Summary
Brownsville is Texas’ southernmost city. Located right at the tip of Texas, Brownsville is situated on the banks of the famous Rio Grande River, directly across from Matamoros, Mexico. It is also just a short distance upriver from the Gulf of Mexico. In short, this location adds up to make Brownsville an ideal year-round vacation destination.
Historic Brownsville
The city of Brownsville is quite historic. It is one of the oldest cities in Texas, dating back to the time when Texas was a Mexican state. Following Texas’ independence and subsequent annexation by the United States, Brownsville played a central role in the Mexican War. General Zachary Taylor and his troops were stationed at Fort Texas, near what is now the Fort Brown Golf Course. The first battle of this conflict was fought just a few miles north of Brownsville at Palo Alto. This site is now preserved as Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site and is open to the public seven days a week.
Gladys Porter Zoo
Another major attraction within the city of Brownsville is the renowned Gladys Porter Zoo. Over the years, Gladys Porter Zoo has garnered significant national acclaim for its unique exhibits and vast array of animals. Today, Gladys Porter covers 26 acres and is home to 1,300 animals. Among the Zoo’s most popular exhibits are Macaw Canyon, the free-flight aviary, and the Tropical America display. The Zoo also features an excellent botanical garden and the ever-popular Small World children’s area. More than 400,000 people visit the Gladys Porter Zoo each year.
A Two-Nation Vacation
Many visitors to Brownsville take advantage of its border location to enjoy a “two-nation vacation.” Walking or driving across the Gateway International Bridge places tourists directly in downtown Matamoros. Shopping and dining across the river in Matamoros is a fantastic complement to any South Texas vacation, providing a rich cultural experience.
Brownsville Beaches
Brownsville’s coastal proximity is another significant draw for visitors. Beach lovers have two main options: Boca Chica Beach, located just east of Brownsville, and South Padre Island. Boca Chica historically known as Brazos Island, stretches from the mouth of the Rio Grande River to the Brazos Santiago Pass, which separates it from South Padre Island. Although South Padre is slightly further away, it remains within a 20-minute drive from Brownsville. Both beaches offer unique experiences; Boca Chica is a serene, uninhabited coastline, while South Padre Island features modern restaurants, shops, and attractions.
Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor enthusiasts will find a wealth of recreational opportunities in Brownsville. In recent years, it has emerged as one of the nation’s top birding destinations. Birders can easily access the World Birding Center, the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, and several other prime birding locations. Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and nearby Lower Laguna Madre Bay is also popular. Additionally, Brownsville attracts numerous hunters seeking whitewing dove, ducks, whitetail deer, turkey, and more.
Festivals
Throughout the year, Brownsville hosts numerous festivals that fill its events calendar. However, the highlight of the year is the annual Charro Days Festival. Not only is Charro Days one of the largest festivals in Texas, but it is also one of the oldest. The “official” Charro Days celebration began in 1938, although “unofficially,” it dates back to the mid-1800s when the citizens of Matamoros and Brownsville first began collaborating to celebrate their cooperative spirit. International cooperation remains the central theme of this week-long festival.
