6 Mile Park.

This pier is located at the eastern end of Main Street in the vicinity of the Nautical Landings Marina.

Common game fish caught in the area include redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and drum.

Lighthouse Beach at the intersection of Hwy 35 and Lavaca Bay has covered picnic tables, swimming, and a birdwatching trail.

Texas State Highway 35 is the other major road through Port Lavaca, running generally northeast–southwest through the city.