Location: Kingsville
Top Things to do in Kingsville
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The 8 Best Things to Do in Kingsville, United States
Kingsville is a city in the southern region of the U.S. state of Texas. It is the county seat of Kleberg County, and is located on the U.S. Route 77 corridor between Corpus Christi and Harlingen. Kingsville is the principal city of the Kingsville Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is part of the larger Corpus Christi-Kingsville Combined Statistical Area. The population was 26,213 at the time of the 2010 census, and in 2016 the U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population at 26,071.
Restaurants in Kingsville
1. King Ranch Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 224 reviews
A short-day trip from Corpus Christi, the Rio Grande Valley or San Antonio, this 825,000-acre ranch is a privately owned National Historic Landmark and offers daily tours on its' Santa Gertrudis division. The King Ranch Museum and Saddle Shop are separate locations in downtown Kingsville. Visitors can watch a video on the history and current operations of the Ranch, as well as explore the butterfly/birding garden on the grounds of the King Ranch Visitor Center. King Ranch Visitor Center is open seven days a week and closed on most holidays. You can practice roping on the grounds, check out our historic chuck wagon, picnic, and bird watch, or check out the store and exhibits inside. Free coffee always!
Reviewed By Delighted33 - Crowley, Texas
I've heard about King Ranch for many years, and decided that we'd visit the Ranch. I made reservations on line which was very convenient. We arrived at the ranch at least thirty minutes early as suggested by the web site, and the video we watched during that time was very interesting. We saw Santa Gertrudis and Texas Longhorn cattle, wild Turkey, and deer. The tour was interesting for those who could hear the tour guide. The reason we had trouble hearing was that there was a group of about 10 men, who we had to wait on to board late. This group talked loudly among themselves, and they made it difficult for the rest of us to hear well. The guide tried to get them to quiet down. The average rating was due more to the inconsiderate guests than the tour itself. We chose the hour and a half tour of the ranch. I would have liked to have seen more of the workings of the ranch. Maybe one of the other tours would have provided that.
2. King Ranch Saddle Shop
Overall Ratings
4 based on 73 reviews
This shop offers many furniture items as well as souvenirs.
Reviewed By Rick R - Danbury, Connecticut
The leather products and work done on saddles here is amazing. Lots of leather products to choose from and very reasonable for the quality. Other products including clothing was very nice quality with the King ranch logo subtly added and again at reasonable prices. Staff was excellent. Very willing to over extend like running to another building for my size. Worth the trip and drive.
3. Henrietta Memorial Center King Ranch Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By Winriver
We enjoyed this because history is our thing. Lots to see from guns to saddles. The thing that makes this interesting is that from 1853 until now, this family has been involved in the operations. Capt. King was a real mover and shaker. He said buy land and never sale, he had over 600,000 acres before his death. Price low, not crowded, friendly staff, gift shop, worth the stop !
4. John E. Conner Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By HS C - Panama City Beach, Florida
The John E. Conner Museum is located at Texas A&M University in Kingsville (TX). We honestly didn’t know about this museum until we saw a TV commercial advertising their quilt exhibit – The Celebration of Quilts. The museum has displays of native and pioneer history in South Texas to ranching and farming equipment. They also have a Hall of Natural History which showcases native plants and animals to the region. There is also a room devoted to animal mounts, but during the time of our visit it was closed for repainting. The museum is free, however, parking is limited.
5. King Ranch
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Utah_Birdtographer - Salt Lake City
Read a few other reviews on here pretty much crapping on what is one helluva great birding location. I'm not sure why anyone would visit King Ranch if not to hunt or go birding. That's really what the ranch is known for in the tourism sector. Almost anyone going here has done their research and knows this is the place to go if they are a serious birder or into hunting. My group was here for the birds and the birds were great. We got almost all of our targets while seeing 53 species of birds in a 3 hour morning tour with Jim Sinclair as our guide. Jim knew we had to get in and out quickly since we had a flight later int he day so he focused our tour on the short list of targets. It was great birding especially since we were the only birders there compared to other south Texas destinations inundated with crowds. If you want some great birding in a remote setting in south Texas, give King Ranch a try!
6. Totes and Things
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
This is a shop that offers "gas station" memorabilia.
Reviewed By P5_Crazy_Train - G-Patch, Texas
This cute little place had some really nice leather goods and coated-canvas goods. Everything was well made and of excellent quality. It's a small little shop, and they have a decent selection of merchandise. I was a little surprised at the high price of the canvas bags, especially since they were so close to the same price as the same bags in leather, but the workmanship was definitely very good. Definitely a great little place with locally made bags of all shapes and sizes. I don't think there's a bad selection in the whole shop! Definitely heading back in for another bag the next time we're in town.
7. 1904 Train Depot
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By The_Real_Birdcatcher - Moore, Oklahoma
Positives: well-preserved structure, central location, great collection of railroadiana
Negatives: parking almost non-existent, limited hours of operation
Located in the former St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico depot, this museum doubles as a visitor's center in the downtown area. Exhibits include an assortment of railroad-related artifacts along with other items that chronicle the community's development.
Town Origins -
Because of it's proximity to the world-famous King Ranch, you'd think the ranch was responsible for growth of the community. Actually, Kingsville was a railroad town. Ranch owners certainly had a vested interest in the railroad's development...they needed an efficient way to ship cattle to market...but the town itself grew because of the trains.
Originally, SLB&M company headquarters and repair facilities were here, as was an important switching yard. Most families were connected to the company in some way. Many items inside the center reflect that era.
As the years passed a succession of companies bought the line and relocated maintenance and administration to larger cities. Today, most railroad facilities are gone, but trains still run through town...several each day.
What You'll See -
Exhibits primarily feature railroad artifacts specific to this locality.They include custom pieces such as dining car place settings, signs and emblems, employee and promotional publications, and generic artifacts like lanterns, keys and tools.
Many items are related to the Missouri Pacific Lines, one of the successor companies, but the museum does have a small assortment of items from the nearby Texas Mexican Railroad.
Although railroadiana predominates, the facility does have photos of and material related to other local businesses and sites.
For folks not interested in trains or local history, the center offers something everyone can use: comfortable seating, air conditioning and public restrooms. They also have brochures and information about local attractions and businesses.
When we visited a couple of staff members were present to provide directions and answer questions. We had a delightful conversation, learning much about the area in a short time. We also received several quality recommendations about historic places to visit during our day in town.
The Bottom Line -
A century ago this depot was the first place people saw when they stepped off the train. It's still a good first stop for visitors, especially folks interested in railroad history. Best of all, it costs nothing!
Kingsville's historic downtown is only a block east of the building. The King Ranch Saddle Shop and Harrell's Drug Store are within easy walking distance. The King Ranch Museum is about two blocks north.
Museum hours are limited: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. when we visited. Most will find this place worth a short visit to obtain information, look at the collections, or just to take a break while while touring the historic downtown district.
8. Woodworks
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
An antique and gift shop offering some interesting items.
Reviewed By Ella R - Wellington, New Zealand
Airy light filled space in a set of shops in Auckland. This place is relaxed with great food options. Licensed and resonably priced. We went for lunch. But would be perfect for dinner with friends or brunch.
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