Sunset Lake is located within Sunset Lake Park in Portland, San Patricio County, Texas, along the shores of Nueces Bay and Corpus Christi Bay. This 333.15-acre protected public park features a unique saltwater lake habitat that provides diverse paddling opportunities in an ecologically rich wetland environment. The lake and surrounding marsh habitats offer excellent conditions for kayaking and canoeing through some of the most diverse coastal wetland areas along the Texas Coast.

Paddlers can explore the protected waters while observing hundreds of bird species that use the area for roosting, nesting, and feeding. The park is situated along the Texas Coastal Birding Trail, making it a prime destination for wildlife observation from the water.

Access to the lake is available from Sunset Lake Park, located adjacent to Highway 181 between Portland and Corpus Christi, only a half-mile from Portland's urban area. The park is developing enhanced water recreation facilities, with plans for a kayak kiosk to improve paddler access. Nature interpretation boardwalks provide additional vantage points for viewing the coastal marsh ecosystem.

Paddlers should be aware that this is a saltwater environment connected to the bay system, which means tidal influences and brackish water conditions. The wetland character creates a maze-like paddling experience through marsh channels and open water areas.

Wildlife is abundant, with excellent opportunities to observe coastal bird species, though the warm weather months can bring significant insect activity—bug repellent is strongly recommended. The combination of habitat protection and public recreational use makes Sunset Lake an accessible urban paddling destination that maintains pristine coastal wetland resources while providing a peaceful escape close to the Corpus Christi metropolitan area.