Travel Attractions – Brownsville, Texas, USA
Brownsville is a city in Cameron County in the U.S. state of Texas. It is on the western Gulf Coast in South Texas, adjacent to the border with Matamoros, Mexico. Brownsville’s location means that the beaches of the Gulf Coast are only 20 miles away. These beaches are best enjoyed in the summer but can be visited all year.


Brownsville is home to many historical and cultural places, including the Battlefield Trails, Mexican-American War Battlefields and museums. A music theatre, museum for fine arts, nature trails and Mexican restaurants are all available. Let’s start planning your next vacation with these top things to do in Brownsville.
Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park
On May 8, 1847, a war broke out. It was called the “Battle of Palo Alto”, and the park where it was fought is also known as Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park. This battle was also responsible for the Mexican-American War. This site contains a lot historical information from both the United States of America and Mexico.
Part of the land was taken from the battlefield and made into a park. This was the exact spot where the Mexican soldiers fought with American forces. You can explore the rich history of the area by visiting the Parks exhibits. Learn about the war between these countries and view the video “War on the Rio Grande.”
More Details About Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park
Website: | https://www.nps.gov/paal/index.htm |
Address: | 7200 Paredes Line Rd, Brownsville, TX 78526, United States |
Contact: | +1 956-541-2785 |
Brownsville Historic Battlefield Trail
A visit to Historic Battlefield is one of the most popular things to do when visiting Brownsville. It’s a short and easy trail that should be visited on your next trip. This trail runs 9 miles through the city, from the south to north. The region’s rich history is a source of excitement for visitors who visit here. Visitors can enjoy a pleasant walk along the trail and also see the outdoor exhibits at the Brownsville Fine Art Museum.
Nearby is the Brownsville Historic Battlefield, you will find the Gladys Porter Zoo as well as Dean Porter Zoo. Two intersections on the trail are Brownsville Events Center (Brown’s Metro Northside Station) and Brownsville Events Center (Brownsville Events Center). This trail encourages both locals and tourists alike to live a healthy lifestyle.
More Details About Brownsville Historic Battlefield Trail
Website: | https://visitbtx.com/members/historic-battlefield-trail/ |
Address: | 1 Event Center, Brownsville, TX 78526, United States |
Sabal Palm Sanctuary
Visit to the Sabal Palm Sanctuary is one of the most popular things to do in Brownsville. It is a must-see attraction that should be on everyone’s list of attractions to see in Brownsville. Although the Sabal Palm Sanctuary sounds like a church name, it is actually a wildlife reserve that covers 557 acres. It cultivates many edible Sabal Palms as well as heart-bearing palms.
This is the only area in Rio Grande Valley that you will find palm trees similar to these. It is a Sabal Palm sanctuary, but visitors can also enjoy the beauty of birds. It also features wildlife from northern Mexico and neighboring states. You can enjoy a beautiful walk along the trails, which run through the palm groves and the butterfly garden.
More Details About Sabal Palm Sanctuary
Website: | https://www.sabalpalmsanctuary.org/ |
Address: | 8435 Sabal Palm Grove Rd, Brownsville, TX 78521, United States |
Contact: | +1 956-541-8034 |
Historic Brownsville Museum
The Historic Brownsville Museum is a museum that has a rich history dating back to 1986. This museum is the first in the city. It was founded in an abandoned Spanish Colonial Passenger Terminal. This is why the museum has beautiful Spanish architectural elements such as courtyards, engine houses, fountains, etc.
The museum also houses a permanent collection, known as the narrow-gauge Baldwin Steam Engine. The museum focuses on Brownsville’s rich heritage from its founding to its development, as well as border conflicts and other issues.
More Details About Historic Brownsville Museum
Website: | https://mitteculturaldistrict.org/ |
Address: | 641 E Madison Street, Brownsville, TX 78520 |
Contact: | +1 956-548-1313 |
Gladys Porter Zoo
In 1971, the botanical and zoological Zoo began operations. Earl C. Sam donated the funds necessary to establish the zoo. His daughter was named after the zoo. Earl C. Sam’s was inspired by his love of wildlife and decided to open a zoo at Brownsville. He gave the zoo back to Brownsville not long after it was established.
The zoo covers 31 acres and cares for 400 species of fauna, including those that are close to extinction. The zoo houses over 250 neotropical or tropical species. Students in the twelfth-grade class can also take part in annual classes and study programmes at the zoo. If you’re looking for a place to spend your vacation in Brownsville, the Gladys Porter’s Zoo is a must-see.
More Details About Gladys Porter Zoo
Website: | https://gpz.org/ |
Address: | 500 E Ringgold St, Brownsville, TX 78520, United States |
Contact: | +1 956-546-7187 |
Boca Chica State Park
The Boca Chicago State Park is situated on the Southeast side of Brownsville beside Texas Route 4. Boca Chica is currently new launch site and a control base for Space X.
The Space X CEO by name Elon Musk is considering giving a new name to this village, and the name will be called after his Company’s space station known as Starbase. Currently, Space X does not provide tour services but based on his plans to change the village’s name, be expectant of having a tour here. Visitors can have their car parked far away to have a view of a launch. You can still enjoy some fun time at Boca Chica Beach, where you can choose to sunbathe, surf, and fish.
More Details About Boca Chica State Park
Website: | https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wildlife/wildlife-trails/ltc/boca-chica-loop |
Address: | Boca Chica Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78521, United States |
Children’s Museum of Brownsville
The Children’s Museum of Brownsville is a must-see for families with young guests. This exhibit collection aims to educate children through interactive galleries. You can also find hands-on workshops and a variety of activities for children.
The collections are suitable for all ages. It is important to emphasize cooperative play and interactive learning so that young minds are challenged in a fun, engaging way.
More Details About Children’s Museum of Brownsville
Website: | https://cmofbrownsville.org/ |
Address: | 501 E Ringgold St #5, Brownsville, TX 78520, United States |
Contact: | +1 956-548-9300 |
FAQs about Brownsville, Texas
What is Brownsville Texas famous for?
Brownsville is thus credited with the first battle in the War With Mexico and the final battle in the Civil War. During the Civil War, Matamoros and Brownsville saw great fortunes as both trade was the norm.
Is Brownsville TX worth visiting?
Brownsville was established in the mid-1800s. It is one of few places where you can see the diversity of two nations, bird-watch, visit wildlife refuges and learn about the Mexican-American War all within the same day. These are 11 amazing things you can do in Brownsville.