Location: Brownsville
Top Things to do in Brownsville
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What to do and see in Brownsville, Texas (TX): The Best Nature & Parks
At the mouth of the Rio Grande delta and the southernmost tip of Texas, Brownsville enjoys the perfect combination of casual southwestern charm and bicultural diversity. Its position just across the international pedestrian bridge from Matamoros makes it a good base for day trips to Mexico, or for just enjoying the Tex-Mex culture of south Texas. Warm Gulf breezes, blooming bougainvilleas, gently waving palms, soft white sands and friendly, diverse locals make this city a semi-tropical paradise.
Restaurants in Brownsville
1. Sabal Palm Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Cradled in a bend of the Rio Grande, this 527-acre preserve is home to one of the last stands of old-growth Sabal Palm forest in the United States as well as one of the few remaining historic river plantations in the region. Over 4 miles of hiking trails lead visitors through the palm forest, wetland board walks, river observation deck, and multiple bird blinds. Green Jays and Chachalacas frequent our feeders, Armadillos rummage our trails, Least Grebes and Green Kingfishers hunt the wetlands, and Great Horned Owl calls haunt the forest. The recently restored 4,000 sq ft 1892 Rabb Plantation home now serves as our new Sabal Palm Sanctuary visitor center. Take a stroll through the grove, a short walk down to the Rio Grande, or join us for one of our guided birding walks or history tours (seasonal, typically November thru March - please call for schedule).
Reviewed By michaeln671 - Reno, United States
A very nice venue for birding and walking. Swarming Green Jays was a surprise. Careful of going in the middle of the day if you're birding, lots of noisy people. Odd getting there, looks like you're going on the wrong side of the border wall. Also if you have AT&T wireless they will charge you for going into Mexico. I didn't go through any of the house or the like, just paid my $5. One of those places you feel like your $5 is doing something.
2. Gladys Porter Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 515 reviews
The Gladys Porter Zoo is a visitor-oriented zoological and botanical park, dedicated to the preservation of nature through education, conservation, healthy outdoor recreation and research.
Reviewed By Valkyrie1227
Incredible zoo, definitely the highlight of not just brownsville but the entire Rio Grande Valley for that matter. A definite must-visit, the herpetarium in particular has an incredible array of extremely rare reptiles and amphibians on display, with most of them being actively bred and several conservation projects ongoing.
3. Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 170 reviews
The site of the first battle in the Mexican-American war in 1846.
Reviewed By PrMichaelM - Des Moines, United States
What a nice stop for history buffs or those nearby who would like a little walk. I really enjoyed it! The visitor center is closed (of course...), but park folks are on site to provide guidance and literature. The layout is simple and convenient and the story is balanced and told very well. On a beautiful day, it is a peaceful walk from display to display as you learn not only about the battle that took place here and the political context, but the flora and fauna.
4. Resaca de la Palma State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By rexhans - Mesa, United States
We spent about 4 hours here at the park and it was great. We got there shortly after the tram that drives along paved paths through the park had left the visitor center so we headed out to walk the same path. if memory serves it was about 3 miles but easy enough to do on paved road. We wanted to try some of the dirt paths that head out from various places along the road but due to a recent storm paths were very muddy and the bugs were out in force. After walking the path we did take the tram ride which last about an hour and a half. how does a a three mile drive take that long you ask.... its because the park host that drove us was great. we stopped in several areas where not only birds were spotted but also explanations regarding the trees, shrubs, grasses and yes even a huge pack rat nest. stop in here, enjoy nature and then top the visit off with an ice cream bar.
5. Brownsville Historic Battlefield Trail
6. Boca Chica State Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 113 reviews
State park comprised of more than 1,055 acres offering a variety of outdoor recreation on its land and adjacent beaches of Del Mar and Boca Chica, including swimming, birding, camping, fishing and surfing.
Reviewed By 2021belton
we went there to get sea shells and it was a great experience, you will drive by Space X as you pass by which makes it a wonderful day trip, bring bags , for sea shells!
