This is Texas' southernmost city and serves as an international seaport, airport and railroad interchange point on the Mexican boarder. The city was founded after General Zachary Taylor established Fort Brown to confirm the Rio Grande, as a national boundary after the Republic of Texas became a state. Regrettably, this was the incident that set-off the Mexican-American War, which lasted from 1846 to 1848.
Things to do in Brownsville
Boca Chica Beach Camping
Enjoy camping on the Gulf of Mexico. This is public land with no development. Primitive camping only. No drinking water available. Swimming in the Gulf and fishing. Call 956-546-3721 for more information.
Brownsville Golf and Recreation Center
1800 West San Marcelo Boulevard, Brownsville, TX
Brownsville Heritage Complex
The home of the Stillman House Museum-Residence was build about 1850 for Charles Stillman, founder of Brownsville. The Brownsville Heritage Museum has a collection of pictures from the beginnings of Brownsville. Located at 1305 East Washington. Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am - noon and 1pm-4pm. Call 956-541-5560 for more information.
Brownsville Heritage Trail
Collection of turn-of-the-century homes and businesses located in the historic downtown area. The original 3,000-acre town site, now downtown Brownsville, boasts historic structures and a cathedral dating back to the mid-1800s.
Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts
Located in the historic Neale House, which was built in 1834. It was moved to its present location in 1950. William Neale served two terms as mayor in the 1800s, and established the stage lines between Matamoros and Bagdad, Mexico, as well as Brownsville and Point Isabel. The gazebo was the Fort Brown bandstand built in 1912. The Museum features a permanent collection including works by Chagall, Daumier, Samuelson and Whistler. Local artists are often seen painting inside the complex. Located in the Fort Brown area at 230 Neale Drive. Open Monday - Friday 9:30am - 3pm. Call 956-542-0941 for more information.
Brownsville Visitor Information Center
This visitor center is a good place to find detailed tourist information, maps and literature about local attractions and Matamoros, Mexico, which lies just across the Rio Grande. Open Monday - Saturday 8am - 5pm; Sunday 9am - 4pm. Closed on holidays.
Commemorative Air Force Rio Grande Valley Wing Museum
This Museum features memorabilia, equipment, uniforms, video presentation and artifacts on display from World War II. The flying museum includes numerous fully operational vintage aircraft from World War II and the Korean Conflict. The gift shop and Crew Member Lounge open to the public. Popular Air Fiesta held in March. Located at the Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport. Open May - September: Wednesday - Saturday 9:30am - 3:30pm and October - April: Monday - Saturday 9:30am - 3:30pm. Located at 955 South Minnesota. Call 956-541-8585 for more information.
Fort Brown Municipal Golf Course
300 River Lavee Road, Brownsville, TX
Fort Brown/University of Texas at Brownsville/Texas South most College
This location was established in 1846 as a housing for troops during the Mexican-American War and was used to defend the border.
Gladys Porter Zoo
This is a unique zoological park with virtually all animals living in open exhibits surrounded by natural flowing waterways. It contains over 1,550 specimens representing some 420 species, 47 of which are listed as endangered. Vegetation throughout the zoo is comprised of over 250 species and sub-species of tropical and neo-tropical plants. Located at 500 Ringold. Open Tuesday - Friday 10am - 4pm and Saturday 2pm - 5pm. Call 956-546-7187 for more information.
Historic Brownsville Museum
This museum is housed in a restored 1928 Southern Pacific depot and is well known for its Spanish Colonial Revivalist style. The museum contains numerous photographs, exhibits, and artifacts from the area, as well as information on local military history. Located at 641 E. Madison. Open Monday - Saturday 10am - 4:30pm. Call 956-548-1313 for more information.
Matamoros, Mexico
This Mexican city is located just across the Rio Grande from Brownsville. Matamoros hosts various fiestas throughout the year. Visitors can find bargains in pottery, leather goods, silver jewelry, woven rugs, hand-blown glass and many other handcrafted items in the Mexican market area. The city is within walking distance of Brownsville.
Palmito Ranch Battlefield
The last land engagement of the Civil War was fought near Brownsville at Palmito Ranch. The confederates commanded by Colonel John S. Ford, not yet having heard of Lee's surrender a full month earlier, routed and captured a Federal force on May 12 - 13, 1865. After they learned of the surrender the former prisoners became their captors. The historical marker is 12 miles east of Brownsville on Texas 4.
Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site
North of Brownsville near the intersection of FM. 1847/F.M. 511 is the site where the artillery duel opened the Mexican War on May 8, 1846. The cannons under the command of General Zachary Taylor proved superior to that of Mexican General Mariano Arista. It was dedicated as a national historic site on May 8, 1993, the 147th anniversary of the battle. Open Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm. Call 956-541-2785 for more information.
Port of Brownsville
Opened in 1936, this deep-water seaport is connected to the Gulf of Mexico by a 17-mile ship channel. The port is home to more than 250 businesses with interests ranging from shrimping and cargo handling to paper bag manufacturing. It is home to one of the largest floating dry-docks in the U.S. is alongside the 42-foot deep port, which hosts ships from exotic foreign lands, as well as a largest fleet of shrimp boats. The port also known as home to NAFTA. Located Northeast of town off Texas 48. Call 956-831-4592 for more information.
River Bend Resort and Country Club
Route 8, Brownsville, TX
Sabal Palm Grove Wildlife Sanctuary
This is one of the best-preserved Sabal Palm forests in the U.S. and is located on a 172-acre wildlife sanctuary owned by the National Audubon Society. Self-guided tours are permitted. Located at 8450 Southmost Road. The Visitor's Center is open 9am - 5pm. The Sanctuary is open 7am - 5pm. Call 210-541-8034 for more information.
South Padre Island
This island is located 25 miles northeast of Brownsville with access to the island from Port Isabel by a causeway across Laguna Madre. Incorporated in 1973, this small resort town is on the southern tip of storied Padre Island just across Laguna Madre, the bay that separates the island from the mainland. Access via free causeway on Texas 100. Visitors find a wide range of accommodations from campgrounds and family motels to high-rise luxury hotels and condo rentals, marinas and seaside cottages. Restaurants feature fresh seafood harvested daily from the Gulf.
Trolley Tours
Step aboard a replica of a turn-of-the-century trolley for a two-hour narrated tour of Historic Brownsville or the world-class Port of Brownsville. Tour includes the historic downtown area, including a stop at one of the museums, and showcases the city's attractions. Port tour includes a detailed look at the seaport and its infrastructure, and includes stop at the Port Administration Building. All tours start and finish at the visitor information center. Call for schedules. Call 956-546-3721 for more information.