San Benito is known as the "Resaca City." A picturesque resaca, 400 feet wide, flows through the city, which is the main canal of a large irrigation system. Only 8 miles from the Mexican border, city was first named Diaz, for Mexico's president, because the people of the area were predominantly of Mexican ancestry. Anglo settlers didn't arrive until 1906, after the completion of the first irrigation system. Prior to this, the region was an arid, mesquite-cactus-brush covered wilderness. As a result of irrigation, the city, as well as all of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, developed an extensive agribusiness. The mild winter climate allows crops to grow year round, as well as colorful flowers and native trees. The Rio Grande Valley is host to nearly 500 species of birds, making it one of the most visited birding sites in the country. For further information on this growing community, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 956-399-5321.
Things to do in San Benito
Adolph Thomae, Jr. County Park
The popular Adolph Thomae, Jr. County Park on the Laguna Madre is located within and surrounded by the huge Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. Facilities include lighted fishing piers, picnic areas, a playground, boat ramp, nature trail, and 35 RV sites with full hookups. Take F.M. 106 east 3.1 mi. to F.M. 2925; travel north 14.8 to the park entrance. Find Best Western San Benito lodging nearby. Call 956-748-2044 for more information.
Caddy Shack at Fairwinds
Caddy Shack at Fairwinds is a 9-hole public course located at 2524 Spur 54 in Harlingen. Call 956-423-2010 for more information.
Cottonwood Country Club
Cottonwood is a public par-3 course located at 1001 South Ed Carey Drive in Harlingen. Call 956-428-7758 for more information.
Downtown Jackson Street District
Harlingen's historic downtown Jackson Street District has become known as the "Antiques Capital of the Valley." Visitors shop for glassware, jewelry, vintage clothing, furniture, crafts and collectibles in dozens of unique shops and buildings restored to their 1930s and 1940s era splendor. Jackson Street is also the site of many community festivals and events. Call 956-427-8703 for more information.
Forever Aloe Plantations
The Valley is the aloe vera capital of the nation. The magic healing aloe plant is vital to the skincare industry and is being tested for treatment of arthritis and diabetes. The visitor center at Forever Aloe Plantations features a 15-minute video on how this unassuming plant is grown, harvested, and processed. A variety of aloe products are available in the gift shop. Located on U.S. 83, Altas Palmas exit. Call 956-425-2585 for more information.
Gladys Porter Zoo
The Gladys Porter Zoo is one of the top ten small zoos in the country. The zoo is on a 31-acre preserve with more than 1,800 mammals, birds, and reptiles. Located at Ringgold and Sixth Streets in Brownsville. Call 956-546-7187 for more information.
Harlingen Art Forum Gallery
Harlingen Art Forum Gallery is the city's only co-operative gallery featuring original work by local artists. Located at 305 W. Van Buren. Call 956-425-4030 for more information.
Iwo Jima Monument and Memorial Museum
The original working model of the famous bronze statue at Arlington National Cemetery was donated by sculptor Dr. Felix W. de Weldon to the Marine Military Academy. It depicts the raising of the U.S. flag during World War II. A visitor center includes a museum, focusing on the battle and features a 30-minute film, "The Battle for Iwo Jima." Located next to the Valley International Airport at 320 Iwo Jima Blvd. Call 956-412-2207 for more information.
Knapp Chevrolet Antique Auto Museum
The Knapp Chevrolet Antique Auto Museum features a showroom full of antique and classic autos, including a 1929 Chevrolet, 1957 Belair convertible, and several collectible Corvettes. Located on U.S. 83, Stuart Place Road exit. Call 956-423-1370 for more information.
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Reserve
With 45,000 acres Laguna Atascosa is the largest protected area of natural wildlife left in the lower Rio Grande Valley. The refuge also features two roads for touring by car or bike, and five hiking trails with an alligator pond. Designated sites within the refuge permit camping, fishing, boating, and hunting. Located just 14 miles northeast of San Benito. Call 956-748-3607 for more information.
Los Ebanos
Los Ebanos is a unique private 82-acre bird and butterfly preserve. Visitors can stroll through the gardens, hike the nature trails, sit and enjoy the water birds on the lake, or just relax with a book in the pavilion. Located in San Benito at 27715 Hwy 100. Call 956-399-9097 for more information.
Los Indios Free Trade Bridge
The Los Indios Free Trade Bridge is centrally located about ten miles south of Harlingen/San Benito on the FM 509 at Los Indios on the US/Mexico border.
Narcisco Martinez Cultural Arts Center
Narcisco Martinez Cultural Arts Center is dedicated to the preservation, promotion and development of the Mexican heritage through visual arts, music, theater, dance, film and literary works. The center was named for Marcisco Martinez, who is considered the "Father of the Texas Mexican Conjunto" music. Located at 225 E. Stenger. Call 956-361-0110 for more information.
Rio Grande Valley Museum
The Rio Grande Valley Museum brings South Texas history to life through tours of historic Harlingen buildings. Visitors can step inside the Paso Real Stagecoach Inn, built during the Civil War. Vintage medical equipment is on display in the city's first hospital. Visitors can a take a peek at daily life inside the home of city founder Lon C. Hill, which features many original family possessions. Located off Loop 499 at Boxwood and Raintree Streets in Harlingen. Call 956-430-8500 for more information.
South Padre Island
Located just 29 miles east of San Benito is South Padre Island, the premiere beach resort on the Texas coast. The island is know for its long white sandy beach and water sports, including jet skiing, bay, surf, and deep-sea fishing, parasailing, sailing, dolphin cruise, and windsurfing. Other popular island activities include bicycling, tennis, shelling, and horseback riding on the beach. The location of the island also makes it one of the premiere spots in the state to observe wildlife in its natural state. Call 956-761-6433 for more information.
Tony Butler Municipal Golf Course
Named after local golf pro legend Tony Butler, this 27-hole course dates back to 1929 when it was known as the Harlingen Country Club. Both the 9-hole original course and the 18-hole championship course that was added later are fairly short and have narrow fairways lined with mesquite trees. From Highway 77 south, exit M Street, and then turn right. Call 956-423-3934 for more information.