Location: Brownsville
Top Things to do in Brownsville
Top 10 Things to do in Brownsville, United States
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. Gladys Porter Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 442 reviews
Known to be one of the best zoos in the United States, open every day of the year.
Reviewed By dontlikesnow44 - Eden Prairie, Minnesota
We'd always heard that this zoo is really cool...but we never went. We live permanently in a city with two nice zoos and we thought "once you've seen one zoo, you've seen them all." Today we were looking for something different to do today and decided to reach into our bucket list and go to this zoo! We were so pleasantly surprised that we surprised ourselves! The entire presentation and environment is so different and well designed....there is a great deal of vegetation and natural environment in the entire zoo,which makes me honk it would be great to visit even on a very hot and humid day that is typical summer here in southern Texas. Today it was 70 degrees and a marvelous day to visit. We were imoressed with the array of viewing areas...many exhibits were viewable from all/many angles. This was obviously well designed and many animals have much bigger areas than most zoos and are not contained by bars but natural barriers. The more we saw the more imoressed we were. The only disappointment and surprise was that we had to pay $5 in order to park in handicapped parking...otherwise you park where everyone else does! Today was "Valentine Day" for the animals so many of them had received playful valentines today and had a good time exploring them and/or ripping them up! See attached pix of snake checking out his/her new gift!
2. Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 140 reviews
The site of the first battle in the Mexican-American war in 1846.
Reviewed By Kathleen J - Sunnyvale, California
Well-organized, well-laid-out walking path to the Mexican and the U.S. lines in this battle. I was moved by standing on the spot where this happened. Interesting presentation and display. The fact that no one seems to remember studying this war in high school lends to the idea of the shame surrounding the whole thing. Our ranger guide was kind and informative, and had interesting insights since he had grown up in the area. On a cloudy day, it's an excellent walk. Would be hot in summer as there's no shade.
3. Sabal Palm Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 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 thomasdemaar - Brownsville, Texas
I have seen this house during and after the restoration. It is magnificent. Wander around and dream back the decades.
The nature walk, birding and unique ecosystem need to be seen by every nature enthusiast. Took my wife on her first true birding walk and she was hooked.
4. Resaca de la Palma State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By Patrice C - San Antonio, Texas
This is the perfect place to come to...to watch birds and butterflies. There are colorful varieties and over 200 species that migrate through the Resaca de la Palma State Park. If you like walking trails, you'll love it here. There is 11.5 miles of naturalized trails. There are 'vistas' to be seen, stop at the decks and overlooks....bring the babies in the strollers and push them through God's green earth.
There is group indoor and out meeting facilities. Bring your bicycle and enjoy a ride or rent one of their's for a paved trail and some off road trails. Gift shop with snacks, walking sticks and unique gifts.
5. Boca Chica State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 80 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 adriana s - Corpus Christi, Texas
I am from Corpus Christi so I'm used to living in a coastal city so i just expected more. The road goes around in a ciecle about a mile and half with two parking areas for a stop on the jetties. And two parking areas for beach front acess and an rv parking area. Admission was 10.00. The only thing interesting was seeing the dolphins in the bay while sitting on the jetties. The beach was small and the waves were minimal, parking was minimal we were there at 9:30 a.m. and the jetties were already congested with hardly any parking still available or space to fish with out disrupting other fisherman. Would not come back here for 10 dollars. The beach was not wide at all and the length of space closed off to call it a state park was a bit of a laugh......maybe if u have never seen beach before this would be ok. But for a beach goer from Corpus will never go back.
6. Children’s Museum of Brownsville
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By O9569CTmelissag - Brownsville, Texas
The Brownsville Children's museum is a great place for families with young children. Children can use their imagination playing in a restaurant, dentist office, on a farm, on a ship, in a weather studio and even with a giant chess set. My daughter, my neices and nephews could spend hours playing. If you want to pack a picnic, Dean Porter Park is right outside. For more adventure, Gladys Porter Zoo is a hop, skip, and jump away.
7. Stillman House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Patrice C - San Antonio, Texas
This is one of Brownsville many historical places. It is downtown Brownsville near the Gateway Bridge. It is about an old founding family and their home. Their influence on the border settlement and growth of the Rio Grande Valley.
8. Old City Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By James R - Monett, Missouri
Having been born and raised in Brownsville from a pioneer family, I visit The Old City Cemetery often when visiting. It is nice to see the improved upkeep and additions. There are informational plaques being placed throughout that are helpful. You can also get a brochure at either the Cemetery Office or Historical Museum. Stop by the office and meet Eugene Fernandez the director. Eugene is a member of a local pioneer family as well. He is not only a nice person; but, a wealth of information. He can advise you of not only the cemetery but all of South Texas history!
9. Sunrise Mall
Overall Ratings
4 based on 40 reviews
Located just off Expressway 77 and Ruben M Torres, Sunrise Mall in Brownsville, TX, features over 100 shops and eateries including bebe, Gap, Justice, Crazy 8, Express, Sears, Belk, Coach, and Bealls.
Reviewed By Tony T G - Brownsville, Texas
Been to plenty of mall's around the country and I have to say for the size of the city it resides in, it's a nice mall with a nice assortment of essential stores, a built in Movie Complex, a generous Food Court with an actual upscale restaurant built into the mall. I may add that "Adolios" is stocked with a full bar and large screens to take a load off from shopping and catch up on sports while the misses continues her shopping spree. Let's not forget about the beautiful, signature, 2 tier, Carousel that's located in the food court.
Anchor stores include: Bealle's Dick's, Dillards, JCPenny's, and Sears.
In addition to everything going on inside the mall, the surrounding area has an additional shopping area full with other chain stores, some boutiques, and plenty of restaurants. It's definately worth a gander if your in the mood for shopping and dining!
10. 77 Flea Market
Overall Ratings
4 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By Bonarrigo
Wonderful variety of things Free parking ,free entree and convenient location north of Brownfield. Vendors were very friendly. Worth going early in the morning Some booths in the open and can get hot.
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