Location: Rio Grande City
Top Things to do in Rio Grande City
Top Restaurants in Rio Grande City
What to do and see in Rio Grande City, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Rio Grande City is a city in and the county seat of Starr County, Texas. The population was 13,834 at the 2010 census. The city is 41 miles (66 km) west of McAllen. The city also holds the March record high for the United States at 108 degrees Fahrenheit. The city is connected to Camargo, Tamaulipas, via the Rio Grande City-Camargo International Bridge.
Restaurants in Rio Grande City
1. Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
This 588-acre subtropical woodland is home to lots of birds and several endangered species: great for bird watching and wildlife viewing.
Reviewed By TrueTexasTraveler - Amarillo, Texas
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park is an absolute gem in far south Texas. Firstly, it's a bird watchers paradise. There are a number of blinds and an observation deck to see birds and other wildlife. We're not even bird watchers but we saw some amazing birds, and with the information around the park it's easy to spot what type of bird it is, including birds that only live along the Rio Grande. The Hawk Observation Tower is accessible, and it's mesmerizing to just sit up there and watch the hawks soar in the currents. There is information about irrigation in the valley and the history of the land and use of the land before it was a state park. We traveled all the way to McAllen primarily to go to this park and were not disappointed. Keep in mind campsites are limited so book early, and you can not drive in the park, but there is a tram.
2. Falcon State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By tazcaly - Rockport, Texas
We could hear a lot of birds but few stayed still long enough to identify them. Since that was the main reason for my visit as a stop just slightly out of the way from Laredo to Corpus Christi, that was disappointing. Obviously this is not something the park has much control over except that they have removed feeding stations at the blinds, making the blinds pretty worthless. Lots of camping sites and clearly good for boating. It's a park that is off the beaten path.
3. National Butterfly Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
The National Butterfly Center is the pilot project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a nonprofit organization committed to environmental conservation and education. It is located in Mission, Texas, because the Rio Grande Valley is home to the greatest volume and variety of butterflies species in the United States. Just 10 years ago, this 100-acre parcel of land along the banks of the Rio Grande River was a commercial onion field. Today, it is the largest botanical garden in the United States focused on propagating native plants for pollinators in formal gardens and wildscapes. This nature preserve contains a Hackberry Forest and several species of endangered plants and animals. Expect season variations and changes subject to rainfall, temperatures, etc. THE NATIONAL BUTTERFLY CENTER IS NOT A BUTTERFLY HOUSE. All wildlife found in the NABA Section of the Lower Rio Grande Wildlife Conservation Area, which includes a National Wildlife Refuge tract and Bentsen-RGV State Park, is free-roaming. The National Butterfly Center features walking trails and two birding areas, as well as a photography blind. Our butterfly and bird lists may be found on our website. PLEASE NOTE: Butterflies prefer sunny days, with temperatures above 70 degrees, so days like this are the best for enjoying the wild, free-flying butterflies. The peak of butterfly season normally occurs in late October/early November, and may continue until the first prolonged cold snap. To see what's happening now, check our Facebook page for photos, programs, and other announcements, or look under the tab 'IN THE NEWS' on our website. Handicapped parking available, with many accessible areas.
Reviewed By mapleRose - Austin, Texas
It's wonderful to see private parties develop sites like this to protect the environment and educate the public without relying on government to do it for them! There is much work to be done to turn this place into a fancy garden, but the butterflies don't care! I came at 8 on a Sunday morning and was the only one there. The bird songs were beautiful and focusing on individual flowers and butterflies is very centering.
4. La Lomita Mission
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
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Reviewed By dasreiseteam - Bad Pyrmont, Germany
This is one of the few places in the Rio Grande Valley that gives you an idea what it was like before all the settlers came to develop the are. The chapel itself is only a small building but you can sense the history. It belonged to one of the big ranches. The ranch house is long gone but there is still an old brick oven from the time when baking was done outside. You are also right on the Rio Grande and look across the river to Mexico. They have grills and tables and it's a great place for a picnic in this quaint setting.
5. World Birding Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 19 reviews
A network of nine spectacular birdwatching sites along 120 miles of scenic road.
Reviewed By Intlxpatr - Pensacola, Florida
This was a great day. There are benches and even swings at each feeding site, blinds behind which to watch kingfishers and a hawk tower! Tram service a great help to non-hikers, bikers, etc. early morning calls are cacophonous music to the ears..
6. McAllen Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By WYbirdwatcher - Cheyenne, Wyoming
It was over 100 degrees when I visited the Nature Center. Nevertheless, the trails offered enough shade to help shelter me from the sun. Mostly thorn scrub dry land birds present. The permanent restroom facility is adequate. Trails are well-maintained, although the map available at the visitor center (trailer) is a bit confusing. Fortunately, this is not a big place, so getting lost should not be one of your concerns. One of the highlights for me (being from Wyoming, where we don't have them) was the purple martin colony near the restroom facility.
7. Mission Hike & Bike Trails
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By J_MartinGZ - Reynosa, Mexico
The trails are fun to ride, especially fast, it's more interesting when you have all that cactus in some areas, you want to be safe and go slow there... easy to get there, if you're in the valley and can get your bike, hit the trails, exercise and have fun for a while
8. Jaber Estate Winery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By TrueTexasTraveler - Amarillo, Texas
Wow. If you're a wine lover, than this pioneering Rio Grande Valley vineyard and winery is a must. When you hit the dirt road, just keep on driving.The gate isn't marked well, but you'll see a small sign. The day we went there was a cow on the side of the road tied by a big rope to a tree right across the street. You'll drive through a couple of gates to what looks like an abandoned house. The newer building behind the home is the winery and tasting room. The rolling acres of vines are to your north. They grow beautiful blanc du bois and lenoir grapes, and this former doctor turned wine maker is creating a wonderful red and a wonderful white. The tasting room is beautiful, and would be great for small events. Call a day or two ahead of time and make sure someone can meet you and give you the tour and tasting. It will truly be one of the most unique wine experiences you ever have!
9. Riverside Dreamer River Tour
Overall Ratings
4 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By PJ M - Napanee, Canada
My wife and I heard about this cruise from a friend who had been on the cruise recently so we decided to go for it. It was a beautiful hot sunny day with a stiff breeze but it was gorgeous cruising then river. The tour left at 1:00 pm and went up river from its' home base at the Riverside Club. The Captain narrated the highlights as we sat and enjoyed a peaceful afternoon. The cruise returned to home base at 3:00 pm and we all disembarked. They do sell beer, soft drinks & water as well as peanuts if you get thirsty on the river. The scenery and information were both great and we enjoyed the afternoon. We would go again.
10. Klement's Grove
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Earth Born Market is a specialty farmer's market committed to locally grown, fresh, whole, raw, natural and organic foods. Most of Earth Born's produce is 100% USDA certified organic and is grown by its affiliate company, South Tex Organics in Mission, Texas. Anything not grown by South Tex Organics is sourced from local farms in the Rio Grande Valley or from suppliers of the highest quality produce. Earth Born is known for its fresh squeezed citrus juices, and has recently added specialty cold-pressed juices to its list of product offerings. All of the juices are unpasteurized, and have no added sugars or preservatives. Earth Born offers the freshest local, raw honey. Bee keepers place their hives in Earth Born's USDA certified organic citrus groves to produce the best orange blossom honey you will ever find.
Reviewed By mapleRose - Austin, Texas
There's a tasting bar of juices and citrus sections and jellies and such. The pineapple oranges are amazing!! So is the Limeade sweetened with honey. Good selection of organic citrus. Lots of dried fruits and nuts and inventive chip alternatives. We saw a sign for grapefruit pies but they were sadly all out.
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